Health Briefs for Feb. 8

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Updated: March 9, 2012 8:13AM

Plastic Surgery: Moraine Valley Community College will host a presentation on “Scars and Plastic Surgery: What is New?” from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the college’s Dorothy Menker Theater in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. Information: Mary Smith, (708) 608-4039 or email at SmithM@morainevalley.edu.

Caregivers Support Group: The Ingalls Center for Outpatient Rehabilitation hosts a monthly caregivers support group to help caregivers connect with others, share ideas, problem solve and receive support to get through the rough times. The free program meets the second Wednesday of each month. The next session is 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Ingalls Center for Outpatient Rehabilitation, 1551 Huntington Drive, Calumet City. Information: Janine Alfirevic, (708) 915-4726.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group: An Alzheimer’s and dementia support group will meet at 7 p.m. the first Friday of each month at Hallelujah Temple Church, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest. Caregivers, family and friends of those with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder can participate. The meetings are free of charge. Information: Carolyn Prince, (708) 699-6682.

Foot Problems: A podiatric foot and ankle surgeon with the Bone and Joint Institute at Advocate Christ Medical Center will discuss the basic anatomy of the foot and common foot problems including bunions, hammertoe and heel pain 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Registration: (800) 323-8622, code 1G59.

Auto Show: The Franciscan Alliance Foundation for St. James Health will be one of 18 Chicago area charities to participate in the annual Chicago Auto Show First Look For Charity on Thursday at McCormick Place. First Look for Charity is the benevolent black-tie event held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. The event annually raises approximately $2 million for charities. This is the third of a nine-year commitment that the auto show has made to St. James. Rock band, Blues Traveler, will enliven the show floor brimming with 1,000 new vehicles, some on display for the first time.There will be hors d’oeuvres, champagne, wine, soft drinks and desserts. Tickets: (708) 747-4000, Ext. 5470, or visit www.chicagoautoshow.com/firstlook.

Healthy Hearts: Healthy Hearts, a group aimed at educating people on the benefits of maintaining a healthy heart, will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. The topic will be “What is New with Heart Issues Facing Us Today?” Registration: Sue Dedic, (708) 684-3899.

Heart Screenings: MetroSouth Medical Center is offering heart and circulation screenings for $40. The exam is discounted from its original $250 cost. It includes an electrocardiogram-monitored exercise exam, blood pressure test and blood work to measure cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels. In addition, participants will have their body mass index measured and receive an ankle brachial index test. Appointments: (708) 597-2000, option 4, Ext. 5615.

Heart Smart for Women: Ingalls Health System’s Heart Smart for Women program, designed by the Cooper Institute, teaches women how to become active and stay active for a lifetime. Participants learn simple strategies for fitting in physical activity whenever and wherever they are able. Participants also learn nutritional basics, healthy eating tips and receive tracking tools to help them meet their goals. The next 12-week session begins Monday at three locations throughout the south suburbs. Fee is $75 but $50 can be refunded. Information: (708) 206-0072, Ext. 194.

Breast Cancer Support Group: The next meeting of the Y-Me Breast Cancer Support Group at Ingalls will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Desser Breast Center at the Ingalls Family Care Center, 6701 W. 159th St., Tinley Park. Information: (708) 346-9652.

Hearing Screening: Sertoma is sponsoring a hearing screening from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 15 at Stickney Township Office on Aging, 7745 S. Leamington Ave., Burbank. Appointments: (708) 636-8850.

Free Podiatry Screenings: Orland Township will have free podiatry screenings for residents 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Orland Township Hall, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Appointments: (708) 403-4222.

Ultrasound Screening Tests: Palos Township Health Services will host Agape Global Outreach ultrasound screening tests on Feb. 15. Carotid arterial imaging, cardiac sonogram, abdominal aortic aneurysm and ankle/brachial index are being offered. The ultrasounds are $25 each, with a $10 discount for all four tests. Appointments: (708) 598-2441.

Look Good, Feel Better: A free workshop, provided by certified cosmetologists, teaches female cancer patients hands-on cosmetic techniques to help restore their appearance during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The program, offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society, the National Cosmetology Association and the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Advocate Christ Center for Breast Care, 4545 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. Registration : (800) 323-8622, code 1C17.

Infant Care: Ingalls Memorial Hospital offers a two-session infant care class to help parents prepare for their baby’s arrival. The next two-week course takes place 7 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 15 and 22. Fee is $20. Grandparents and other caregivers who would like to refresh their skills also can attend. Registration: (708) 915-5334.

Women’s Health Classes: Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, through a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women’s Health, is offering two separate Life Smart for Women 10-week sessions beginning Feb. 16 and 18. Life Smart for Women is an educational and behavior altering program that increases awareness of health issues affecting women. One class for women age 65 and older will be 1 p.m. Thursdays, while the other class for ages 30 to 65, will be 9 a.m. Saturdays at the New Lenox Senior Community Room, 1090 S. Cedar Road. Fee is $40 of which half will be refunded upon completion of the 10 classes. Registration: (815) 725-9438.

