Monmouth Medical Center Presents Early March Community Health Education Programs

LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER
Monday, March 2 from 1 to 3 p.m.
This is a special program sponsored by the American Cancer Society for female cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Learn to cope with the side effects of treatment and feel comfortable with changes in your appearance by receiving a personal makeover by cosmetology professionals. This program will be held in Monmouth Medical Center’s Radiation Conference Room, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345. Free.

MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER BLOOD DRIVE
Monday, March 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The need for blood is constant. Save a life and become a blood donor. The Monmouth Medical Center Blood Drive, sponsored by the American Red Cross, will take place at Monmouth Medical Center’s Community Meeting Room, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. To make an appointment, contact Diane Kilzen at 732-923-7352.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Tuesday, March 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.

DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT SERIES
Fridays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Mondays, March 23 & 30 and April 6 &13 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.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Tuesday, March 10 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Racing thoughts, upsetting feelings and unpleasant events can disturb our inner peace and increase anxiety and depression. New brain science has discovered how mindfulness mediation can help us gain control over levels of stress, depression, anxiety, chronic and acute pain. This session, presented by Carol Palmer, BA, Monmouth Medical Center Program Instructor, will teach attendees simple techniques to restore inner calm and balance stress with present moment awareness. This program, for those ages 60 and over, will take place at the Keyport Senior Center, located at 100 Second Avenue in Keyport. Registration is required by calling 732-264-4916. Free.

JOINT REPLACEMENT INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, March 11 at 5 p.m.
Do you have hip or knee pain? Join Mark W. Gesell, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon, for this free program offering the latest information on hip and knee replacements including robotic-assisted partial knee and total hip replacement. Learn what to expect before and after surgery, how to prepare yourself to achieve the best possible outcome and receive an overview of the The Joint Replacement Center program. This program will take place at Monmouth Medical Center, Stanley Wing, Room 206 located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 1-888-724-7123. Free.

FREE GLUCOSE SCREENINGS
Thursdays, March 12 & 26 from 11 a.m. to Noon
A simple finger stick to test blood sugar to determine if glucose level is elevated. The test will be performed by a registered nurse. This program will be held at the Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center in classroom #A001 in the Maysie Stroock Pavilion, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For information, call 732-923-5025.

CREATING HEALTH: HOW TO IDENTIFY AND OVERCOME 10 HIDDEN OBSTACLES TO LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Tuesday, March 17 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Most people believe if they just had more time, money, willpower or motivation, they would eat healthier or exercise. If you find yourself saying “I know what I need to do, I just can’t seem to do it,” consider attending this informative and enlightening class to understand the underlying reasons why you may be struggling to make healthier choices. Jill Garaffa, OTR/L, PCC, ELI-MP, a licensed occupational therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience and professional certified life coach, will teach you how to close the gap between knowing what to do to make healthier choices and actually doing it. You will leave this class with a shift in your mindset, a feeling of empowerment and set of practical tools you can put into immediate action to begin making healthy lifestyle changes. This program will take place at the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls, 1st floor conference room, located at 2 Centre Plaza in Tinton Falls. Seating is limited and registration is required by calling 732-460-5328. Free.

SAFE SITTER
Saturday, March 21 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.

HEART SAVER CPR/AED PROGRAM
Sunday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Babysitters, parents and grandparents are encouraged to attend this course that provides automated external defibrillator (AED) training to laypersons and also teaches how to recognize a medical emergency, adult, infant and child CPR, first aid for choking victims and the use of barrier devices to reduce the risk of infection. This class will take place at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 1-888-277-2281 or online at www.cprtrainingnj.com . $60 per person.