Today

Recover Mental Health – Covers effective management of the symptoms of mental illness. This course offers education, skills, self-awareness and action plans geared toward recovery of mental health for adults. Twelve-week course begins today, 10-11:30 a.m., at 1016 N. Superior St. Cost is $15 per session, scholarships are available. Call (509) 483-0428 to register and for more information.

Sibling Preparation – This class will help prepare children ages 2-6 for their role as a big brother or sister. One parent or caregiver must be present with child; 6-7 p.m., at Holy Family Health Education Center, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St. Cost is $10 per child, preregistration is required. Call (509) 232-8138 to register and for more information.

Upcoming

Bringing Baby Home – Newborn-care classes for expectant mothers and families. Thursday and Oct. 2, 6:30-8:30 pm., at Kootenai Health, 2003 Lincoln Way, Coeur d’Alene. Cost: $10. For registration and information call (208) 666-2030 or go to www.kootenaihealth.org/education.

Good Samaritan Wellness Fair – Sponsored by the Good Samaritan Community Center, with more than 20 healthy living and planning resource vendors. Event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be available; $3 for a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water. Thursday, at the community center, 17028 E. Eighth Ave. For more information call (509) 924-6161, ext. 650.

Mental Health Recovery Conference – Sponsored by State of Idaho Region 1 Mental Health for adults suffering from mental illness. Thursday, morning conference from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and evening from 7-9 p.m., at Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. Cost $5 to $30. For more information, call Jean Leeds at (208) 769-1406.

Journal Writing for Holistic and Spiritual Mental Health – Sponsored by St. Joseph Family Center, “Journal to the Self: 22 Paths to Personal Growth” is a four-week course for beginner and experienced writers. Saturdays through Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the St. Joseph conference room. Cost: $90, plus $10 for books. Scholarships available. For registration and information, call (509) 483-6495.

Intro to Meditation – Seven-week program designed for those interested in beginning their own meditation practice or to act as a support to those with a current meditation practice; structured for discussion regarding personal experience, philosophical background, current scientific investigations of meditation, and formal practice. Meets Wednesdays through Oct. 22, 7-8:30 p.m., at Twist Yoga Studio, 176 S. Howard St. Cost is $85, includes free access to classes on Saturday at 9:30 a.m., and a set of instructional CD’s. Call (509) 995-5505, e-mail Shelley@twistyogastudio.com, or visit www.twistyogastudio.com for more information.

Tai Chi Chih – Healing meditation through strategic body movements. Wednesdays, through Oct. 15, 4-5 p.m., at St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. Cost is $8 per session ($40 if paid in full). Call (509) 483-6495 or visit www.stjosephfamilycenter.org for more information.

Tai Chi for Diabetes – 10-week class, Mondays, through Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-noon, at Valley Senior Center at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, cost is $75; , through Nov. 17, 1:15-2:15 p.m., at Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, cost is $40 for members, $75 for nonmembers; Sept. 16-Nov. 18, 10-11 a.m., at Rockwood at Hawthorne Community, 101 E. Hawthorne Road, cost is $75, or $60 for residents.

Tai Chi for Health – 12-week class, through Dec. 2, 1-2 p.m., at Lilac Blind Foundation, 1212 N. Howard St., cost is $75; 10-week class, Sept. 16-Nov. 18, 6-7 p.m., at Valley Senior Center at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, cost is $75. Classes are presented by Tai Chi for Health, P.O. Box 11862. Call (509) 468-0587 or (509) 979-4128 or e-mail taichihelp@salescreators.com to register and for more information.

Stretch and Flex Classes – Six-week program to increase flexibility, range of motion, and balance while improving overall muscle tone. Each session will provide a stretching and stability workout and end with a relaxation exercise. Open to all ages and levels. Cost is $45. Classes are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:15-10:15 a.m., at Millwood Community Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road. Call Sandy at (509) 927-8187 to register and for more information

“Understanding the Medicare Puzzle” Presentation – Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association; free and open to the public. No reservations required. Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-noon, at Bonner General Hospital’s Brown House, 520 N. Third Ave., Sandpoint. Participants should park in the hospital employee lot across Third Ave. Call Brian Casey at (208) 265-4514, ext. 615 or call the Alzheimer’s Association at (208) 666-2996 for more information.

New listings

Restorative Yoga – Learn restorative postures to engage the parasympathetic nervous system and to heal and rejuvenate the body. Meets Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. No experience necessary; drop-in’s are encouraged. $10 requested donation. Main Street Yoga, 20 W. Main Ave. Call (509) 869-0817, e-mail kim@mainstreetyogaspokane.com, or visit www.mainstreetyogaspokane.com for more information.

