Health Happenings: Feb. 16

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DATED EVENTS

Pregnancy and acupuncture: The Family Healing Center presents "Increasing Your Fertility Chances with Acupuncture," a special free seminar for women and couples who are having difficulty conceiving, at 6 p.m. Feb. 24. Christina Captain, DAOM (c), MSAOM, MSHN, MA, will explain how incorporating acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine into fertility treatment programs can enhance the chances of getting pregnant. This will be held at the Midtown Medical Park, 1219 S. East Avenue, Suite #107, Sarasota. Reservations are required; call 941-951-1119.

'Lose Big, Win Bigger': The third annual "Lose Big, Win Bigger" fitness challenge to help promote healthy lifestyles will kick off on Feb. 29 at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St., Sarasota. The eight-week challenge will begin with a weigh-in at RLTCC. Over the coming weeks, participants will be challenged and encouraged to get fit and lose weight through diet and exercise. Prizes, including a Garmin Vivosmart HR, Ninja Blender package, and a $150 gift card to Fit2Run, will be awarded to those who lose the largest percentage of body weight. The final "weigh-out" for the challenge will be held on April 25. Entry fee: $25 per person and includes a three-month full access pass to RLTCC, three complimentary fitness classes per week (Blend Zone, Zumba and yoga), gait analysis by Fit2Run, and a 10 percent off discount card to Fit2Run. For more information contact Jerry Fogle or Emily Oberlin at 941-954-4182 or visit www.RLTaylor.com.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Aging concerns: Manatee Aging Network, a voluntary coalition of people representing both for-profit and nonprofit health, human and social service organizations and others concerned with aging issues, meets 9-10 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Waters Edge of Bradenton, 3132 21st Lane W., Bradenton. Networking begins at 8:30 a.m. Information: 941-748-7797.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group: Meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch Welcome Center, 8141 Lakewood Main St., Suite 102, Lakewood Ranch. Call 941-893-5710 to R.S.V.P.

Cancer-patient groups: These cancer-patient groups meet at Blake Medical Center, 2020 59th St. W., Bradenton. Information: BlakeMedicalCenter.com/cancer. For information and registration, call 888-359-3552.

Exercise class for breast cancer patients with Marsha Shuford 941-798-2141; noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays; Cancer Support Community at Blake.

American Cancer Society at Blake open 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays in the Cancer Resource Center. Information: Tricia, 798-6588.

Mended Hearts Support Group, third Thursday of the month, Medical Arts Building, room 3400. RSVP to 941-798-6500.

Caring Friends Support Group: meets 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Dolphin Pelican Room at Blake. The group is free, doctor-supported and no registration is required. Information: Winnie Schroeder, 941-792-7204.

Chronic Kidney Disease Education: A free class is offered on chronic kidney disease that covers causes, progression and treatment options. Individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or with diabetes and/or high blood pressure can benefit greatly from this education. Call Tracy at (941) 405-9683 to register for a class or individual session. This education is available ongoing at one of two Bradenton locations: 520 Manatee Ave E. in East Bradenton or 5902 Point West Blvd. in West Bradenton.

Fitness classes: The Senior Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, offers Yoga Stretch at 11 a.m. Mondays and Muscular Strength and Range of Movement at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both classes are suitable for varying levels of mobility. Cost: $5 for SEC Members, $7 for guests and free to Silver Sneakers participants. Information: 941-749-0100.

H2U programs: These events are offered by H2U, an adult health and wellness organization sponsored by Blake Medical Center. Individuals pay a $20 annual membership fee, and become members of the national H2U program. Some of the benefits include: VIP hospital privileges; upgrade in room, if available; free daily local newspaper; complimentary meal plan for a spouse or caregiver during member's inpatient hospitalization; and Medicare Part A Deductible may be waived. For specific events and reservations, call 1-888-359-3552. To receive H2U Program information and membership application, call 941-792-0211. Activities offered include aerobics, bridge lesson, bingo, tai chi, line dancing, Wii, Zumba and more. The Cortez Center is at 6670 Cortez Road; the Bayshore Center is at 6049 26th St. W.; the Ellenton Center is at 7042 U.S. 301 N. For more information, call 941-792-0211; for reservations, call 888-359-3552.

LRMC programs and support groups: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., holds the following ongoing programs and support groups: diabetes support group, Healthy Hearts support group, Heart Device support group, childbirth education classes, new mom and baby group, prenatal yoga. For information on these programs, call 800-454-8215.

