Health Briefs for Dec. 21, 2011

• Reprints

Updated: January 22, 2012 8:11AM

Free Podiatry Screening: Orland Township is hosting free podiatry screenings 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Appointments: (708) 403-4222.

Stroke Support Group: A free support group for stroke survivors and their families meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. 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 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Advocate Christ Center for Breast Care, 4545 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. Information: (800) 323-8622, code 1C14.

Breast Prosthesis Display: A breast prosthesis display offers women who have undergone a mastectomy an opportunity to evaluate prosthesis options. Display session is 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Advocate Christ Center for Breast Care, 4545 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. Registration: (800) 323-8622, code 1C11.

Spinal Cord Injury: A free support group for people with spinal cord injuries and their families meets for networking, problem-solving and information 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday at Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Registration: (800) 323-8622, code 1G05.

Autism Support Group: A free support group for parents or caregivers of children with autism meets 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 29 at Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church, 9230 S. Pulaski Road, 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.

Immunization Clinics: Orland Township is hosting its monthly immunization clinic 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Orland Township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. In order to receive an immunization, children 18 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, display proof of residency, a valid shot record and, if applicable, an insurance card. Adult vaccines are available for a fee and also require proof of residency. Information: (708) 403-4222 or www.orlandtwp.org.

Adult Smoking Cessation: Orland Township and the Cook County Department of Public Health, Tobacco Prevention and Control Unit are hosting an eight-week smoking cessation program produced by the American Lung Association 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 4 at the Orland Township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. The free program will provide support and skills needed to quit smoking, under the guidance of a trained facilitator. Materials and carbon monoxide testing will be provided. Funding for the program is provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Space is limited. Reservations: (708) 403-4222 or www.orlandtwp.org.

Chronic Health Conditions: Take Charge of Your Health is an interactive series of six workshops offered to older adults to help them learn to thrive, not simply survive, with chronic health conditions. The series of free classes is 1 to 3:30 p.m. starting Jan. 5 at Victory Centre, 4150 W. Gatling Blvd, Country Club Hills. Registration:(708) 957-8300 or (708) 383-0258.

Weight Management Program: The Ingalls Healthy Lifestyles Weight Management program is a 12-week series for overweight adults that includes two complete low-fat cooking classes with recipes and samples along with support, motivation and shopping tips. To find out if Healthy Lifestyles Weight Management is right for you, attend a free introductory session at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Ingalls Wellness Center located at the Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet Club, 2920 W. 183rd St., Homewood. Regular classes begin 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. Jan. 12. Registration: (708) 206-0072.

Smoking Cessation Program: Smokers who want to quit the habit can take advantage of a smoking cessation program. The sessions for the seven-week program will begin at
6 p.m. Jan. 10 in the Conference Center of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. The cost is $60; however, if all sessions are attended, $30 will be refunded upon completion of the program. Registration:
(708) 684-4229.

Free 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.

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

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 wheelchair-accessible weight station, on consecutive Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes, led by a licensed physical therapist are 4 to 5 p.m. in the medical center’s physical therapy gym, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Classes are free. A physician’s approval is needed to participate. Information: (708) 684-5425.

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.

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.