Pre-diabetes, diabetes, mental health, childbirth & CPR classes offered

Springfield Medical Care Systems is sponsoring free health education programs in August and September. All programs are open to the public. Register now for any of the following classes:

• August’s Pre-Diabetes Education class will convene 6:30 to 7:30 p.m, Wednesday, Aug. 7 at Springfield Hospital Meeting House on the hill at 25 Ridgewood Road. The program is held on the first Wednesday of each month and provides an overview of the signs and symptoms of pre-diabetes, and education about how lifestyle choices, diet and nutrition can have a positive impact on overall health. Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Barbara Bye, RD, CDE at 802-885-7670.

• Wellness Recovery Action Plan – Hope, Healing, Balance, Acceptance, Recovery from 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday from Aug. 7 to Sept. 25 at Springfield Health Center, 100 River St., Springfield. This program is recommended for those struggling with mental health difficulties, and may also be dealing with physical health or substance abuse issues. Attendees work on their own wellness toolbox and establish a daily maintenance plan. Caregivers or human service providers who wish to aid others in their recovery process will also benefit from this program. Please contact Michelle Kuusella at 802-886-8946 to register or email mkuusela@springfieldmed.org.

• Childbirth Education Class will meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31 in the Springfield Hospital Library. Taught by a Certified Childbirth Educator, the class is designed to prepare women and their partners for the labor and birth process. New parents are encouraged to sign up for this class two months in advance of their due date. Bring two pillows and your lunch. To register, call Sandy at 885-7686.

• Living Well with Diabetes will meet 5 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Springfield Health Center, 100 River St., Springfield. This class is for adults 18+ years of age, diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Learn to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Contact Michelle Kuusela at 802-886-8946 to register or email mkuusela@springfieldmed.org.

• Family and Friends CPR runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 9. The American Heart Association Family and Friends CPR Course will teach the lifesaving skills of adult Hands-Only CPR, child CPR with breaths, adult and child AED use, infant CPR and relief of choking in an adult, child, or infant. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment by using the AHA’s research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR practice time possible. A CPR card does not come with this class. If you need a CPR card, contact Sandy regarding a Heartsaver Class. Pre-registration is required and can be made by calling Sandy at 885-7686.

For a complete listing of educational programs offered by Springfield Medical Care Systems to help you live a healthier life, please visit the education and support calendar at www.springfieldmed.org.
— Compiled by Susan Lampe-Wilson