UConn Health Center May Programs, Events

Here’s what’s happening in May and early June 2013.

May 2013 calendar

May 2013 calendar

Here is a list of University of Connecticut Health Center programs scheduled for May and early June 2013. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (updated 5/13)

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, May 1, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Center, Dowling North Building
The UConn Health Center’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

Free Program: “Non-prescription Ways to Improve Your Cholesterol Levels”
Wednesday, May 1, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Center, Keller Auditorium
Physician assistant Bradley Biskup of the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center’s Lifestyle Modification Program discusses the effects of exercise and diet on cholesterol and cholesterol-lowering supplements such as fish oil. Seating is limited. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, May 2, 6 to 8:30 p.m., UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG052
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, May 4, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Walk for Bladder Cancer
Saturday, May 4, 1 p.m.
, Farmington River Trail Walk, 352 Collinsville Road, Farmington

Proceeds from this national effort to raise awareness of bladder cancer benefit the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network’s research and patient support programs, which include the UConn Health Center’s bladder cancer support group. Call 860-933-8147 or email khuestis734@charter.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, May 4, 3 to 4 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health Center patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679- 6580 or email sampson@uchc.edu for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Wednesday, May 8, 9 to 10 a.m., Dowling North Medical Building, 3rd floor
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This is a new program scheduled to meet the second Wednesday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Ayurveda & Wellness Series: “Cooling Herbs for Summer”
Thursday, May 9, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.,
UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG013

Learn about the medicinal properties of cooling herbs and how to use them for your health and wellness. Recipes for preparation will be discussed along with their health benefits. Registration fee is $30. Please email aguha@att.net to register or for more information.

Free Ayurveda & Wellness Program: “Breathe to Relax”
Thursday, May 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Room EG013

This supportive care program for cancer patients and their caregivers is designed to help relieve stress and impart relaxation with techniques adopted from Ayurvedic yogic practices with scientifically proven benefits. The sessions generally meet every other Thursday. Please email aguha@att.net for more information, including what to bring. Register by calling 800-535-6232.

Breast-feeding Class
Thursday, May 9, 7 to 9 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Classes usually are held on the first Thursday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, May 13, noon to 2 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center

“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered monthly, generally on the third Tuesday, and are not limited to UConn Health Center patients. Registration is required: call 860-679-7820 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

(time updated 5/13)
New “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, May 14, 4 to 5 p.m. 5 to 6 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Dowling North, 3rd floor
This is an introductory session that includes an individualized healthy meal plan from registered dietitians, both traditional and a new shake plan. Six weekly sessions follow and include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, smart shopping, and summer holiday eating. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

(as of 5/7, this program is full, now with a wait list)
Free Discovery Series: “Hijacked by Your Brain”
Tuesday, May 14, 7 to 9 p.m.
, Keller Auditorium

Psychiatry professor Julian Ford discusses what causes us to feel stress, how to stop and think before reacting to stressful situations, and stress management techniques. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.

Free Program: “Non-prescription Ways to Improve Your Cholesterol Levels”
Thursday, May 16, Noon to 1 p.m., Southington Library, 255 Main St., Southington
Physician assistant Bradley Biskup of the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center’s Lifestyle Modification Program discusses the effects of exercise and diet on cholesterol and cholesterol-lowering supplements such as fish oil. Seating is limited. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

(location updated 5/10)
Free IVF Information Session

Thursday, May 16, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Free Workshop: “Spiritual Conclave: Mind, Matter and Consciousness”
Friday, May 17, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG013

Spiritual Conclave provides a platform for discussions on global issues, various aspects of mind, matter and consciousness (mind, body and spirit), spirituality, preservation of nature, natural phenomena, health, healing and wellness incorporating science, philosophy, humanity and research. Registration is not required. Please email aguha@att.net for more information.

Ayurveda & Wellness Series: “Herbs for Aging”
Friday, May 17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG013

Learn the anti-aging properties of selected herbs and how to use them along with some of the techniques to improve memory, vitality and vigor. Registration fee is $30. Please email aguha@att.net to register or for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, May 18, 2:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Ayurveda & Wellness Series: “Healing Tea”
Thursday, May 23, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG013

Learn the medicinal properties of various herbal teas, how to prepare them and when to use them. Registration fee is $30. Please email aguha@att.net to register or for more information.

Free Ayurveda & Wellness Program: “Breathe to Relax”
Thursday, May 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Room EG013

This supportive care program for cancer patients and their caregivers is designed to help relieve stress and impart relaxation with techniques adopted from Ayurvedic yogic practices with scientifically proven benefits. The sessions generally meet every other Thursday. Please email aguha@att.net for more information, including what to bring. Register by calling 800-535-6232.

Melanoma Awareness Day
Wednesday, May 29, UConn Health Center Dermatology Associates, 21 South Road
In observance of Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, the UConn Health Center Department of Dermatology will provide free MelaFind screenings with a scheduled medical office visit May 29. Referral is needed. Please call 800-535-6232 to make an appointment or for more information.

(listing removed 5/3)
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Wednesday, May 29, 5 to 6 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room

Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health Center patients) are invited to join this new forum for those affected by head and neck cancers, generally held on the last Wednesday of the month. Light snacks will be provided. Please call 860-679-3066 or email tawfik-yonkers@uchc.edu to RSVP or for more information.

(listing removed 5/3)
Gynecological Cancer Support Group
Thursday, May 30, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room

Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health Center patients) are invited to join this forum for those affected by gynecological cancers, such as ovarian, endometrial, cervical, fallopian tube, or peritoneal, which generally meets the last Thursday of the month. In collaboration with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, this will be a place to share experiences and information and provide a supportive community. Please call 860-679-1144 or email mparente@uchc.edu to RSVP or for more information.

(location updated 5/10)
Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, May 30, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
, Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, June 1, 3 to 4 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health Center patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679- 6580 or email sampson@uchc.edu for more information.

Infant Care Class
Monday, June 3, 7 to 9 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
Offered for expectant parents and caregivers, the discussion topics include appearance and behavior of the newborn, car seat and home safety issues, well child care and the importance of immunizations, choosing a pediatrician, and practice with diapering and bathing a newborn. Classes usually are held on the second Monday of every month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, June 5, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Center, Dowling North Building
The UConn Health Center’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

(location updated 5/10)
Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, June 6, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
, Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Breast-feeding Class
Thursday, June 6, 7 to 9 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Classes usually are held on the first Thursday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, June 8, 2:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Wednesday, June 12
, 9 to 10 a.m., Dowling North Medical Building, 3rd floor
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This is a new program scheduled to meet the second Wednesday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Directions to the UConn Health Center are available at www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.


Follow the UConn Health Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.