Health Happenings
200 Club Raffle: Raffle will support a renovation project to the Holyoke Medical Center’s auditorium. 200 tickets will be sold at $50 apiece. Starting on March 16th, the Auxiliary Association will draw weekly $100, $250, $500 winners and a $1000 winner over a period of several months. Call for details. Auxiliary Association, Holyoke, 413-534-2530, poutre_joan@holyokehealth.com.
Managing Depression: This 10-12 week group is for men and women who are suffering from depression. It aims to help participants develop skills in identifying situations and ways of thinking that trigger bouts of depression. Participants will also develop skills in emotional expression and communication of needs. Most insurance plans are accepted. Screening and intake sessions are required. Dates and times are provided once enrolled. Call Ruth for registration information. 413-586-8550 x350.
Massage Therapy: Foot, hand and chair massage by a registered massage therapist is offered to patients and recovering breast cancer survivors. Sponsored by the Rays of Hope. Every Tuesday. Franklin Medical Center, 164 High Street, Greenfield, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 413-773-2570.
Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Support Group: This group is specifically for people who are coping with a recent breast cancer diagnosis and up to 18 months of survivorship. Franklin Medical Center, 164 High Street, Greenfield, 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. First Wednesday of every month. 413-773-8557.
Open Drop-In, General Breast Cancer Support: For patients, friends and caregivers of those who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Franklin Medical Center, 164 High Street, Greenfield, 7 – 8:30 p.m., 413-773-8557.
The View: A program for and about women that addresses general health issues, including the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. Call for more details. Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St., Northampton, 413-582-2028.
Fitness 5K Run/Walk: Contact Claire Norton for more information. Garden House, Look Park, Florence, 11 a.m., Saturday, March 3, 413-256-1767, nortc@comcast.net.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Club: Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Center will be hosting the 11th Annual Ski and Feast for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. 100% of all proceeds from skiing/rentals after 1:00 and the dinner benefit the Food Bank. Call for reservations today! 339-4265 Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Club, West Hill Rd., West Hawley, Sunday, March 4, 413-339-4265.
The Spirit of Men: This small group of men meets to explore and deepen their spiritual quest within a safe and supportive atmosphere. Meets Monday, 7-9 p.m. beginning March 5th in Goshen. Cost: $150. Contact Jimmy for more information. Goshen, 7-9 p.m., Monday, March 5, 413-268-7090.
Mindful Meditation, Cultivating a Peaceful Heart: Meditation Group meeting at Mount Holyoke College. Focuses on a wholistic health experience through the practice of moment to moment awareness of experiences. Contact Gayle Higgins for further information and future dates. Mount Holyoke College, Abbey Chapel, South Hadley, 4:15 – 5:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 7, 413- 538-2000 x2054, http://www.umass.edu/uhs/health/getinvolved/nrbp.
Not Ready For Bedtime Players: Award-winning peer education theater troupe based at the UMASS University Health Services’ Health Education department. The group’s lively, entertaining skits address reproductive, social and emotional health issues impacting the university and surrounding communities. Performs Wednesdays beginning March 7th. 413-577-5181, Hampshire College, contact Gina for exact location. Amherst, 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 7 and every Wednesday.
AIDS CARE/ Hampshire County: A volunteer training will be held at the AIDS CARE offices. Volunteers are needed for the “Bridge” program that helps people living with HIV/AIDS with transportations needs, as well as “Gardeners” to assist in the HIV Community Garden Project in Northampton. Contact Court Cline at 586-8288 x2 to begin application process. AIDS CARE Offices, 10 Main St., Florence, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 413-586-8288 x2.
Tapestry Health Anonymous Rapid HIV Testing: Tapestry Health will be holding a session for anonymous rapid HIV testing at the Umass Amherst Campus Center on March 15th from 9 am – 3 pm. UMass Amherst Campus Center, 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, March 15, www.tapestryhealth.org.
St. Patrick’s 10K Road Race: Contact Race Director for more information. Wherehouse, Lyman St., Holyoke, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 413-562-7007.
