UConn Health Center April Programs, Events

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

April 2013 calendar

April 2013 calendar

Here is a list of University of Connecticut Health Center programs scheduled for April and early May 2013. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (updated 4/9)

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, April 3, 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 IVF Information Session
Thursday, April 4, 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.

Breast-feeding Class
Thursday, April 4, 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 Lecture: Introducing 3D Mammography
Friday, April 5, 10 to 11 a.m.
, Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon

Specialists with the UConn Health Center will introduce a new type of mammogram that’s improving breast cancer screening by detecting the tiniest of abnormalities using 3D technology. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

UConn Health Center Auxiliary Book Sale
Friday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., UConn Health Center, Connucopia Gift Shop
The UConn Health Center Auxiliary is holding a book sale fundraiser. Call 860-679-8004. More information about the Auxiliary is available at http://auxiliary.uchc.edu.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, April 6, 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.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, April 6, 3:30 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, April 10, 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.

Free Lecture: “Gun Violence in Connecticut: A Public Health Issue”
Wednesday, April 10, noon to 1 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Onyiuke Dining Room

The 2012-2013 Robert U. Massey/Hartford Medical Society Noontime Lecture Series presents a talk by Lisa Rose-Rodriguez from the UConn Humanities and Medicine faculty study group. Please call 860-679-3200 or email miglus@uchc.edu for more information. Refreshments are provided. Register at http://hsecfs1.uchc.net/eventregistration. In case of inclement weather, call 860-679-2000.

Free Ayurveda & Wellness Program: “Breathe to Relax”
Thursday, April 11, 6 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.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, April 13, 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.

Free forum: “Are Dental Implants Right for Me?”
Wednesday, April 17, 6 to 7 p.m.
UConn Health Center, Center for Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry, main floor

Dr. Liansheng Song from the Center for Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry presents a free talk about the benefits of natural-looking dental implants. Register by calling 800-535-6232.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, April 18, 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.

UConn Health Center Auxiliary’s Spring Market
Friday, April 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Main Lobby
The UConn Health Center Auxiliary’s annual spring shopping event includes vendors in the main lobby, Keller lobby and mezzanine. For more information please call 860-679-2963.

(added 3/27)
Ayurveda & Wellness Series: “In Search of Optimal Health”
Friday, April 19, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG013

Develop an understanding of optimal health, how mind, body, and spirit/consciousness are connected and play a role in our wellness. Understand the components of body physiology and how taste and food play a role in health & wellness. Registration fee is $30. Please email aguha@att.net to register or for more information.

Free workshop: “Spiritual Conclave: Mind, Matter and Consciousness”
Friday, April 19, 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.

(added 3/27)
Ayurveda & Wellness Series: “An Approach to Ayurvedic Understanding of How Diseases Are Formed”
Friday, April 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Conference Room EG013

Develop an understanding of how our body /mind become susceptible to disease by imbalances caused in daily life and how lifestyle modifications can bring balance. Registration fee is $30. Please email aguha@att.net to register or for more information.

Infant Care Class
Monday, April 22, 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.

(added 4/2)
Free Program: “From Prenatal to Parenting”
Tuesdays, April 23-June 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Exchange, Building 4

The Nurturing Families Network of the UConn Health Center offers an eight-session group program for new expectant parents, with topics on understanding infants and the parent-infant relationship:

  • pregnancy and parenting adjustment
  • parent-child attachment
  • infant crying, feeding and sleeping
  • infant development
  • establishing routines
  • postpartum planning/community resources

Program materials and dinner are provided. Learn more at http://bit.ly/NFN0413. Call 860-679-4114 or email nurturingfamilies@uchc.edu to register.

New “Freedom From Smoking” Program Starts
Tuesday, April 23, 6 to 8 p.m.
, UConn Health Center, Katz Educational Conference Room

A seven-week program to help you quit smoking provides a tool box of smoking cessation techniques with personalized support. It meets Tuesdays through June 4. Fee is $50, refundable after successful completion of the program. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Discovery Series: Taking Aim at a Silent Killer in Older People
Tuesday, April 23, 7 to 9 p.m.
, Keller Auditorium

High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms or warning signs. During this program, you will learn about how to prevent the complications of high blood pressure in older people. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Wednesday, April 24, 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.

Gynecological Cancer Support Group
Thursday, April 25, 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.

Free Ayurveda & Wellness Program: “Breathe to Relax”
Thursday, April 25, 6 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.

(added 4/9)
Free Fertility Assessments

Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health Center, Dowling South Building
The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services is offering free fertility assessments to women ages 30-42 as part of National Infertility Awareness Week. Participants will complete a brief questionnaire about their gynecological, obstetrical, fertility and medical history and undergo a blood draw for an Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test, which is considered to be a strong indicator of fertility potential. Call 860-679-4580 or visit www.uconnfertility.com for more information.

(time changed 4/9)
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, April 27, 3:30 p.m. 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.

“Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program
Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m.
, UConn Health Center
This program starts with an introductory session (call to schedule) followed by six weekly sessions that include a weigh-in, discussion of successes and challenges, and tip of the week. Registration fee is $70. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

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 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.

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.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, May 16, 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.

(time changed 4/9)
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, May 18, 3:30 p.m. 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.

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


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