National Day of Dance: Franciscan St. James Health will host a National Day of Dance for Your Health program starting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the St. James Health and Wellness Institute, 100 197th Place, Chicago Heights. The event will combine the fun of dancing to different kinds of music, such as ballroom, rock and roll, jazz, salsa, swing and hip-hop, with health screenings and community education on heart disease. Free screenings, including cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, bone density and waist-girth will be available. Registration: (800) 785-2637 or www.franciscanstjames.org/dayofdance.

Back Pain Screening: Ingalls Health System is hosting a free back pain screening 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Matteson Community Center, 20642 Matteson Ave. Information: (800) 221-2199.

Storytelling: Learn how to make a keepsake of your life story during a free workshop at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 16 at Leeza’s Place at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, 50 Uno Circle, Joliet. Reservations: (815) 741-0077.

Aortic Aneurysm Discussion: Most famous for goal tending on the 1980 gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey team, Jim Craig is coming to MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island to talk about abdominal aortic aneurysm at 3 p.m. Feb. 22 in the lobby of the hospital, 12935 S. Gregory St., Blue Island. Craig will hand out autographed photographs. The event includes free peripheral artery disease screenings and a raffle for up to 20 free screenings for aortic aneurysms. There will be heart-healthy foods and presentations about heart-healthy menus. Information: www.metrosouthmedicalcenter.com. Registration: (708) 489-7927.

Wellness Wednesday: Orland Township is hosting Wellness Wednesday 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 22 in the Orland Township Activity Center, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Residents may have their blood pressure and blood sugar checked. A basic cholesterol screening is offered for $5 and the test requires a 12-hour fast. Appointments: (773) 401-6312. Free hearing screenings by Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center also are available. Appointments: (708) 403-4222.

Stroke Support Group: Leeza’s Place offers a monthly support group for stroke survivors and their families. The next meeting is 3 to 4 p.m. Feb. 23 at Leeza’s Place at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, 50 Uno Circle, Joliet. Information: (815) 741-0077.

Saturday Lamaze Class: Ingalls Memorial Hospital offers a Saturday lamaze class for busy couples who are time-crunched and unable to attend a full five-week session. The next class begins 8 a.m. Feb. 25. Fee is $50. Registration: (708) 915-5334.

Freedom From Smoking: The Will County Health Department will offer a seven-week freedom from smoking program at 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays beginning Feb. 27 at the Crete Public Library, 1177 N. Main St. Participants have the option of receiving a six-week supply of nicotine patches or gum with a physician’s prescription. Fee of $25 includes cost of materials. Registration: (815) 727-8769 or www.willcountyhealth.org.

Caregivers Program: “I Want My Life Back” will be presented by Angie Landmesser and Karen Leimberer, program directors for Partners in Senior Care Inc. They will give tips to manage a loved one’s health care and to “let go” of what is out of your control. The next group will meet 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 28 at Leeza’s Place at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, 50 Uno Circle, Joliet. Registration: (815) 741-0077.

Lemont Cardiac Screenings: Lemont High School is partnering with the Midwest Heart Foundation and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital to offer students free cardiac screenings on March 1 at the school. Registration: www.lhs210.net, (630) 785-4366 or www.midwestheart.org.

Medicare Seminars: United Insurance Services Ltd. a general agent for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, is hosting free Medicare supplement insurance seminars at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. March 6 at their office, 6500 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. Topics include changes in Social Security, what Medicare does and does not cover and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Medicare supplement insurance plans. Reservations: (800) 244-0636 or www.UIST65Seminars.com.

Immunization Clinic: Orland Township is hosting its monthly immunization clinic for residents 6 to 8 p.m. March 6 at the township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. For immunization prices visit www.orlandtwp.org or call (708) 403-4222.

Blood Pressure: Silver Cross Hospital offers free blood pressure checks 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at Silver Cross Health Center, 12701 W. 143rd St., Homer Glen. Information: (708) 364-6337.

Blood Pressure: Bloom Township and Complete Home Health Services offer free blood pressure screenings 10 to 11 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Bloom Township Senior Department, 425 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Information: (708) 754-9400.

Arthritis Exercise Class: An arthritis exercise class that uses gentle activities to help improve the strength and range of movement of joints is 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Louis S. Viverito Senior Center, 7745 S. Leamington, Burbank. Cost is $1 per session. Information: Stickney Township Office on Aging at (708) 636-8850 or www.townshipofstickney.org.

