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July 22, 2009

Healthy Happenings: Merrimack Valley Hospital offers cancer support

Depression clinical study: ActivMed Practices of Haverhill is seeking individuals who are experiencing major depression and are not responding well to their medications for participation in a clinical study.

This clinical research study involves an investigational medication to treat the symptoms of depression.

Men or women interested in participating in this study must be ages 18-65 and not getting proper relief from their current medications, Participants who qualify will receive all office visits, medical evaluations, diagnostics and study medication at no cost. For more information, call Terry Stubbs at 978-372-7252.

Diabetes and cholesterol tests: ActivMed Practices of Haverhill offers free diabetes and cholesterol tests.

Individuals will be seen Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at 1 Water St., Suite A, by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 978-372-7252.

Blood pressure checks: Blood pressure clinics at the Haverhill Council on Aging site at the Citizens Center on Welcome Street are 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays. Clinics on the first and third Tuesdays of the month will be staffed by two nurses. The other weeks, the clinic will be staffed by one nurse only.

ICE your phone: To program "In Case of Emergency" information into your cell phone, type the acronym "ICE" into your phone, followed by a name, then save the phone number.

Be sure to tell the person you have chosen that he or she is your ICE contact, and apply an ICE sticker to your phone.

This will allow paramedics or other emergency responders to contact someone in case of emergency.

Stickers are available through Joel Berg on Wednesdays or Fridays from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Citizen Center. For information, call Berg at 978-374-2390.

HealthQuarters: HealthQuarters offers low-cost birth control and over-the-counter Plan B, gynecological exams, cancer screening and a sexually transmitted disease clinic. For an appointment, call Kelly at 978-521-4444.

Women's Health Network of VNA Care: This program links uninsured and underinsured, income-eligible women to free mammograms, pap tests and cardiovascular screenings at participating hospitals, mammography sites, physician groups and health clinics. It is open to women who live in Massachusetts and are ages 40 to 64.

Younger and older women may also qualify for some services. All inquiries and services are confidential. Immigration status is not considered.

The program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

For more information, call 888-663-3688, ext. 1340.

Volunteers needed: The SHINE Program at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley is looking for volunteers to become certified SHINE counselors.

Counselors provide no-cost health care information, assistance and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages. Individuals are required to complete the 50-hour certification program that prepares them to communicate information during sessions.

For more information, call 800-892-0890.

Red Cross training: The American Red Cross has newly revised training programs and materials for all First-Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillation and emergency cardiovascular care courses. Participants utilizing the First-Aid/CPR/AED for the workplace and the First-Aid/CPR/AED for schools and communities will learn CPR skills while practicing along with a video.

Receiving training through a certified instructor helps ensure proper knowledge in an emergency. For more information or to contact your local Red Cross chapter, visit www.redcross.org.

Breast cancer assistance: VNA Care Network provides help to women with breast cancer who need financial assistance for medications, co-payments, transportation to treatment and other things that increase access to treatment and support recovery.

Women must be residents of eastern or central Massachusetts to qualify.

The program is funded by the Massachusetts Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. For information, call 888-663-3688, ext. 1264.

Panic disorder help: A program to help anyone with panic disorders, anxiety or agoraphobia is offered by Panic Relief Inc.

The sessions will be in Haverhill on Mondays, noon to 1 p.m., and Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For information, call 732-940-9658.

Merrimack Valley Hospital: WE CARE cancer support group meets the third Tuesday of every month, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the hospital atrium.

This group supports cancer patients and their family and friends. For information, call 978-521-3651.

Blood-pressure clinics are the first and third Friday of every month, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., in the hospital auditorium. Blood-pressure clinics are open to adults of all ages.

For information, call 978-521-8550.

A 20-minute walking group meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 p.m at the Lincoln Avenue side of the hospital.

Yoga classes are held on Wednesday from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. in the hospital auditorium. Cost is $5 for the general public.

WIC program : Women, Infants and Children is a nutritional education program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services free to Massachusetts families who qualify. For information, call 978-374-2191.

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Healthy Happenings: Merrimack Valley Hospital offers cancer support
by Anonymous , , Wed Jul 22, 2009, 02:48 PM EDT
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