UConn Health Center December Programs, Events

Here’s what’s happening in December and early January.

Here is a list of University of Connecticut Health Center programs scheduled for December and early January. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (updated 12/21)

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Dec. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Dec. 1, 3:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Discovery Series: “Thumb Hurt? Wrist Sore? Hands Numb?”
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7 to 9 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Keller Auditorium

Drs. Jennifer Wolf and Craig Rodner will discuss common hand problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and texting tendonitis. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Center, Dowling North Building
The UConn Health Center’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Dec. 6, 6 to 8:30 p.m., UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG052
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Breast-feeding Class
Thursday, Dec. 6, 7 to 9 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Classes usually are held on the first Thursday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Infant Care Class
Monday, Dec. 10, 7 to 9 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, NICU Conference Room

Offered for expectant parents and caregivers, the discussion topics include appearance and behavior of the newborn, car seat and home safety issues, well child care and the importance of immunizations, choosing a pediatrician, and practice with diapering and bathing a newborn. Classes usually are held on the second Monday of every month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Thursday, Dec. 13, 1 to 3 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center

“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered monthly, generally on the third Tuesday, and are not limited to UConn Health Center patients. Registration is required: call 860-679-7820 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

Free Ayurveda & Wellness Program: “Breathe to Relax”
Thursday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.,
UConn Health Center, Room EG-013

This supportive care program for cancer patients and their caregivers is designed to help relieve stress and impart relaxation with techniques adopted from Ayurvedic yogic practices with scientifically proven benefits. The sessions generally meet every other Thursday. Please email aguha@att.net for more information, including what to bring. Register by calling 800-535-6232.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health Center patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679- 6580 or email sampson@uchc.edu for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Dec. 20, 6 to 8:30 p.m., UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG013
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Wednesday, Dec. 26, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health Center patients) are invited to join this new forum for those affected by head and neck cancers. Light snacks will be provided. Please call 860-679- 3066 or email tawfik-yonkers@uchc.edu to RSVP or for more information.

Gynecological Cancer Support Group
Thursday, Dec 27, 5 to 6 p.m.
, UConn Health Center Food Court

Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health Center patients) are invited to join this new forum for those affected by gynecological cancers, such as ovarian, endometrial, cervical, fallopian tube, or peritoneal. In collaboration with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, this will be a place to share experiences and information and provide a supportive community. Please call 860-679-1144 or email mparente@uchc.edu to RSVP or for more information.

(date corrected 12/21)
Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Jan. 9 Jan. 2, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Center, Dowling North Building
The UConn Health Center’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Jan. 3, 6 to 8:30 p.m., UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG052
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

“Freedom From Smoking,” Winter Session #1
Monday, Jan. 7, 6 to 8 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Katz Educational Conference Room
A seven-week program to help you quit smoking provides a tool box of smoking cessation techniques with personalized support. It meets Mondays through Feb. 18. Fee is $50, refundable after successful completion of the program. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

“Ready to Lose” weight management program
Tuesday, Jan. 8, noon to 1 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Walker Conference Room AG070
This is an introductory session that includes an individual healthy meal plan from registered dietitians. Six weekly sessions follow and include a weigh-in, discussion of successes and challenges, and tip of the week. Registration fee is $70. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Wednesday, Jan. 9, 9 to 10 a.m., Dowling North Medical Building, 3rd floor
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This is a new program scheduled to meet the second Tuesday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Ayurveda & Wellness Program: “Breathe to Relax”
Thursday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m.,
UConn Health Center, Room EG-013
This supportive care program for cancer patients and their caregivers is designed to help relieve stress and impart relaxation with techniques adopted from Ayurvedic yogic practices with scientifically proven benefits. The sessions generally meet every other Thursday. Please email aguha@att.net for more information, including what to bring. Register by calling 800-535-6232.

Breast-feeding Class
Thursday, Jan. 10, 7 to 9 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Classes usually are held on the first Thursday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Jan. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Jan. 12, 3:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Infant Care Class
Monday, Jan. 14, 7 to 9 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, NICU Conference Room
Offered for expectant parents and caregivers, the discussion topics include appearance and behavior of the newborn, car seat and home safety issues, well child care and the importance of immunizations, choosing a pediatrician, and practice with diapering and bathing a newborn. Classes usually are held on the second Monday of every month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Directions to the UConn Health Center are available at www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.


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