Emergency Bracelets: Orland Township residents may purchase a stainless-steel medical alert bracelet for $10 or gold bracelet for $12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at the Orland Township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Each bracelet is identified by a number and contains a slip of paper in which to include vital information. During the time of purchase, a form must be filled out containing the bracelet identification number, contact information, allergies, medical conditions and any medications the bracelet user is taking. The paperwork will be kept on file at the Orland Township office in case of emergency. Information: www.orlandtwp.org.

Orland Wellness Program: Orland Township residents in need of medical services may purchase a discount Wellness Program voucher at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, during office hours Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program offers services at a discount of up to 50 percent. The services include adult and children’s physicals ($40 and $35), podiatry screenings ($30 and $25-senior), dental examinations and cleanings ($50), nutrition consultations ($40), vision examinations ($45) and chiropractic examinations ($45). Residents may choose a participating doctor from the program’s list, which can be found at www.orlandtwp.org. Once the voucher is purchased, an appointment can be scheduled directly with the doctor’s office. Information: (708) 403-4222.

Speakers Bureau: Silver Cross Hospital offers a free speakers bureau and variety of health screenings to local community organizations and area businesses. Programs are presented by hospital experts, including physicians on the Silver Cross medical staff. Topics available include information on specific disease prevention, treatment and recovery for a variety of illnesses such as back, knee and shoulder pain, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and women’s health issues. Groups also can benefit from free health screenings including balance and fall risk, body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. A complete list is available at www.silvercross.org. Information: (815) 300-1096.

ADD/ADHD Diagnosis: Associated Counseling and Wellness Centers in Midlothian, 4500 W. 147th St., offers a computerized assessment of neurocognitive functioning to help identify Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adults and children. The testing measures a range of neurocognitive functions including sustained attention, complex attention, visual memory, verbal memory, fine motor speed, processing speed and response inhibition. Information: (708) 597-0032.

Memory Screening: Leeza’s Place offers a memory screen assessment, a research-based set of questions, that takes approximately 10 minutes and is an indicator for early detection of a memory problem. The assessment focuses on five areas: orientation, retention, attention, recall and language. A staff person from Provena St. Joseph Medical Center will conduct the assessment and discuss results. Appointments: (815) 741-0077.

Weight Loss Surgery: Silver Cross Hospital, 1300 Copperfield Ave., Joliet, hosts a free informational session titled “Obesity and Your Health: Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?” at 6 p.m. Wednesdays in the Specialty Care Pavilion. Registration: www.silvercross.org or (888) 660-4325.

Heart Disease Screenings: Baseline Cardiac Risk Assessment sessions are offered in the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Cardiovascular Institute at Silver Cross Hospital, 1300 Copperfield Ave., Joliet; at Silver Cross Health Center, 12701 W. 143rd St., Homer Glen; and at Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health, 1870 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. The screening includes measurements of total cholesterol including HDL and LDL levels, blood glucose level, triglyceride level, blood pressure and body fat; 12-lead EKG, health and lifestyle evaluation and a personal phone consultation with a registered cardiac nurse to review results and answer questions. A 12-hour fast is required. Cost is $40. Information: (815) 740-7076.

Calcium Artery Scoring: Silver Cross Hospital offers a test using a high-speed CT scanner that can measure calcium deposits in the coronary arteries to determine risk of having a heart attack. Calcium artery scoring is for men 45 and older and women 55 and older who smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of premature coronary artery disease. Cost is $200. Information: (815) 300-7076.

Specialized Conditioning Program: The physical therapy department of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, offers an ongoing program designed to promote physical fitness for people who have experienced a spinal cord injury or disability. Therapists create an independent wheelchair-level exercise program using a wheelchair-accessible weight station. Classes, led by a licensed physical therapist are 4 to 5 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays and Thursdays in the medical center’s physical therapy gym. Classes are free. A physician’s approval is needed to participate. Information: (708) 684-5425.

Overeaters Anonymous: Overeaters Anonymous meets 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursdays at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 8607 S. Narragansett, Burbank. The support group meetings are free of charge. People who want to find a meeting in their neighborhood may call the Overeaters Anonymous hotline at (708) 346-0000.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Silver Cross Hospital Rialto Room, 1200 Maple Road, Joliet. Information: (815) 741-6637.

Cocaine Anonymous: Cocaine Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. on Thursdays in the Rialto Room, 1200 Maple Road, Joliet. Information: (888) 660-4325.

Narcotics Anonymous: Narcotics Anonymous meets at 9 a.m. Sundays and 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays in the Silver Cross Hospital Rialto Room, 1200 Maple Road, Joliet. Information: (888) 660-4325.

Emotions Anonymous: A free 12-step program for people who have had or are having emotional difficulties meets 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at Calvary Lutheran Church, 11249 S. Spaulding Ave., Chicago, and at 11 a.m. Mondays at Our Saviors Lutheran Church (Kaufman Hall), 8607 S. Naragansett, Burbank.

