Monmouth Medical Center Presents Early February Community Health Education Programs

BIPOLAR DISORDER
Tuesday, February 3 from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is a serious mental illness characterized by dramatic mood swings, often with normal moods in between highs (mania) and lows (depression). The disorder can run in families and usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. If untreated, the disorder can result in damaged relationships, poor school or job performance and even suicide. Join Mary Jane Maser, PhD, APRN, BC, Clinical Director of the Stepping Stones Intensive Outpatient Program at Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center, to learn more about this complicated disorder and current treatment options. This program, for ages 60 and older, will take place at the Howell Senior Center, located at 251 Preventorium Road in Howell. Membership is not required. Registration is required by calling 732-938-4500, ext. 2554. Free.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Tuesday, February 3 at 4 p.m.
It can be overwhelming to choose the right level of therapy for yourself or a loved one during a hospitalization for a stroke, fracture or other life-altering event. During this one-hour session, Jill Garaffa, OTR/L, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls, will discuss all levels of therapy including home therapy, in-patient acute and sub-acute rehabilitation and out-patient rehab and prepare you to make the best decision on rehabilitation for yourself or a family member. This program will take place at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls, 1st floor conference room, located at 2 Centre Plaza in Tinton Falls. Registration is required by calling 732-460-5328. Free.

HEART HEALTH AS WE AGE
Wednesday, February 4 at 1 p.m.
Age is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease for both men and women. While age-related changes in the heart can lead to heart disease, many lifestyle factors are also related to heart disease risk. This program, presented by Shira Goldberg, MD, Geriatrics and Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Monmouth Medical Center, will discuss the importance of knowing your risk for heart disease and how we can lower our risk and improve our heart health as we age. The program will take place at Boscov’s third floor auditorium in the Monmouth Mall, located at Routes 35 & 36 in Eatontown. Registration is required by calling 732-542-1326. Free.

FIVE WISHES
Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m.
There are many things in life that are out of our hands. The Five Wishes document gives you a way to control something very important – how you are treated if you get seriously ill. This document is an easy-to-complete form that lets you say exactly what you want. Once filled out and properly signed, it is valid under the laws of most states. During this program, presented by Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care, Claire Verruni, RN, CHPN, Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Liaison, will discuss the ins and outs of this valuable document. This program, for ages 60 and older, will take place at Boscov’s third floor auditorium in the Monmouth Mall located at Routes 35 & 36 in Eatontown. Registration is required by calling 732-542-1326.

WEAR RED DAY
Friday, February 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
In recognition of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement to save lives and raise awareness about heart disease, Monmouth Medical Center is providing free blood pressure screening to the public. Information about heart disease, heart healthy diets and exercise, Monmouth Medical Center’s cardiology programs and services as well as the HeartCaring and Spirit of Women initiatives will be provided. All employees, visitors and guests are encouraged to wear red to bring attention to heart disease and to take action to live longer, healthier lives. These screenings take place outside of Monmouth Medical Center’s SeaBreeze Café, first floor, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Free.

DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT SERIES
Fridays, February 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Mondays, February 23 and March 2, 9 & 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Learn how to manage your diabetes by attending this four-session diabetes education program focusing on diet, nutrition, glucose monitoring, medications, meal plans, prevention and treatment of diabetes complications, dining out and benefits of exercise. The program is taught by a registered nurse and a registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator. It will be held at The Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For information and to register for classes, call 732-923-5025. Program attendees will need a doctor’s prescription and will be billed to Medicare or your insurance carrier. Please note, dates are subject to change.

SAFE SITTER
Saturday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Presented by certified Safe Sitter instructors, this program teaches 11- to 13-year-olds to be responsible, creative babysitters with special emphasis on how to handle emergencies. This course will be held at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. To register, call 732-923-6990. $50 per child.

HEARTCARING DAY OF DANCE
Saturday, February 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monmouth Medical Center will host their second annual HeartCaring Day of Dance, a free women’s health event to raise awareness of American Heart Month. The event features Tai Chi and Zumba demonstrations and a special appearance by the dance team from Dance Plus of Little Silver. Free screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure and overall cardiac risk, health information giveaways, prizes and a free raffle for a Jawbone Fitness Tracker will be offered as well. HeartCaring Day will take place at the Macy’s end of the Monmouth Mall, located at Routes 35 & 36 in Eatontown. Free.

NOTE: ALL PROGRAMS MEET AT MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER, 300 SECOND AVENUE, LONG BRANCH, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

For questions or more information, contact The Community Health Education Department at Monmouth Medical Center at (732) 923-6990.