Service of Remembrance: Baystate Children’s Hospital will hold a service of remembrance for those who have recently lost a child. Call to register. Chez Josef, Agawam, Sunday, March 25, 2007.
Resources
Breastfeeding Clinic: Multiple dates, times and locations for this clinic. Learn different positions and techniques to feed your newborn. Clinics are staffed with certified professionals, interns and volunteers. Call for details. Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St., Northampton,413-582-2096.
Cancer Care at Wing Memorial: The hospital’s Cancer Care staff members are dedicated to helping patients and families to deal with a cancer diagnosis. Wing Memorial Hospital, 40 Wright St., Palmer, 413-283-7681.
Childbirth 101: Multiple dates, times and locations for this class. Please visit www.cooley-dickinson.org for details. Class will assist parents with getting off to a good start with their newborn baby, including lessons necessary to make informed decisions about diet and general nursing care. Cost of the six-session course is $85. Call the Parent Education Line for more information. Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St., Northampton, 413-582-2736.
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture: Speak with practitioner Xiaoqiang Zhao Chen to schedule an appointment and learn how Chinese medicine, acupuncture and massage can improve a patient’s condition after undergoing chemotherapy. Patients may visit in order to improve general health and cure many common illnesses. Amherst Chinese Medicine, 29 Pray St., Amherst, 413-549-9944.
Mary Lane Hospital Oncology: Mary Lane’s Oncology Department offers health care for women in a comfortable and convenient setting. Mary Lane Hospital, 85 South St., Ware, 413-967-2351.
Reiki: This ancient non-invasive therapy is offered to all breast cancer survivors. Call to speak with Nancy for an appointment. Suite 2, 474 Main Street, Greenfield, 413-536-4973.
Screening Services for Uninsured Women: Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and Baystate Mary Lane in Ware will offer mammogram and pap test services to women who do not have access to health insurance. Call either location for more information. Baystate Medical Center/Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, Springfield / Ware, 294-967-2296.
Stroke Support Group: This monthly support group helps stroke survivors with open discussion and speakers who provide encouragement during recovery and prevention. This group meeting is also helpful to caregivers or significant others. Group meets Tuesdays and Saturdays. Call for more info. Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St., Northampton. 345-582-2259.
The Amherst Survival Center: Where people in need receive food, clothing, relief from isolation, and social service referrals and information. If you are in need of services, wish to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, contact the ASC at 549-3968. Amherst Survival Center, 1200 North Pleasant St., North Amherst, Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri. 11 am-3 p.m., lunch at 12 noon. Thu. until 7 p.m. Closed Wed. Open Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for food boxes and clothes only. 413-549-3968.
The Northampton Survival Center: Emergency food pantry and referral service for Hampshire County. It distributes food in nutritionally-balanced food boxes every weekday. If you are in need of assistance, wish to make a donation or wish to become a volunteer, contact the NSC at 586-6564. Note: The NSC is in need of a high capacity office copier. Please consider making this tax free donation. Northhampton Survival Center, 265 Prospect Street, Northampton, 413-586-6564.
Women’s Health Network: Organization provides breast cancer screening and pap testing. Springfield and Ware locations available. Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield, 413-794-2294.
Websites
www.buylocalfood.com: Be A Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown— Promoting local farming and sustainable agriculture for a healthy and productive future. Website provides local farm and products listings as well as information on becoming involved in the sustainability movement.
www.5aday.com: 5 a Day: The Color Way—5 or more fruits and vegetables a day is a key element of healthy living. Website provides nutritional and consumer resources to promote good nutrtion and health.
www.somatics.org: Somatic Systems Institute is a center where individuals can participate in clinical Somatic education classes and workshops to learn about and how to practice the art of Somatic body work. Free information seminars offered periodically. See website for more details.
www.fda.gov: U.S. FDA is the governmental organization in charge of licensing and approving food and drug related industry and development within the United States. Website provides useful resources on industry news, food, health and drug innovations and consumer resources.
