Monmouth Medical Center Presents Early April Support Groups

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
April Monthly Programs
The Cancer Support Community at Monmouth Medical Center offers support, education and hope for those affected by a cancer diagnosis. Programs each month include relaxation and guided imagery; beading buddies; yoga; mindfulness meditation; exercise for strength; all blood cancers; coping with progression; metastatic and recurrent; and what to expect for the newly diagnosed and those who support them. For additional information on programs and registration, please call 732-923-6090.

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 10 to 11 a.m.
This support group is run by a registered, board-certified lactation consultant with NICU experience. Topics covered will include newborn and growing infants, premature infants in hospital and at home, pumping and exclusive pumping, common challenges as well as all topics and issues related to breastfeeding. This group meets Monmouth Medical Center in Stanley 214, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6992. Free.

MOTHER TO MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Once your baby arrives, join other new mothers to talk about what you’re experiencing. Discussions will be led by a registered nurse on topics including infant behavior, feeding, sleeping patterns and crying, as well as recovering from childbirth. Newborns up to age 6 months and fathers are welcome. The program will be held at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6992. Free.

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, April 4 & 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
This professionally led psycho-educational group is for family members interested in learning more about mental illness. This group meets at the Alexander Pavilion at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For more information, contact Karen Sarles at 732-923-5250.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This ongoing monthly support group is for caregivers providing care for loved ones at different stages of illness – from diagnosis to hospice or end of life care. This group, facilitated by Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Registration is required. For more information or to register for this event, call Maria Graminski, LCSW at 732-923-6215. Free.

SHORE-AREA STROKE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesdays, April 6 & 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.
This group, co-sponsored by HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls, offers support and education for stroke survivors, their families, caregivers and friends who are coping with recovery from stroke. This support group, which features monthly speakers on stroke-related topics, is held at The Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls Cafeteria, located at 2 Centre Plaza. For information and to register, contact Shirley Maguire at 732-460-6743. Free.

GENERAL BEREAVEMENT DROP-IN SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 3 to 4 p.m.
This free, ongoing weekly general bereavement group is facilitated by experienced professionals to provide a safe, supportive environment for all those who are grieving a loss. This group is held at Monmouth Medical Center’s 6th floor Meditation Room, Greenwall Wing, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For more information or to register for this event, call Maria Graminski, LCSW at 732-923-6215. Free.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)/ANXIETY SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
This support group is a safe, non-threatening group for moms or expectant moms experiencing any of the perinatal mood disorders including but not limited to sadness, anger, anxiety, OCD, intrusive/compulsive thoughts, panic or post traumatic stress disorder. Weekly meetings are facilitated by a maternal/child health RN who specializes in PPD. This group is co-sponsored by Central Jersey Family Health Consortium and is held at Maysie Stroock Pavilion at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For information call Lisa Tremayne at 732-923-5573. Free.

KOGAN CELIAC CENTER SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, April 7 at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Free. This professionally facilitated support group provides support, sharing of knowledge and coping skills for those seeking to manage a healthy, gluten-free lifestyle. The Kogan Celiac Center Support Group is free and open to participants of all ages. This group will take place at the Maysie Stroock Pavilion at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For registration and information, call 973-322-7272.

ADULT PULMONARY SUPPORT GROUP/BETTER BREATHER’S CLUB
Tuesday, April 12 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This support group is cosponsored by Monmouth Medical Center and the American Lung Association of New Jersey for adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic asthma, asthma or bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung resection, scleroderma, pulmonary hypertension, alpha-1 antitrypsin and their families. This group will take place at the Maysie Stroock Pavilion, on the corner of Pavilion and Second Avenues in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 1-888-724-7123 or by emailing teamlink@barnabashealth.org. Free.