Alzheimer's disease seminar
A seminar on Alzheimer's disease will be Oct. 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the first-floor auditorium at Merrimack Valley Hospital, 140 Lincoln Ave.
Neuropsychologist Dr. Buck Woo's presentation, "Changes in Memory: Contrasting Normal aging to Abnormal Decline," will focus on changes in memory associated with aging vs. dementia syndromes, and how the term dementia connects with Alzheimer's disease.
Woo will also discuss the biological factors of Alzheimer's disease, what science says about prevention, how a definitive diagnosis is made, and what the current and new treatments are, including a national clinical trial that is available in Haverhill.
This program is free to the public, but registration is required.
For more information or to register, call Jean MacDougall-Tattan at 978 420-1168.
Breast cancer programs this month at MVH
'Think Pink Tea'
A "Think Pink Tea" will be held Oct. 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. in MVH's first-floor auditorium, 140 Lincoln Ave. Menu includes assorted teas, petite sandwiches and desserts, and a free raffle.
Lynne Randell, MVH's director of imaging, will talk about the advances being made in imaging regarding breast health, as well as the importance of self breast exams and routine screenings for early detection. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
Free and open to the public but attendance is limited to 50 people so registration is required. This event is held in conjunction with the Groveland Langley-Adams Library.
For more information, call Deb Hoadley at 978-372-1732.
Models sought for show
Volunteer models are needed to walk the runway when Merrimack Valley Hospital holds a fashion show on Oct. 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the first floor cafeteria, 140 Lincoln Ave. Volunteers are asked to contact Christine at Fashion Bug at 978-374-8885.
The night will begin with a song by Miss New England Teen, Shakala Alvaranga of Haverhill. Attendees will have a chance to meet physicians dedicated to women's health issues, ask questions and learn about the latest advances and treatments for breast cancer and how early women should begin screenings.
Representatives from New England PET Imaging, American Cancer Society, Lady Grace, Skin Serenity and LAP Designs will also be on hand.
The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, or to register, please call Mary O'Neil at 978-420-1157.
Breast cancer seminar
MVH's Chief of Surgery, Kathryn Hughes, MD, will present the seminar "Breast Cancer Awareness: What Does That Really Mean?" on Oct. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Langley-Adams Library, 185 Main St., Groveland.
Attendees will learn who is at risk for getting breast cancer and how common it is. They will also learn about breast cancer assessment as well as breast health and screening.
Free and open to the public. Light refreshments served. One free contact hour will be awarded to health care professionals at the end of the presentation. Information or registration, call Deb Hoadley at 978-372-1732.
Salem cancer group welcomes speaker
Clinical therapist Michael Oster will be \] guest speaker at The Salem Support Group on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Granite State Baptist Church, 1 Sandhill Road, Salem, N.H.
Oster has more than 20 years experience and has worked with cancer patients and caregivers.
Open to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and family. The group meets on the first and third Monday of the month.
For information, call Carol Demers at 603-893-4662.
Diabetes Clinic recognized for quality
The American Diabetes Association recognized the Anna Jaques Hospital Diabetes Education Clinic for its diabetes self-management education program.
The Association's Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs, such as the one at Anna Jaques, meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education programs.
In receiving the certificate, the Association said that the AJH program delivers "high quality education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment."
The ADA recognition status recognizes that the Anna Jaques clinic has a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management
According to the American Diabetes Association there are 20.8 million people in the U.S. with diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, 6.2 million people are not aware that they have the disease.
MVH laboratory receives accreditation
Merrimack Valley Hospital Main Laboratory was awarded an accreditation by the College of American Pathologists based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.
The laboratory's director was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the "excellence of the services being provided." Merrimack Valley Hospital Main Laboratory is one of nearly 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.
During the accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory's records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. inspectors also examine the staff's qualifications, the laboratory's equipment, facilities safety program and record, as well as to the overall management of the laboratory.
This program is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.
Hospital offers meditation class
Merrimack Valley Hospital will offer free meditation classes with the Rev. Margaret Travers on Mondays, Oct. 12 and 19, at noon in the hospital Board Room, 140 Lincoln Ave. Classes will begin with qi gong, Chinese yoga movements designed to open the body and clam the mind, followed by chanting as time permits and a sitting meditation. The half-hour session closes with the "Five Limitless Thoughts," which are all positive thoughts for happiness as well as inner and outer peace for all. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call Yinelle at 978-521-8150.
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.
Local residents needed to drive cancer patients: The American Cancer Society needs Road to Recovery volunteers to drive local cancer patients to and from their chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. An integral part of treating cancer successfully is making sure cancer patients receive their treatments, but many find making transportation arrangements is a challenge. The American Cancer Society provided more than 19,000 rides to cancer patients in New England last year, but needs new volunteer drivers to keep up with the demand for transportation. Drivers use their own vehicle. The schedule for volunteers is flexible. Treatment appointments take place weekdays, primarily during business hours. Contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Blood pressure checks: 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.
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.
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.
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 information or to schedule an appointment, at 978-372-7252.
Merrimack Valley Hospital: A number of services are provided to members of the community, including:
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. Open to adults of all ages. Call 978-521-8550.
A 20-minute walking group meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon at the Lincoln Avenue side of the hospital.
Yoga classes are held on Wednesdays from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. in the hospital auditorium. Cost is $5.
Merrimack Valley Hospital is at 140 Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 978-374-2000.
