August 30, 2007

Mercy Previews Fall Community Education Calendar

Women’s health forums, educational programs and health screenings highlight the Fall 2007 schedule of community education events and classes offered by Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City.

In previewing the busy autumn schedule, Mercy’s community education coordinators say the hospital’s popular women’s health forums will continue to offer Siouxland women a chance to enjoy a delicious lunch and dessert and learn more about topics of interest to them.

An Oct. 25 women’s health forum, “Hormones and Aging: What is the Connection?,” will teach participants how low hormone levels can cause stress and aging. Pharmacist Amy Brandt will discuss customized hormone prescriptions as well as the importance of good nutrition, vitamins and supplements that can help slow down the internal aging process. The program at the Marina Inn in South Sioux City will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m.

On Nov. 28, a women’s health program, “Steppin’ into Common Foot Problems,” will help attendees better understand how certain types of foot wear can set the stage for many types of foot problems. Dr. Kristen Sigurdson, a podiatrist, will talk about the structure of the foot, causes of foot problems, and available treatment options. The luncheon program will convene from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Sioux City Convention Center.

The cost for each women’s health forum is $10, which includes lunch and dessert. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required for each program and may be arranged by calling Mercy at (712) 279-2989.

Other community education offerings on the fall schedule include a free “Meet the Expert” dinner program on Oct. 17 that will present information on blood cancers. Dr. Donald Wender, an oncologist, will offer new insights on treatment options and ways to cope with a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Even though the Oct. 17 dinner program is free of charge, pre-registration is required.

A free Diabetes Educational Forum will be held on Nov. 8 at the Sioux City Convention Center. Those attending the event will enjoy healthy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while visiting numerous educational booths from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. They will have a chance to learn more about foot care, the diabetes and hypertension connection, exercise for weight management, eye care, and the latest in insulin pumps, blood sugar meters and inhalable insulin. Dr. Andjela Drincic, an endocrinologist, will present a program at 6:30 p.m. No pre-registration will be necessary for the Nov. 8 Diabetes Education event.

Another free program on Nov. 29 will discuss blood sugar control and diet for those with diabetes. Mercy’s certified diabetes educators will present timely information and answer questions while attendees enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The educational session will convene from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Leiter Room. While the program is free of charge, those wishing to attend are asked to pre-register because seating is limited.

Another free program on Nov. 13 from noon to 12:30 p.m. will focus on decorating for the holiday season. Conny Dahl, a home decorating expert, will deliver tips on decorating wreaths, trees and the entire house. Those attending will also have a chance to enjoy hot apple cider and refreshments while shopping at the hospital auxiliary’s annual holiday show in Mercy’s South Lobby and nearby Leiter Room. Those wishing to attend the holiday decorating program are asked to pre-register.
Mercy will present the program “Coping with Anxiety, Stress and Depression,” on Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Room 300 of Mercy’s Central Medical Building. Lyn Marksbury, RNC, and Brian Damon, LMSW, will discuss the causes, symptoms and types of anxiety and depression. They will also talk about coping methods and treatment options. Because seating for the program will be limited, pre-registration and pre-payment of $5 (which includes refreshments) will be required.

Siouxland men are encouraged to make an appointment for a prostate screening on Tuesday, Sept. 11 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. The digital exam will be conducted by a urologist from the medical staff of Siouxland Urology Associates. The cost for the screening is $15. Appointments will be necessary, and can be arranged by calling (712) 279-2989.
Mercy will offer an osteoporosis screening on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the hospital’s Jones Street entrance. The cost for the screening will be $5. An appointment will be required for the bone density test.

Mercy will continue to offer its regular blood pressure screening each week through the fall season. Screenings will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. to noon on the first and third Thursday of each month in the hospital’s South Lobby, and from 10:00 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Friday of each month at the Siouxland Senior Center.

The hospital also offers a cardiovascular risk panel each weekday in three different Sioux City area locations. The screening, which includes a full cholesterol panel and glucose test, requires a 12-hour fast. The cost of the cardiovascular risk panel is $10 for the cholesterol panel, $4 for the glucose check, or $12 for both. Call Mercy at (712) 279-2995 for convenient times and locations.

Mercy also offers a comprehensive “Heart Smart” Vascular Screening by appointment each Tuesday. Stroke/carotid artery screenings, abdominal aortic aneurysm screenings, and peripheral arterial disease screenings are just $45 each. Or, all three screenings can be purchased for $99. Each screening also includes a free risk assessment, blood pressure check and body mass index calculation. Local cardiologists and radiologists read all of the results of the “Heart Smart” Vascular Screening. To make an appointment for a “Heart Smart” screening, contact the Mercy Heart Center at (712) 279-2098.

Mercy will also offer a full schedule of pregnancy and parenting programs including its Family Start Smart Series. Both a traditional series of programs on four consecutive Monday evenings and a special fast-track session on one Saturday each month will be offered to expectant mothers and their labor coaches.

The slate of parenting classes also includes Boot Camp for New Dads, a refresher class for expectant couples who previously attended childbirth class, a newborn care class, a breastfeeding class and infant/child safety and CPR training.

Mercy’s classes for kids this fall will include a sibling class on Oct. 16 and Dec. 4 for children ages 3 to 8 to prepare them to become the best big brother or big sister they can be.

Mercy’s popular babysitting class will be held on Friday, Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sponsored in conjunction with the American Red Cross, the class teaches kids who are 11 and older how to care for infants to school-aged children. The cost for the class is $20, which includes a handbook, certificate, two snacks, a pizza lunch and a t-shirt.

In an effort to help Siouxland parents, grandparents, and caregivers reap the many research-proven benefits of baby and toddler sign language, Mercy continues to offer classes in “KinderSign.” Taught by an experienced, certified KinderSign instructor, an Oct. 25 class will convene from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the hospital. The cost is $25 per couple or $15 per person. Pre-registration and pre-payment guarantees seating.

Mercy will offer a brand new “Move to the Musik” class starting this fall. A certified, licensed Musikgarten instructor will incorporate fun and learning for children ages birth to 4 years and they and their caregivers sing, dance, engage in focused listening, and play simple musical instruments to enrich the child’s development. Starting Sept. 12, the class will convene each Wednesday for 10 weeks. When pre-registering their child, parents can opt for either a 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. class or a 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. session. Parents interested in the new “Move to the Musik” program should call Mercy at (712) 279-2989 for more information. Early pre-registration is encouraged because the number of class participants will be limited.

Mercy community education coordinators emphasize that pre-registration is necessary for most of the classes and events outlined above. They also add that many of the classes and programs will fill quickly. For more information about Mercy’s schedule of educational events and activities visit the hospital’s web site at www.mercysiouxcity.com. If you would like to add your name to Mercy’s Community Education mailing list, call the hospital at (712) 279-2989.