Yoga for Recovery – Learn easeful restorative postures, meditation, and breath work. Classes are Sundays, 7-8 p.m. All levels welcome, no experience necessary; drop-in’s are encouraged. $10 requested donation. Main Street Yoga, 20 W. Main Ave. Call (509) 869-0817, e-mail kim@mainstreetyogaspokane.com, or visit www.mainstreetyogaspokane.com for more information.

Prepared Childbirth – Four-week series for expectant parents in the last trimester; covers the stages and management of labor, breathing techniques, muscle toning and relaxation as well as the role of a partner/support person and care of mother and baby after birth. Cost is $75 per couple. Begins Thursday, 6-8 p.m., at Deaconess Medical Center, 910 W. Fifth Ave. Call (509) 232-8138 to register and for more information.

Community Health Fair – Will feature free spinal and scoliosis screenings, foot/orthotic screenings, blood pressure checks and child safety seat checks. Learn about health and how to better take of it to avoid more costly and difficult problems in the future. Saturday, noon-5 p.m., at Health Within Chiropractic Center, 2525 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls. Call (208) 777-7463 for more information.

“Return to Light-heartedness” – Free workshop for releasing depression, anxiety and abuse issues. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at Providence Center for Faith and Healing at Sacred Heart Medical Center, 101 W. Eighth Ave. Call (509) 534-7374, e-mail kari@kari-joys.com, or visit www.kari-joys.com/events.htm to reserve a spot and for more information.

Wellness Class – Free class sponsored by the Moscow Food Co-op, provides information on possible ways to increase energy through identifying nutritional deficiencies and making dietary changes. Monday, at 7 p.m., in the Co-op deli, 121 E. Fifth St., Moscow, Idaho. Seating is limited, reservations are encouraged. Call (208) 882-8537 to reserve a spot and for more information.

Free Insulin Class – Offered by CHER Diabetes Educators; Oct. 7, 6-8 p.m., at Holy Family Health Education Center, Room 5, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St. Call (509) 232-8145 to register and for more information.

Treatment Options for Hip and Knee Arthritis – Free presentation will cover surgical and nonsurgical options with a special interest in total joint replacements. Oct. 8, 6:30-8 p.m., at Holy Family Health Education Center, Room 1, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St. Call Spokane Orthopedic at (509) 489-2851 to register and for more information.

Healthy Fare 2008 – Hosted by the Riverpoint Campus Wellness Collaborative and Washington State University ExMet students; to educate and involve the community in exploring healthy lifestyle choices. Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Riverpoint Academic Center, 600 N. Riverpoint Blvd. Parking passes will be provided. E-mail healthfare2008@gmail.com for more information.

Cold and Flu Class – Oct. 15, noon-1 p.m., at Holy Family Health Education Center. Cost is free; a light meal will be provided. Call (509) 232-8138 to register and for more information.

Other programs

Adult Children from Dysfunctional Families and Co-Dependents – How to grow out of these dysfunctional patterns in a 26-week program of group therapy and support with tools for the results you want. Groups meet various weekday evenings from 7-9 p.m., or Saturday daytime, at Life Directions Counseling Center in Spokane Valley. For more information, call (509) 922-3915.

Adult Day Center – Holy Family Adult Day Centers offer structured programs designed to meet the needs of physically, mentally and functionally impaired adults and elderly by providing social services, nursing, rehabilitation, therapeutic recreation and a hot meal at noon. Two locations: 4827 S. Palouse Highway and 6018 N. Astor St. Call (509) 482-2475.

Alzheimer’s Association Helpline – In Spokane, call (509) 473-3390 or 24-hour help line, (800) 272-3900; Coeur d’Alene, call (208) 772-2542. Available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Amputee Support Group – Support for people with amputations and their family and friends. Meets the first Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m.-noon, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, 711 S. Cowley St. Visit www.stlukesrehab.org for more information.

Anger Management for Men – Ongoing six-week men’s group, Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m., St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. Cost: $15/session; for more information, call (509) 483-6495.

Bariatric Support Group – Meets monthly at Holy Family Hospital, Health Education Center, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St. Call (509) 252-6311 for times and for more information.

Bone Density and Blood Pressure Screenings – Deaconess Medical Center, 800 W. Fifth Ave., is offering screenings every Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Call (509) 473-2194.

Bone Density and Blood Pressure Screenings – Free screenings every Tuesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-noon, at Valley Hospital and Medical Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. No appointment needed. Offered by Valley Hospital and Medical Center Volunteer Services; call (509) 473-5415 or e-mail volunteers@empirehealth.org for more information.

Breast and Cervical Health Program – Provides eligible women with free health exams and mammograms sponsored by Spokane Regional Health District. Call (509) 324-1553 or (888) 461-8876.

Children’s Environmental Health Network – Web site offers information on organizations active in various fields, sources of data on child health and environmental hazards and more, www.cehn.org or call (202) 543-4033, e-mail at cehn@cehn.org.

