Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus Presents Early March Community Health Education and Support

Bereavement Support
Tuesdays, March 8 and 22 from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m.
Learn what to expect in the grieving process and how to deal with your expectations as well as the expectations of others in this group, sponsored by Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus and the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. Facilitated by Kathleen Holahan, MSW, LCSW, this group is held at the Center for Healthy Living, located at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood. For more information, please contact Kathleen at 732.730.9112.

Better Health Aging Eyes Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, March 2 at 11:30 a.m.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, by age 65, one in three Americans will have a vision-impairing eye disease. To remind the public of the importance of eye care, Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus presents the Better Health Aging Eyes Lunch and Learn. This program, led by Dr. Kinnari K. Patel from Invision Eyecare, will discuss how to keep eyes healthy and how to recognize that it’s time for a professional eye exam. Free glaucoma screenings will be offered, and lunch will be served for all attendees. Better Health Aging Eyes, for Better Health members only, takes place at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus’ Conference Rooms B and C, located at 600 River Avenue in Lakewood. For more information or to register, please call the Barnabas Health LINK at 1.888.726.3262.

Diabetes Self-Management Education
Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 10 a.m. to Noon
More than 21 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes. The Center for Healthy Living at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus offers a Diabetes Self-Management Education program staffed by knowledgeable health professionals who provide comprehensive information about managing diabetes. Recognized by the American Diabetes Association, this program offers education for those living with diabetes on managing the disease so they can maintain healthy, active lives and reduce their risk for complications. Taught by registered nurses and registered dietitians – all Certified Diabetes Educators – the program also includes a presentation by Christopher Blakeslee, DPM, a podiatrist at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus. Sessions are held at the Center for Healthy Living, located at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood. A doctor’s prescription is required. Registration is required by calling 1.888.724.7123.

Better Health Tai Chi
Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 2 to 3 p.m.
The Center for Healthy Aging at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus is proud to announce the return of instructor Kit Lau, who has been teaching Tai Chi for more than 10 years and will instruct participants on the fine art of Tai Chi moves from both standing and sitting positions. This class is offered to Better Health members who have previously taken a Tai Chi class only. Cost is $40 for eight sessions, all held at the Center for Healthy Living, located at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood. Space is limited, and registration is required by calling the Barnabas Health LINK at 1.888.726.3262.

Better Health Tai Chi
Thursday, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 3 to 4 p.m.
The Center for Healthy Aging at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus is proud to announce the return of instructor Kit Lau, who has been teaching Tai Chi for more than 10 years and will instruct participants on the fine art of Tai Chi moves from both standing and sitting positions. This class is for Better Health members who have not previously taken a Tai Chi class. Better Health Tai Chi will be held in eight sessions, all held at the Center for Healthy Living, located at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood. Space is limited, and registration is required by calling the Barnabas Health LINK at 1.888.726.3262. Free.

Self-Defense for Older Adults
Tuesdays, March 8 and 22 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Learn to protect yourself from future falls through exercise, balance and strength training. A black-belt instructor will teach participants to ward-off assaults and attacks using leverage. Offered by Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, this class is held at the Center for Healthy Living, located at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood. The cost is $15 for five one-hour classes. Space is limited and registration is required by calling 1.888.724.7123.

Wholehearted Health: Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle
Tuesday, March 8 at 12:45 p.m.
Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and atrial fibrillation don’t have to take the flavor out of your life! This seminar will discuss the current perspectives on diagnosis, treatment options and other ingredients for wholehearted health, emphasizing risk factor awareness, medical care and lifestyle changes to optimize heart health. This program is held at the Jackson Township Senior Center, located at 45 Don Conner Blvd. in Jackson. For more information or to register, please call the Senior Center at 732.928.2313.

Don’t Miss a Beat
Wednesday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to Noon
Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), a cardiovascular disorder affecting 2.2 million people in the U.S., creates a disorganized electrical signal that causes a disturbance in the upper and lower chambers of the heart, preventing them from working together. A-Fib can damage the heart’s electrical system, leading to increased risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure. Join health coaches from the Center for Healthy Living at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus to learn about this often undetected cardiovascular disease, as well as signs, symptoms and risk factors. This program is held at Boscov’s Conference Room in the Ocean County Mall, located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River. Registration is required by calling SCAN (Social Community Activities Network) at 732.542.1326.

Self-Defense for Men & Women of All Ages
Thursdays, March 10 and 24 from 7 to 8 p.m.
Don’t be a target. This ongoing program is for men and women of all ages who want to learn to protect themselves from personal assaults, street attacks and abductions. A black-belt instructor teaches participants to use leverage and balance to stay safe. Offered by Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, this class is held at the Center for Healthy Living, located at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood. The cost is $15 for five one-hour classes. Space is limited and registration is required by calling 1.888.724.7123.

“Muse of Fire” One Man Play
Saturday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Sit back and experience an unforgettable theatrical performance. Muse of Fire sheds light on how far a passionate teacher will go to mold an apprentice. The one-man play, by David Katz, will take place at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College located at 1 College Drive in Toms River. Better Health members are invited to dinner prior to the start of the play at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required by calling 1.888.726.3262.

Alzheimer’s Disease for the Caregiver: Late Stage
Tuesdays, March 15 and 22 from 2 to 4 p.m.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, during the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease, individuals lose the ability to: respond to the environment surrounding them, carry on normal conversations and, eventually, control movement. At this stage, family caregivers assume the greatest responsibility as they provide around-the-clock assistance with daily personal care as well as managing the finances of the individual, all while creating a supportive environment. This program will offer information about preparing for the evolving caregiver role, working with the professional healthcare team and anticipating changes in the physical, communicative and cognitive abilities that will eventually occur. This educational series will take place at the Center for Healthy Living, located at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood. Registration is required by calling Kelly DeLeon at 732.597.6075.

Audiology Program with Dr. Boyer
Wednesday, March 16 at 10 a.m.
The Center for Healthy Aging and the Department of Audiology at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus have teamed up to present a discussion led by Sue Ellen Boyer, AuD, FAAA, as she discusses age-related hearing loss and facts about hearing aids. Dr. Boyer will also explore common signs of hearing loss and tips on hearing loss prevention. A Hearing Health Quiz will be offered free of charge as part of the program and light refreshments will be served. This event takes place at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, located at 331 Georgia Tavern Road in Howell. Registration is required through the Monmouth County Park System by calling 732.842.4000, ext. 1. Free.

Meditation and Relaxation
Wednesday, March 16 from 1 to 2 p.m.
In this fast-paced world, we can get so caught up in the things we have to do, making it easy to forget how important it is to take time to care for ourselves. In partnership with SCAN of New Jersey and Boscov’s, Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus presents Meditation and Relaxation. Join a health coach from the Center for Healthy Aging to learn about the benefits of meditation and relaxation to your overall health and wellness, as well as the medical troubles that can be caused by chronic stress and relaxation tips. This program is held at Boscov’s Conference Room in the Ocean County Mall, located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River. Registration is required by calling SCAN (Social Community Activities Network) at 732.542.1326.