Health bulletin board www.spokeseman.com/livewell/
New listings
Pre-Diabetes Class - In this two-part series you will gain the understanding you need to help delay or prevent the progression of pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes for yourself or a loved one. Support person can participate at no charge. To register and for information, visit http://wellness.inhs.org. Jan. 12 and Jan. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Suite 245. $30. (509) 232-8145.
Zumba with Sandy – Jan. 12-Feb. 26. Choose from three timeslots per week: Mondays at 4-5 p.m. or 5:15-6:15 p.m.; or Thursdays, 5:15-6:30 p.m. No classes on Feb. 16 and 19. Special attention is given to protecting backs, hips, knees. Perfect for boomers, beginners and beyond. Classes held at Family of Faith Community Church, 1504 W. Grace Ave. For registration or more information, call (509) 270-0053 or email sandy@ weissolutions.com. $30/any six classes; $54/any 12 classes.
Lunch and Learn: The Skinny on Body Fat - Learn the difference between essential and storage fat, the healthy percentage range of body fat depending on sex, age and weight, and what happens to your body fat when you gain or lose weight. Also, discover the most effective ways to decrease body fat in a healthy way. For more information, visit http://wellness.inhs.org. Jan. 15, noon-1 p.m., INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Suite 245. Free; bring your lunch. (509) 232-8138.
The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease - An education program by the Alzheimer’s Association. If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s time to learn the facts. This program provides information on detection, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment, and much more. This program is free and open to the public. No reservations necessary. Certificates of attendance available for professionals for $10. Jan. 27, 2 p.m., Hayden Public Library, 8385 N. Government Way, Hayden. Free. (208) 666-2996.
Living with Alzheimer’s for Younger-Onset Alzheimers - This is an education program by the Alzheimer’s Association that provides answers to the questions that arise for people concerned about younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you need to know, what you need to plan, and what you can do to ease the impact throughout the course of the disease. For more information or to register go to the Kroc Center Front Desk or online at www.krocsales.org/?site=cda. Feb. 10, 10 a.m., Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene. Free. (509) 473-3390.
Third Annual Dog People Blood Drive - The Inland Northwest Blood Center will have their bus parked in front of the clinic so that people can donate and the Pet Emergency Clinic Blood Bank will be there to do initial blood typing and temperament testing on dogs. For your dog to be an eligible donor they must be: more than 60 lbs., 1 to 6 years of age, happy and healthy. Feb. 14, 1 p.m., Lincoln Heights Veterinary Clinic, 2829 E. 27th Ave. (509) 535-3551.
Know the 10 Signs Early Detection Matters - A workshop presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future. No reservations necessary. Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m., South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. Free. (509) 473-3390.
Conversations About Dementia: Tips to Help with Family Conversations - This workshop will offer tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members about: going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving and making legal and financial plans. This program is presented without charge and open to the public. Certificates of attendance available for professionals for $10. March 12, 6:30 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 473-3390.
Upcoming
New Year’s Day: Ring in the Year with Intention - This workshop is a ritual practice in which to reflect on the past year and welcome in a new year. In the three-hour session there will be yoga, pranayama and some writing time of your intentions and a strong flow practice. Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Harmony Yoga South, 1717 W. Sixth Ave. $40. (509) 747-4430.
Nonsurgical Answer to Neck and Back Pain - Learn about the benefits of nonsurgical spinal decompression for neck and low back pain. The FDA approved treatment is critical in handling sciatica, herniated or bulging disc, degenerative disc disease. Limited seating; call to make reservations. Jan. 13, noon, Natural Spine Solutions, 3913 N. Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 966-4425.
Type 2 Diabetes/Heart Disease Prevention Study - A Washington State University Spokane research study for adults at risk for type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease. Participants will come to a one-hour meeting once weekly on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. for three months. Start date is Jan. 13. For more information, contact (509) 358-7676 or alissa.underhill@email.wsu.edu. This is a WSU IRB approved research study and there is no cost to take part.
Coping with Caregiver Stress - Dementia caregivers are more likely to experience high levels of emotional stress, depression, anxiety, impaired immune system response, health impairments, lost wages and depleted finances than non-caregivers. Learn the warning signs of caregiver stress and tips to reduce your stress. Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St. Free. (509) 473-3390.
Free Exercise Classes for Breast Cancer Survivors - Recent breast cancer survivors may be eligible for 12 weeks of free exercise classes with pre/post testing as part of a Washington State University Spokane research study. They will receive their test results and free exercise/nutrition education afterward. For more information, call (509) 358-7676 or email j.larsen@email.wsu.edu. WSU IRB approved research study.
Parenting/childbirth
Free Developmental Screenings - For infants and toddlers younger than age 3 living in Spokane County. Screenings include: language, physical strength and coordination, vision, hearing, feeding and behavior. Several sites are available. To make an appointment, call the Spokane Regional Health District’s Infant Toddler Network at (509) 324-1651.
Free Health Baby Weight Checks - For new moms and babies up to 1 year old. Offered Mondays-Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at Valley Hospital and Medical Center’s Lactation Office, first floor, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Call (509) 473-5706 or email johnsond@empirehealth.org or lloyddc1@empirehealth.org for more information.
Holy Family Hospital Maternity Center Tour - Meets at noon the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month or by appointment, Holy Family Hospital, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St. Free. Call (509) 482-BABY for more information or to make an appointment.
La Leche League - The breast-feeding support group meets the second Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Health Education Center in the Holy Family Medical Building, 5833 N. Lidgerwood., call (509) 484-0340 for more information; the first Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Airway Heights Library, 321 E. Herb St., Airway Heights, call (509) 244-4191; and the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at New Moon Family Wellness Center, 906 S. Cowley St., call (509) 484-0340 for more information. Visit www.lllofwa.org/ la-leche-league-spokane for more information about the group.
Lactation Counseling Services - For mothers and babies up to 1 year old. Offered Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m- 5p.m., and Saturdays by appointment, at Valley Hospital and Medical Center’s Lactation Office, 1st floor, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Cost varies, most insurance plans cover lactation consults. Call (509) 473-5706 or email johnsond@empirehealth.org or lloyddc1@empirehealth.org for more information.
Parenting Children of Divorce - Learn how divorce or separation affect children at different developmental stages, how to create a supportive climate for children reducing the affects of damaging conflict and gain communication skills to help handle conflict. Held the third Tuesday of the month, 6-9 p.m., at St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. Cost is $25 per person. Meets court requirements. Call (509) 483-6495 or visit www.sjfconline.org for information.
Parenting Classes - For single parents of children up to three years old, sponsored by Catholic Charities Childbirth and Parenting Assistance Program. Call for times and dates. Held at 12 E. Fifth Ave. Free and open to the public. To register, call (509) 455-4986.
Prepared Child Birth Classes - Six-week, 12-hour course is for those already pregnant and covers topics including prenatal care, nutrition, stages of labor, pain management, breathing, Cesarean birth, post-delivery care, infant CPR, newborn care and lactation. Classes are held 7-9 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, or in a condensed eight-hour format on select Saturdays. Cost is $60 per person/couple, preregistration is required. Held at Valley Hospital and Medical Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Call (509) 473-5446 or email frasert@empirehealth.org to register and for more information.