Monmouth Medical Center Presents Early September Community Health Education Programs

CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE
Tuesday, September 2 from 11:15 a.m. to Noon
The carotid arteries are two large blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty, waxy deposits called plaques clog your carotid arteries. During this program, presented by Mark Hirko, M.D., board-certified vascular surgeon and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center, will discuss the signs and symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of this disease. This program, for those ages 60 and older, takes place at the Howell Senior Center located at 251 Preventorium Road in Howell. No membership necessary but registration is required by calling 732-938-4500 ext. 2554. Free.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Tuesday, September 2 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, September 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Mondays, September 22, 29 & October 6, 13 from 5 to 7:00 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.

38th ANNUAL OCEANPORT SUMMER’S END FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 6 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Stop by The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center’s Safe Kids Chapter table for child safety information. There will be food, music, demonstrations, balloon art, face painting, hot air balloon rides and fireworks at dusk. This fun-filled evening will take place at Blackberry Bay Park, located at 450 Port au Peck Avenue in Oceanport. The rain date is Sunday, September 7. Free.

NUTRITION AND CANCER
Wednesday, September 10 from 2 to 3 p.m.
This program, presented by Laura Allen, a registered dietitian at Monmouth Medical Center, will address nutritional concerns of the cancer patient before, during and after treatment. Refreshments will be provided. This program will be held at the Borden Auditorium at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6575. Free.

FREE GLUCOSE SCREENINGS
Thursdays, September 11 and 25 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, Classroom #A001 in the Maysie Stroock Pavilion, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For information, call 732-923-5025. Free.

PLAYING IT SAFE: FREE CARDIAC AND CONCUSSION SCREENINGS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES
Saturday, September 13 from 8 a.m. to Noon
Experts recommend cardiac and concussion screenings for young athletes every two years. This event will feature cardiac screenings for young athletes ages 6 to 18, open to the first 130 athletes, and concussion screening for young athletes, 12 and older, open to the first 80 athletes. Screenings are sponsored by the Matthew J. Morahan, III Health Assessment Center. This event will take place at the Cranmer Ambulatory Surgery Center at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by emailing teamlink@barnabashealth.org. Free.

CARDIAC SCREENING EVENT
Saturday, September 13 from 8 a.m. to Noon
The best way to prevent cardiovascular disease is to find out what risk factors you have through screening tests and regular doctor visits. Get free cardiovascular risk assessments (CVR), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) assessments, basic metabolic index (BMI), blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. The screenings will be held at the Cranmer Ambulatory Surgery Center at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Free.