Conservative Care Consultation – Surgery should be your last resort for back or neck problems and carpal tunnel syndrome. Utilize this free opportunity to find out if there is a nonsurgical alternative to your problem. Call Mark Guthrie, at (509) 327-8188.

Corbin Senior Activity Center Senior Services – Classes and groups for mental, emotional and physical health. The center also offers events, tours and meeting space. Call (509) 327-1584 for listings.

CPR, First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator Classes – Offered by the American Red Cross. Check the Web site for class schedules. Inland Northwest Chapter, 315 W. Nora Ave. Cost is $35-$55, call (509) 326-3330 ext. 216, or visit www.spokaneredcross.org.

Depression Screenings – Offered to adults by Eastman Consulting Services, 607 S. Government Way, Spokane. Free. Call (509) 456-2190.

Diabetes Education – Community Health Education and Resources offers group or individual instruction on diabetes self-management. Course is for clients and their families who are new to diabetes. Call (509) 232-8145 for class times, dates and locations.

Divine Health – Word of Faith Christian Center is offering a weekly class on how to live in divine health, Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Word of Faith Christian Center, 4001 N. Cook St. Call (509) 891-5253.

Dirne Community Health Center – Is a federally qualified community health center. It is accepting new patients regardless of their ability to pay, and offering mental health services. 1106 W. Ironwood Drive, Coeur d’Alene. For more information or to make an appointment, call the Center at (208) 292-0292.

First Aid/CPR Classes – Adult, child and infant first aid/CPR classes, new student and refresher courses, are available through The Safety Center, 1317 W. Kiernan Ave. Prices range from $35-$55. Registration is required. For more information, location and times, call Rick Bennett at (509) 979-0849 or e-mail nwss2@hotmail.com.

Health for All – This community-based healthcare access project links uninsured individuals and families in Eastern Washington with state health insurance programs and assists those who do not qualify for state-sponsored coverage by linking them with appropriate community resources. Call (866) 444-3066; in Spokane County, call (509) 444-3066.

Master Home Environmentalist Program – The American Lung Association of Washington is offering trained volunteers to offer solutions for indoor environmental health problems in your home. To schedule an appointment, call (509) 325-6516 or e-mail vjohnson@alaw.org.

Metaphysical Research Society – Meets the first Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m. Call (509) 838-8155 for more information.

Polio Outreach of Spokane – For information about post-polio syndrome, call Sharman Collins, (509) 448-8517, or e-mail sharmanrcollins@msn.com.

Qi-Gong Series – Classes to enhance confidence, relieve depression, and alleviate asthma symptoms and back pain. St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. Cost is $40 per series ($35 for students and seniors) or $8 per class. Call (509) 483-6495 for the schedule and for more information.

Reflexology – These individual foot and hand sessions will work to improve circulation, relieve tension and more with certified reflexologist Linda Bussard at 12 E. Rowan Ave., Suite L4. To schedule an appointment call (509) 998-1062.

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors HelpLine – The SHIBA HelpLine is free, confidential and impartial counseling with trained volunteers to help callers understand their healthcare and health insurance rights and options. Call (509) 458-2509 at Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington or the SHIBA HelpLine at (800) 562-6900.

Speech, Language and Hearing Screenings – Washington State University Spokane’s Speech and Hearing Clinic, Health Sciences Building, 310 N. Riverpoint Blvd. Open to children and adults. Appointments necessary. Call (509) 358-7580.

Striders – A community walking and exercise program promoting fitness, fun, friends and health education since 1995. Meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 8-9 a.m. at the Spokane Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place, and in Coeur d’Alene. For more information, call Carol at (509) 926-1697, or in Idaho call (208) 772-6381.

Drug and alcohol

Daybreak of Spokane – Offers residential and outpatient treatment for adolescents with emphasis on family. Downtown outpatient and residential, 960 E. Third St., (509) 444-7033; Valley outpatient, 11711 E. Sprague Ave., (509) 927-1991.

Nar-Anon – For friends and families of drug addicts. Group meets Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 301 S. Freya St. Call Walt and Lois, (509) 489-6368, or visit www.naranon.org.

Alcoholics Anonymous – For 24-hour support, call (509) 624-1442.

Tobacco Cessation Classes – Community Health Education and Resources Office is offering free tobacco cessation classes throughout Spokane. Call (509) 232-8138 or (509) 232-8139.

Tobacco Cessation Classes – Free for Group Health members. For a list of dates and times, call (509) 459-1086 or visit www.ghc.org.

Parenting/Childbirth

Blended Families Can Be Enjoyable – Teaches skills and techniques for dealing with the complexities and common difficulties of blended families. St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. Cost is $25 per person or $40 per couple. Call (509) 483-6495 for class times and more information.

