Monmouth Medical Center Presents Late February Support Groups

LIVING SMOKE FREE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, February 10 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.

CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, February 11 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, on the corner of Pavilion and Second Avenues in Long Branch. For registration and information, call 732-923-6990. Free.

CLEFT PALATE SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, February 12 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, February 12 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.

LIVING WITH BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, February 13 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.

BLOOD CANCER FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, February 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
This new monthly support group is for those affected by blood cancers and related blood disorders. This group is open to all adult patients, caregivers and family members. This program takes place at the Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6575.

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, February 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Co-facilitated by Jim Romer, Monmouth Medical Center’s Director of Crisis Services, and a psychiatric nurse who is also a survivor of suicide, this ongoing support group is for those who have lost a loved one through suicide. This support group will be held at the Early Intervention Services Office, located at 3301 Highway 66, 1st Floor, Building B, in Neptune. For more information, call Jim Romer at 732-923-6940.

NUTRITION AND ONCOLOGY SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, February 18 at 11 a.m.
Healthy eating habits and good nutrition can help patients deal with both the effects and treatment of cancer. This support group, facilitated by Laura Allen, a registered dietitian at Monmouth Medical Center, will address nutritional concerns of cancer patients before, during and after treatment. Registration is required by calling 732-923-5000, ext. 31756.

MOMS OF MULTIPLES SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, February 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Come join the only Moms of Multiples Support Group in the area. Led by a registered nurse and a mother of multiples herself, topics will include feeding and caring for more than one baby, sleep patterns and behaviors, getting out of the house, relationship changes and more. Meet and network with other new moms whose situations are similar to your own. Babies are welcome. This 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.

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, February 23 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
This group offers support to caregivers and family members coping with Alzheimer’s disease. This group will be held in the Geriatric Conference Room at Monmouth Medical Center’s Maysie Stroock Pavilion, located on the corner of Pavilion and Second Avenues in Long Branch. Registration is required by contacting Robin DeNucci, CSW at 732-923-7560. Free.

NJ BARIATRIC AND METABOLIC INSTITUTE (NJBMI) AT MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, February 26 from 7 to 9 p.m.
This is a professionally run support group for individuals who have undergone or are considering surgical weight loss procedures. Discussions are led by multidisciplinary team members, including the program director, registered dietitian and clinical psychologist. This group is held at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Pre-registration is required by calling 1-888-724-7123. Free.

ADULT ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADD) SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, February 26 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
This support group is for adults with ADD and their significant others. It will be held at the SeaBreeze Café at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For information, contact Dr. Robert LoPresti at 732-842-4553. Free.

CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS EXPERIENCING LOSS
Call for schedule.
Professionally led support group for children and adolescents dealing with grief over the loss of a loved one. This 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.

KIDS NEED SUPPORT, TOO
Call for schedule.
This group offers support for children and adolescents who have family members diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses. This professionally-run group will allow children to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences with others in similar situations to help decrease their feelings of isolation and encourage coping skills. It is held at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6990. Free.

PEDIATRIC DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP
Call for schedule.
Come and meet with other pediatric diabetes patients and family members who are all dealing with similar challenges, and be sure to bring your ideas and questions. This support group meets every other month. For information, registration, date, time and location contact Lisa Ball-O’Brien, LSW, CDE at 732-935-7143.

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA (TNA)/FACIAL PAIN SUPPORT GROUP
Call for schedule.
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.

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.