Monmouth Medical Center Presents Early January Support Groups

MOTHER TO MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, January 5, 12 & 26 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Once your baby arrives, join other new mothers to talk about what you are 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 732-923-6990. Free.

LIVING SMOKE FREE SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, January 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
If you’re thinking about going smoke free, are struggling to quit or have recently quit, join us for tips and support to help you maintain a smoke free life including stress management, and weight control. Information about our quit program will also be provided. This group will take place at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 1-888-724-7123. Free.

HEALING OURSELVES TOGETHER
Tuesday, January 6 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This free, professionally run support group provides a safe place for individuals dealing with any type of cancer. The group is held at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6575. Free.

SHORE-AREA STROKE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesdays, January 7 & 21 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 HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls Cafeteria, located at 2 Centre Plaza. For information and to register, contact Shirley Maguire at 732-460-6743. Free.

CLEFT PALATE SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, January 8 from 10 to 11 a.m.
This support group provides parents of children with a cleft lip or palate a forum to discuss shared concerns and explore resources. For registration and location, call Helene Henkel at 732-923-7653. Free.

SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH ORAL, HEAD AND NECK CANCER (SPHONC)
Thursday, January 8 from 6 to 7 p.m.
This patient-directed, non-profit, self-help organization is dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral, head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers. Monthly meetings offer information, support and encouragement to newly-diagnosed patients, survivors, family members and friends. This group will be held in the Radiation Oncology Lounge Waiting Room at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For registration and information, call Rebecca Kopke at 732-923-6473. Free.

KOGAN CELIAC CENTER SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.
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 Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center in the Maysie Stroock Pavilion, at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For registration and information, call 973-322-7272.

GENERAL BEREAVEMENT DROP-IN SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22 & 29 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, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required. For more information and/or to register, call Maria Graminski at 732-923-6215.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)/ANXIETY SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 3:30 to 5:30 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 Pollak Center, located at 75 N. Bath Avenue in Long Branch. For information call 732-923-5234. Free.

LIVING WITH BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, January 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This group offers a safe, caring environment where women can meet the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis, obtain information and share their concerns with others who understand. This group is held at the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For registration and information, call 732-923-7582. Free.

AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, January 12 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
This support group for amputees and their families provides education, mutual support and guest speakers. This program takes place at the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls’ Café, located at 2 Centre Plaza. For more information, contact Sharon Collins at 732-460-5378 or Shirley Maguire at 732-460-6743.

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, January 12 & 26 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 Community Connection Building, located at 75 N. Bath Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling Jenna Rinaldi at 732-923-6999. Free.

ADULT PULMONARY SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, January 9 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
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 and their families. This group meets in Monmouth Medical Center’s Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department, Maysie Stroock Pavilion, on the corner of Pavilion and Second Avenues in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6990. Free.

OVARIAN CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, January 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
This group offers women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial or uterine cancer and their family members an opportunity to actively participate in healing after a cancer diagnosis. The group will be held at the Pauline Fromkin Family Living Room on the second floor of Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling Leslie Shephard, RN, OCN at 732-923-6709. Free.

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA (TNA)/FACIAL PAIN SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, January 13 from 2 to 3 p.m.
This support group is for those who suffer from TNA and related facial pain. This group will be held at the David S. Zocchi Brain Tumor Center at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For more information or to register, call 732-923-6551. Free.

CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, January 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
This support group offers mutual support, education and information sharing for cardiac patients, those with heart disease and their families. This group will take place at the Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center in the Maysie Stroock Pavilion, at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For registration and information, call 732-923-6990. Free.