Parent/Childbirth Education at Holy Family Hospital – Four-week class for expectant parents in last trimester. Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Holy Family Education Center, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St. Cost: $75 per couple. For registration and information, call (509) 232-8138.

Free Developmental Screenings – For infants and toddlers under 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.

Get in Touch with Your Baby – Learn infant massage in the Peaceful Place at the Women’s Health Center of Sacred Heart Medical Center, 101 W. Eighth Ave. The cost is $80, and registration is required. For class times, call (509) 474-2400 or visit www.intouchwithyourbaby.com.

Infant and Developmental Massage Classes – Individual and group classes offered in the Spokane area, call Lori at (509) 466-8435.

Happiest Baby on the Block – Learn to calm your crying baby; two-hour class at the Sacred Heart Women’s Center, Peaceful Place, 101 W. Eighth Ave. The cost is $45, and registration is required. Call (509) 474-2400 for class times or more information, or visit www.intouchwithyourbaby.com.

La Leche League– The breast-feeding support group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Manito United Methodist Church, 3220 S. Grand Blvd.; the second Friday at 10 a.m. at the Maternity Support Services Center, 235 E. Rowan Ave.; the second Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Airway Heights Library, 1213 S. Lundstrum St.; the first Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Liberty Lake Water and Sewer Building, 22510 E. Mission Ave. Call (509) 534-3674 for more information.

Holy Family Hospital Maternity Center Tour – Meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month, 8 p.m. or by appointment, Holy Family Hospital, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St. Free. Call (509) 482-BABY for more information or to make an appointment.

Parenting Children of Divorce – Meets the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month, 6-9 p.m., St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. Cost is $25 per person. The class fulfills court requirements. Call (509) 483-6495 for more information.

Parenting Class – Information to help parents improve parent-child relationships, build healthy attachments, and encourage positive behavior through love and logic. Four-part series meets Mondays, 6-8 p.m., St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. Cost is $80 per person or $90 per couple. Call (509) 483-6495 for more information.

Parenting Classes – For single parents of children up to 1 year, sponsored by Catholic Charities Childbirth and Parenting Alone Program. Call for times and dates. CAPA offices, 820 N. Summit Blvd., Suite 100. Free; for registration and more information, call (509) 325-7667.

Parent/Childbirth Education – Classes at Holy Family Hospital, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St., are offered through Community Health Education and Resources and include: Baby Care Basics, Breast-feeding Basics, Prepared and Refresher Childbirth, Sibling Preparation, Infant/Child CPR, Children at Birth, Sensational Beginnings, Communicating with your Baby, and Infant Massage. For dates and times call Community Health Education Resources Office at (509) 232-8138.

Chiropractic care

Free Scoliosis Screening – Enlist professional expertise to your service group or club. Call Loren C. Miller at (509) 327-3393.

Free Scoliosis Screening – The progression of scoliosis can be slowed or stopped and reversed in most cases without surgery. Utilize this opportunity to have your child evaluated. Call Mark Guthrie at (509) 327-8188.

Free Workshop – Bond Chiropractic Health Center offers a free workshop on alternative health-care topics, 307 W. Francis. Call (509) 489-1544 for times and dates.

Yoga

Yoga for People Living with Cancer – Beginner level classes for people living with breast cancer, currently in treatment, survivors, caregivers, family, and friends. Held on Tuesdays, 7 p.m., The Mellow Monkey Yoga Studio, 9017 E. Euclid Ave., Millwood. Cost is free. Visit mellowmonkeyyoga.com or email sereneyoga@comcast.net for more information.

Hatha Yoga – Small classes for all skill levels. Thursdays, 5:30-6:45 p.m.; St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. Cost is $25 per four-week series or $8 per class. Call (509) 483-6495 for the schedule and for more information.

Yoga Classes – Radha Yoga Center, 406 S. Coeur d’Alene St. Check the schedule at www.radha.org/spokane or call (509) 838-3575 for more information.

Hatha Yoga and Meditation – New class to explore how the practices of hatha yoga and meditation enrich each other; Tuesdays, through Oct. 14, 7-8:15 p.m. Cost is by donation. All classes are at Radha Yoga Center, 406 S. Coeur d’Alene St. Call (509) 838-3575, e-mail radhayoga@comcast.net, or visit www.radhayoga.org for more information.

Yoga Series for Patients – Six-week series, Thursdays, through Oct. 16, 11:15 a.m.-noon; for people living with ALS, cancer, or other chronic conditions, and their caretakers and family members. Learn to relax and meditate to increase optimism, ease tension, and sleep more soundly. Cost is by donation. All classes are at Radha Yoga Center, 406 S. Coeur d’Alene St. Call (509) 838-3575, e-mail radhayoga@comcast.net, or visit www.radhayoga.org for more information.