PROVIDENCE HOOD RIVER ADDRESSES
HEALTH ISSUES THOUGH CLASSES AND SERVICES

Dec. 21, 2009

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital recognizes the need to provide health information and services that address the unique needs of our community. Classes related to sleep disorders, diabetes education, smoking cessation and childbirth preparation will be held beginning in January. Following is a list of upcoming classes offered through Providence Hood River.

A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP
Many people suffer from a sleep disorders without knowing it. The negative side effects of untreated sleep disorders can wreak havoc on our quality of life and health. Cardiac problems, stroke, hypertension and diabetes all have a direct link to sleep disorders. Respiratory therapist Al Cady, M.B.A., a former sleep disorder sufferer and manager of Providence's sleep clinic, will review common sleep disorders, treatment options and offers participants a tour of the sleep clinic. A free screening is offered to help determine the need for further testing.

Choose from these course dates:
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11 and April 8

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Education Center
Fee: Free
To register, call 541-386-2055

DIABETES EDUCATION SERIES
Whether you have a new diagnosis of diabetes or have been dealing with it for some time, Providence offers patients and their families information and support. Certified diabetes educators Jennifer Price, R.N., C.D.E., and Kelly Chambers, M.S., C.D.E., will help you learn how to control diabetes through diet, exercise, stress management and medication. Each month, a series of four classes is offered, with each having the same topics.

9:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 12, 14, 19
1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 11, 16
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. March 9, 11, 16
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 13, 15, 20

Providence Hood River Health Services Building

Registration is required and includes a one-hour, private consultation. Insurance often covers the cost. Scholarships are available. A referral by your physician or health care provider is required. To register, call 541-387-6381

SMOKING CESSATION SERIES
This Providence pharmacist-assisted smoking cessation series is designed to help you quit smoking for good and is based on the American Lung Association's "Freedom from Smoking" course. Led by wellness coordinator George Thomas and respiratory therapist Al Cady, you'll learn a systematic approach to quitting through behavior modification techniques and coping skills designed to help you deal with stress, weight gain and smoking triggers. In addition, a pharmacist will assess your need for medication. Smoking cessation medications and class materials are provided at no additional cost. Pre-registration is required two weeks in advance and class size is limited to 10 people.

Session 1: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.:
Jan. 20, 25, 26, 27, 28
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10

Session 2: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.:
March 24, 29, 30, 31
April 1, 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Education Center
Fee: $250.

This 11-session series requires each participant to have a primary care physician to receive medications. Insurance often covers course expense. To register, call 541-386-2055.

Childbirth Education Weekend Course
This is a weekend series of classes to educate and support expecting parents. The course provides condensed but valuable information for a positive birth experience, including labor variations, comfort techniques, breastfeeding and what to expect after the birth of your baby. To register or for more information, call 541-387-6344.

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Education Center, 810 12th Street
6 - 8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22
9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23

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Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is part of Providence Health & Services, the state’s leading health system and largest private employer. Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is a full-service, critical-access hospital with a 24-hour Emergency Department. Providence offers a wide range of health care services in the communities of the Columbia River Gorge through its clinics, care centers and senior living facilities.