News

Lakeland HealthCare looking to your good health in 2009

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 10:30 AM EST

Tackling health concerns in the New Year, Lakeland HealthCare has announced three free health events being offered in 2009.

The free programs address weight loss, minimizing the risk of developing diabetes and beauty techniques for female cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Protect yourself against diabetes

Helping anyone with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, who may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, Lakeland HealthCare is offering a free program being held Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 1:30 to 4 p.m., at Lakeland Community Hospital, 31 N. St. Joseph Ave. in Niles.

The program does not require a physician referral and is designed to help area residents change their lifestyles to delay - or avoid - the onset of diabetes.

Officials at Lakeland say that according to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the biggest public health crisis of the twenty-first century. And nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States have the disease, including 5.7 million people who have not been diagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Each year, more than 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed. Another 57 million people are estimated to have pre-diabetes, a condition that increases the risk for diabetes. Early diagnosis of the disease is critical to successful treatment in order to delay or prevent complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease.

Pre-registration for the free pre-diabetes class is required.

Lose weight and gain confidence

The Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center is offering a free seminar, "Losing Weight...Finding Yourself." The seminar is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Lakeland Regional Medical Center, 1234 Napier Avenue, St. Joseph.

The seminar will feature Dr. Michael Schuhknecht. Schuhknecht is considered one of Michigan's most experienced bariatric surgeons. In addition, staff members of the Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center will discuss programs for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight for years to come.

The Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center specializes in working with individuals to create a customized lifestyle plan, including medical weight loss management through diet or bariatric surgery, nutrition counseling, individualized exercise programs, and monthly support groups.

Lakeland reports that according to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 127 million adults in the United States are overweight and obese. Individuals more than 40 percent overweight are twice as likely to die prematurely as someone of average weight. The good news: losing as little as five to 15 percent of your initial body weight can reduce your risk of diabetes and other illnesses, and can even eliminate your need for some medications.

"Losing Weight ... Finding Yourself" seminars will be held at Lakeland facilities in both Niles and St. Joseph each month.

Finding beauty

in beating cancer

Lakeland HealthCare will offer "Look Good ... Feel Better," a free two-hour seminar for women who are currently undergoing active chemotherapy, at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, at the Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services, 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph.

Class sizes are limited for "Look Good ... Feel Better," a seminar being presented in cooperation with the American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association. "Look Good...Feel Better" is a program designed to teach beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help restore their appearance and enhance their self-image during radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Licensed cosmetologists will provide cosmetic advice, information on skin care, and guidance on the use of wigs, turbans, and scarves.

Each participant will receive a free make-up kit valued at $300 from the Personal Care Products Council for use during and after the seminar.

"Look Good ... Feel Better" seminars will be held the second Monday of each month at the Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services.

Pre-registration for this free program is required.

For more information or to register:

Diabetes Program: call 683-5510 ext. 5465, or visit www.lakelandhealth.org.

"Losing Weight...Finding Yourself" Seminar: call 687-4673 or (877) 467-3858, or visit www.lakelandhealth.org/weightloss.

"Look Good...Feel Better" Seminar: call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544, or visit www.lakelandhealth.org.

Print this story   |   Email this story