Linking You to Good Health      Your Life.  Your Health.  Your Way.  That’s the philosophy of Health Connections’ Health Link program.  We know your health is important to you and it is equally important to us.  Health Link classes are designed to help you navigate caring for your health, especially for individuals with chronic conditions.

Cancer Care
Cancer Support Group
First and third Wednesdays of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., SMH Classroom
SMH and the American Cancer Society offer a free support group for cancer patients, their family and friends. The group is facilitated by associates from the Cancer Care and Infusion Services and Case Management departments.

Look Good, Feel Better
June 9, July 14 and August 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., SMH Cancer Care and Infusion Services
SMH partners with the National Cosmetology Association and the American Cancer Society for this free program for cancer patients in any stage of diagnosis or treatment.  This seminar helps female cancer patients improve their appearance and self-image by learning hands-on beauty techniques to overcome side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.  Call 301-475-6070 to register.  Free.

Cancer Awareness Events
June 11, July 9 and August 6, 1 to 3 p.m., Health Connections
Check out these informational sessions on cancer-related issues.  In June, Dr. Mark Krasna, a thoracic surgeon, will discuss lung cancer and smoking cessation.  In July, our topic is cancer and nutrition with a cooking demonstration from Becky Sutay, a certified diabetes educator and dietitian.  In August, Dr. Kelly Fritz, a general surgeon, will provide free skin cancer screenings.  These programs are presented in cooperation with The Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center.

Diabetes
Diabetes Self-Management
Classes begin on June 11, July 9 and August 20, 10 a.m. to
1 p.m.; and June 12, July 17 and August 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Health Connections
Take the mystery out of diabetic meal planning, monitoring, treatment options and day-to-day coping with diabetes.  For more information about our American Diabetes Association Recognized Education Center, call 301-475-6019.  A physician’s order is required.

Keeping Current: Diabetes Education
June 25, 10 a.m. to noon, St. Mary’s Hospital
Come and learn more about the seven healthy behaviors in diabetes self-management: healthy eating, being active, self-testing, risk management, problem solving, medication and healthy coping.  As always, an “ask the educator” session will follow the presentation.  This class is free and open to the public; registration is required.  Please call 301-475-6019 to reserve your seat.

Diabetes Support Group
Call for dates and times, Northern Senior Center
Come and meet others with diabetes and help in developing a support group that meets your needs.  Please call 301-475-4002 for more information.

Cardiovascular Disease
Living Well with Heart Failure
June 12, 8 to 11:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Hospital Atrium
Diagnosed with heart failure but don’t know what that really means?  Come learn more about heart failure causes, prevention, disease management, nutrition tips, reading food labels and basic lifestyle changes sure to improve your quality of life.  Great opportunity for heart failure patients, family members and caregivers.  Special focus on emotional health and low-sodium cooking.  Light breakfast.  Call 301-475-6019 to register. Free.