Here is a list of University of Connecticut Health Center programs scheduled for September and early October 2013. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (updated 9/26)
Breast-feeding Class
Thursday, Sept. 5, 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.
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Sept. 7, 3 to 4 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, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679-7820 or email hackett@uchc.edu for more information.
Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Sept. 9, 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.
Infant Care Class
Monday, Sept. 9, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining 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.
(added 8/28)
New “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Center, Dowling North, 3rd floor
This is an introductory session that includes an individualized healthy meal plan from registered dietitians. Six weekly sessions follow and include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise, smart shopping, and mindful eating and holiday eating. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-1692 to register or for more information.
Free Discovery Series: “Hidden Eating Disorders”
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 7 to 9 p.m., Keller Auditorium
Diane Smith, New York Times best-selling author and television journalist, joins Dr. Carolyn Drazinic, UConn Health Center psychiatrist and president of the Connecticut Psychiatric Society, for a discussion about eating disorders. Smith will discuss the personal challenges detailed in the book she co-wrote with MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski, “Obsessed: America’s Food Addiction—And My Own.” Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.
Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 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 Wednesday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
Free Program: “Healthy Eating and Pre-diabetes”
Thursday, Sept. 12, noon to 1 p.m., Southington Library, 255 Main St., Southington
UConn Health Center diabetes educator Jean Kostak offers small changes you can make to your daily menu that will give you the tools you need for a diet that can keep you healthy and help avoid type 2 diabetes. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Sept. 14, 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.
“Freedom From Smoking” 7-week Smoking Cessation Program
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Center, Conference Room LM050
A seven-week program with an American Lung Association-trained facilitator to help you quit smoking provides a tool box of smoking cessation techniques with personalized support. It meets Tuesdays through Oct. 29. Fee is $50. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Free Program: “Simple Changes for Healthy Rewards”
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m., UConn Health Center, Keller Auditorium
Physician assistant Bradley Biskup of the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center’s Lifestyle Modification Program offers ways to adjust your diet to achieve better health Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Sept. 19, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
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.
Free Program: “Healthy Eating and Pre-diabetes”
Friday, Sept. 20, noon to 1 p.m., Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon
UConn Health Center diabetes educator Jean Kostak offers small changes you can make to your daily menu that will give you the tools you need for a diet that can keep you healthy and help avoid type 2 diabetes. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2:30 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.
(removed 9/26–mistakenly listed)
Free Program: “Healthy Eating and Pre-diabetes”
Thursday, Sept. 26, noon to 1 p.m., Farmington Town Hall
UConn Health Center registered dietitian Linda York offers small changes you can make to your daily menu that will give you the tools you need for a diet that can keep you healthy and help avoid type 2 diabetes. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
(added 9/19)
South Park 5K Road Race and Fitness Walk
Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. (7 a.m. registration), UConn Health Center, Dowling North
Proceeds benefit the outreach clinics at the South Park Inn, run by students and local physicians and volunteers, which provides free primary care medical and dental services to the transient residents of the South Park Inn Shelter in Hartford. Registration fee is $15 in advance or $20 on race day. Food, music, prizes, and free skin cancer screenings will be offered. Email argraves@uchc.edu for more information.
“Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program
Tuesdays, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Center, Dowling North, 3rd floor
This program starts with an introductory session (call to schedule) followed by six weekly sessions that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, smart shopping, and summer holiday eating. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.
Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Oct. 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, Oct. 3, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
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, Oct. 3, 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, Oct. 5, 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.
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Oct. 5, 3 to 4 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, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679-7820 or email hackett@uchc.edu for more information.
Free Discovery Series, Topic: Memory Disorders
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7 to 9 p.m., Keller Auditorium
Experts from the UConn Center on Aging will discuss prevention, diagnosis and early treatment of memory disorders, the management of psychiatric and behavioral concerns, and care options. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.
Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Wednesday, Oct. 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 program meets the second Wednesday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2:30 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 IVF Information Session
Thursday, Oct. 17, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
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.
Directions to the UConn Health Center are available at www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.
Follow the UConn Health Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.