MMH programs and support groups: Manatee Memorial Hospital, 206 Second St. E., Bradenton, 941-746-5111 hosts the following classes, support groups and programs at the hospital: MOMM's Place/Perinatal Education Classes for moms, dads and families including: Prepared Childbirth, Your Amazing Newborn, Introduction to Breastfeeding, Keeping Baby Safe, Lowdown on Labor, Mommy Yollet, Car Seat Check Ups, classes held in MOMM's Place, MMH Medical Office Building Suite 3F, call 941-745-6925. Support Groups include: Women Living with Cancer Support Group, meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays at MOMM's Place, MMH Medical Office Building Suite 3F, call 941-745-6925; HOPE Stroke Support Group in partnership with Florida Home Health, for stroke survivors and caregivers 4-6 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Bradenton Country Club, call 941-773-4628; Senior Advantage (50+) offers services designed to enhance health and well-being. Call the "What's Happening Line" at 941-745-7308 for information on events during the month, 941-745-7548 to find out about joining.

For more information on community seminars, events and programs offered by Manatee Memorial Hospital, call 941-745-7545 or check manateememorial.com.

Memory testing: Bradenton Research Center under the supervision of Dr. W. Alvin McElveen offers free memory testing 1-5 p.m. Thursdays at 3924 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton. No appointment necessary. Information: 941-708-0005 or bradentonresearch.com.

Parenting and family matters: Family Resources, 361 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton, offers a variety of workshops, including "Relating to Your Teen: How to Improve Your Relationship," free workshop and snack offered 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays; crisis intervention, family

assessments and individual, group and family counseling; voluntary pay; and individual, marital, group and family support counseling for children and their families confronting difficulties involving family separation and divorce. Information: 941-741-3575.

CLASSES

Creative Movement Class: Bella Danza Dance and Ballroom Academy has added a class designed and structured for children with handicaps. Children will explore music and dance in a variety of stimulating and fun activities and exercises. The class is appropriate for children or teens with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, deafness, blindness, wheelchair bound, Down's Syndrome, and others. The class meets at 2 p.m. Saturdays at The Bella Danza Studio, 5702 Manatee Ave. W. Cost: $50/month. Information and registration: belladanzadance.com or Cindy Tanner at 941-301-5854.

Diabetes programs, classes: Manatee County Rural Health Services offers a free program for diabetic patients, including classes, to help them better manage their disease. Information: Rosa at East Manatee clinic, 941-708-8700, or Sherian at the North Manatee clinic, 941-721-2020.

Free diabetes classes are offered 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at the Southeast Administration Building, 919 53rd Ave. E. The classes will teach participants how to prevent and delay related diabetes complications, help control blood sugar levels and more. Information: 941-751-8100.

A free diabetes and obesity education class meets 10-11 a.m. the first Saturday of the month at the RTI Insurance Building, 6371 Business Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The class is also offered 4-5 p.m. the first Friday of each month at Pinnacle Medical Center, 315 75th St. NW., Bradenton. Space is limited; call 941- 504-4000 for reservations.

"OutSmart Diabetes" Healthy Lifestyle Education Program offers updated classes on a regular basis, focusing on anyone wanting to live a healthier lifestyle.

Day or evening classes offered. Six-hour comprehensive education class, held over two days, three hours each day. C Pre-registration requested; call 941-232-3846.

Fitness: G.T. Bray has announced a group fitness schedule which includes Yoga, cycling, karate, gentle aerobics, Zumba and more. Call 941-742-5923 or visit mymanatee.org for class schedule and membership information.

Support, classes for women: The Women's Center Classes and Support Groups at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., hosts these classes and events:

Health Education lectures on diabetes. Meetings are held weekly. Information: 941-232-3846.

ALS Association Resource Group. Meetings are held 1-3 p.m. first Friday of the month. Information: 888-257-1717.

More information and reservations: 782-2100 or visit lakewoodranch medicalcenter.com.

Senior exercise: Fit & Firm Fitness Studio is hosting affordable baby boomers and seniors low-impact fitness class: 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. at 3 p.m. Tuesdays and 9:30 and 11 a.m. Fridays. Seniors find out how you can exercise for free. Information: 941-756-8850 or trainerforce.net/personalfitness.

This story was originally published February 23, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Health Happenings: Feb. 16 ."