Community Briefs

Heart healthy fair: Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro will hold its annual Heart Healthy Fair Monday from 7:30 to 11 a.m. in the hospital’s conference rooms A, B & C. The fair will feature health screenings, general health information, and samples of heart healthy food. Blood pressure measurement, risk factor assessments, stroke screenings, and glucose and cholesterol testing will be offered free of charge. Cholesterol tests require a 12-hour fast. Test results will be mailed. Advance registration is required for the glucose and cholesterol testing. To make an appointment, call (508) 236-8555.

Emergency department temporary quarters: Taking a major step closer to a new emergency department, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island’s emergency services moved without interruption Jan. 29 to temporary quarters in the hospital’s MacColl building. Physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, information services, pharmacy, facilities management and environmental services staff helped to transfer equipment, supplies, patients and their families to the interim facility in the overnight move. Located in the former site of the hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation unit, the transitory facility will enable Memorial to continue to provide emergency care while construction and renovation of the existing department takes place. Completion of the new emergency department is scheduled for the fall.

Volunteers needed

American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program offers free transportation for cancer patients. With the high demand for rides in Rhode Island, the society has a need for local volunteers who can donate both their time and the use of their personal vehicle to drive patients to and from treatment. Drivers can choose what times are best for them, and driver availability is matched with the needs of patients who call requesting transportation. For more information, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour information line, 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Community VNA Hospice Care in Attleboro is looking for volunteers who are able to share daytime hours with patients to visit, offer companionship, and to help with administrative support. For more information on the spring training session starting March 24, call Carolyn Woodruff, (508) 222-0118, ext. 1371.

Support Groups

Breathing Club: Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro hosts a breathing club. The group will meet Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the hospital auditorium. For more information, call the Respiratory Care Department, (508) 236-7550.

Diabetes support group: A diabetes support group meeting will be held Feb. 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Sturdy Memorial Hospital. The topic will be “Diabetes update with Dr. Balasubramanian.” For more information, call Nursing Education, (508) 236-7015.

Caregiver support group: The Dora C. Howard Centre, Adult Day Services Building, 715 Putnam Pike, Greenville, will host a caregiver support group meeting Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. The free support group is for those caring for an adult who is impaired with a variety of disabilities including Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, or to confirm your attendance, call (401) 949-3890.

Breast cancer support group: Sturdy Memorial Hospital will host a breast cancer support group meeting Feb. 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms A, B & C. For more information, call Ellen Gilbert or Julia Twining, (508) 236-7015.

Cancer support group: You Are Not Alone, a support group for people living with cancer and their caregivers, will meet at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island on March 5 and 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in The Cancer Center located on the group floor of The Center for Primary Care. The group provides an opportunity for cancer patients and their significant others to be with people who understand them and what they are experiencing. For more information, call Gilda Medeiros, (401) 729-2789.

Diabetes support group: Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island hosts an ongoing Diabetes support group for individuals with Type I or Type II diabetes. The group will meet March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Sayles Conference Rooms 2 and 3. The support group meets regularly on the first Wednesday of each month. Members are encouraged to share experiences and learn about diabetes management. For more information, or to join, call (401) 729-2574.

Prostate support group: Sturdy Memorial Hospital will host a prostate support group meeting March 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in conference rooms A, B & C. For more information, call the Oncology Department, (508) 236-7010.

Multiple sclerosis self-help group: The Rhode Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a self-help group. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bear Hill Village, 156 Bear Hill Rd., Cumberland. For more information, call (401) 333-7972.

Programs and Classes

Infant CPR class: Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island will host an infant CPR class Feb. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. This class is for parents, grandparents or care providers. Each participant will learn how to administer CPR to an infant or young child in an emergency situation. The fee is $26 per person, or $36.50 per couple. For more information, or to register, call (401) 729-2510.

Reiki information program: Women & Infants Center for Health Education, 2168 Diamond Hill Rd., Woonsocket, will host a free Reiki information program. The program “An Introduction to Reiki,” will be held Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. For more information, or reservations, call 1-800-574-0221.

Diabetes outpatient education: Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island will sponsor a program for people with diabetes on Tuesdays from March 4 to April 8. The Diabetes Outpatient Education (DOE) program, taught by state certified instructors, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the hospital. The program is designed for anyone with preexisting or new diabetes. For more information, or to register, call Memorial’s Ambulatory Specialty Clinics at (401) 729-2241 or (401) 729-2503.

Prepared childbirth: Prepared childbirth classes are offered for women during the last two months of pregnancy. Classes are held at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island in Sayles Conference Room 1. Topics covered include labor coping skills, breathing patterns, when to go to the hospital, a tour of the hospital, birth movie and newborn care. Classes will be held March 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call (401) 729-2510.

The healer within: Women & Infants Center for Health Education, 2168 Diamond Hill Rd., Woonsocket, will host “The Healer Within.” Discover the differences between healing and curing, March 6 at 7 p.m. A $5 donation is requested. For more information, or reservations, call 1-800-574-0221.

Colon cancer prevention: Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island will offer a free program entitled “Colon Cancer Prevention — What’s your Risk,” March 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. in Sayles Conference Room 1. The public is invited. Jeremy Spector, MD, director of the Endoscopy Center, will lead a discussion on the important of a colonoscopy, preparation for screening and benefits. A light breakfast will be served. Advance registration is recommended. For more information, or to register, call (401) 729-2459.