Overeaters Anonymous: A free support group for people who are compulsive eaters meets from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at New Spirit Lutheran Church, 8600 S. Kilpatrick, Chicago.

Grief Support for Men: When it comes to grief, men deal with it differently than women. That’s why Ingalls Health System offers the monthly grief support group Straight Talk for men who have experienced the loss of a spouse or significant other. The free support group meets the third Wednesday of every month in the North Building on the campus of Ingalls Memorial Hospital, 1 Ingalls Drive, Harvey. A reservation is required for attendance. Please call (708) 915-4617.

Sharing the Journey: Small group sessions for people who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives meets 7 to 8:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4660 W. 94th Street, Oak Lawn. No registration required.

Bereavement Support Group: VITAS Innovative Hospice Care offers bereavement support groups to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. All groups are free of charge and offer both day and evening opportunities to attend. A monthly ongoing bereavement support group, “Coping With Loss,” is held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the first Thursday and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the VITAS office, 8525 W. 183rd St., Suite M, Tinley Park. To register or for more information, call VITAS at (708) 781-4400.

Bereavement Support Group: Small group sessions for parents who have experienced the death of a child either through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. For the latest up-to-date information or to register, call Christ Medical Center’s HealthAdvisor at (800) 323-8622, code 1M03.

Survivorship Group: A free support group meeting which includes speakers on a variety of survivorship topics and useful resources meets 6 to 8 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Information: (800) 323-8622, Code 1C51.

Sight Impaired Support: Orland Area Sight Impaired Support provides support and independent living workshops for people who are coping with visual impairment. OASIS meets at 12:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of every month at Orland Park Church, 7500 W. Sycamore Drive. Information: (708) 460-6573.

Postpartum Adjustment Support Group: A free support group offers resources that will allow new mothers to become more knowledgeable about postpartum depression, its causes and available treatment options. In addition, it also will give mothers the opportunity to talk, listen and share their experiences with other women experiencing similar feelings. The group meets at 10 a.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Information: (708) 684-1333.

Stroke Support Group: A free support group for stroke survivors, their family and friends meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. No registration is required. Information: (800) 323-8622, code 1X08.

Breast Cancer Support Group: A free support group for women who have a history of breast cancer and their families meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Advocate Christ Center for Breast Care, 4545 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. No registration required. For the latest up-to-date information, call Christ Medical Center’s HealthAdvisor at (800) 323-8622, code 1C14.

Breast Prosthesis Display: This informative display provides women who have undergone a mastectomy the opportunity to evaluate prosthesis options. Display session is offered from 6 to 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Advocate Christ Center for Breast Care, 4545 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. For the latest up-to-date information or to register, call Christ Medical Center’s HealthAdvisor at (800) 323-8622, code 1C11.

Autism Support Group: A free support group for parents or caregivers of children with autism meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the last Thursday of each month at Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church, 9230 S. Pulaski, Oak Lawn. The group, in partnership with The Southwest Cook County Chapter of the Autism Society of Illinois, will help clarify misconceptions, answer questions, provide professional guidance and identify resources.

Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Group: A free support group for individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families and friends meets with other individuals for networking, problem-solving and information from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Registration is required. For the latest up-to-date information or to register, call Christ Medical Center’s HealthAdvisor at (800) 323-8622, code 1G05. For assistance entering the building, call (708) 684-5402.

Prostate Cancer Support Group: A free support and education group for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and their families and friends, meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. No registration required. For the latest up-to-date information, call Christ Medical Center’s HealthAdvisor at (800) 323-8622, code 1C15.

Pulmonary Support Group: A free support group for individuals battling a lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, patients on oxygen or experiencing shortness of breath meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. the third Monday of each month in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. No registration required. For the latest up-to-date information, call Christ Medical Center’s HealthAdvisor at (800) 323-8622, code lC22.

Crohn’s and Colitis Support: The Illinois Carol Fisher Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America offers a support group for people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The group meets 7 to 9 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Enterprise Title Services, 11301 S. Harlem Ave., Worth. Information: (800) 886-6664.

Caregivers Support: Leeza’s Place at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, 50 Uno Circle, Joliet, offers a time of education, sharing and caregiver support 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. Volunteers tend to people in need of care while the caregivers meet. Information: (815) 741-0077.

Brain Injury Support Group: Leeza’s Place offers a free weekly support group for people who have suffered a brain injury. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Leeza’s Place at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, 50 Uno Circle, Joliet. Information: (815) 741-0077.

Memory Preservation Through Scrapbooking: Leeza’s Place offers on-going memory preservation workshops to create family memory books for the caregiver and their recently diagnosed loved ones. Scrapbooking supplies are provided, but bring your pictures. No charge. The workshops will be 10 a.m. to noon each Wednesday in February at Leeza’s Place at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, 50 Uno Circle, Joliet. Information: (815) 741-0077.