OCTOBER, 2009

October 1 – Us Too:  Prostate Cancer Support Group; 7-9 p.m.; Free; Mutual support, information and education for prostate cancer patients and their partners; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration required.  For registration, location and directions contact Barbara Sierocki at 732-923-7269

October 1 - Breastfeeding Today; 7-9:30 p.m. $50/couple; An introduction to breastfeeding for prospective mothers and fathers focusing on the process and techniques of breastfeeding - includes advantages, preparation, concerns of working mothers and the role of the family; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Tobacco Dependence Treatment Program; $15/session (free initial assessment); 3-4 p.m., Thursday; Six-week program for individuals who wish to quit smoking and consent to a free nicotine dependence assessment and NRT counseling. Offered by the Saint Barnabas Institute for Prevention at Goldsmith Wellness Center, Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; For more information or to schedule a free assessment appointment, call Helene Long at 732-886-4149

October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29– Pediatric Pre-operative Tour; 3-4 p.m.; Tours for all pediatric patients having a surgical procedure in the Cranmer Ambulatory Surgery Center at Monmouth Medical Center.  Tours are designed to reduce anxiety by giving children a hands-on experience with real medical equipment and visitation to areas they will encounter on the day of surgery.  Meet in the playroom of the Cranmer Ambulatory Surgery Center; Registration is required by Tuesday for Thursday tours 732-923-6525

October 1 – 30 – Gestational Diabetes Education Program; Fee; One-session class for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.  Participants will learn how gestational diabetes develops, the link between diet and blood glucose, how to plan healthy meals and how to use a blood glucose meter for home monitoring.  A free blood glucose meter starter kit will be provided.  Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday as needed. The Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center; For information and/or to schedule an appointment, call 732-923-5025

October 3 & 10 – Two-Day Preparation for Childbirth; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; $150/couple (includes continental breakfast); Two Saturdays; A complete childbirth education program in two-sessions including lectures on relaxation and breathing techniques; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

October 5 - New Babies, New Emotions Support Group; 11am-noon; Support for Moms-to-be and new Moms with any kind of postpartum-related depression and/or baby blues; Babies 12 months and under are welcome; Sponsored by Regional Perinatal Consortium of Monmouth and Ocean Counties; At Monmouth Medical Center, Ronald McDonald Family Room, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; To register call Patricia Vena, MSW, LCSW at 732-363-5400, Ext. 22

October 5, 12, 19 & 26 – Mother to Mother Support Group; 11-noon; Free; Once your baby arrives, join with other new mothers to talk about what you’re experiencing.  Discussions will be led by a registered nurse on topics such as your baby’s behavior, feeding, sleeping patterns and crying as well as your recovery from childbirth. There will be time for information sharing and questions; New moms, newborns to 6 mo. of age and fathers are welcome, but no older children, please; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration required 732-923-6990

October 5, 12, 19 & 26 - Diabetes Self-Management Series; 6-8 p.m. Fee; Four-session diabetes education program focusing on diet, nutrition, glucose monitoring, medications, meal plans, prevention and treatment of diabetes complications, dining out and benefits of exercise. Program is taught by a registered nurse and a registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator; The Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center; For information and/or to register for classes, call 732-923-5025

October 6 – Journey of Hope: Bereavement Support Group; 6-8 p.m. Support for spouses/partners who lost their loved one to a brain tumor. Share stories, tears, laughter and together find hope.  At the David S. Zocchi Brain Tumor Center at Monmouth Medical Center; For details, call Wendy Berk, LCSW at 732-972-3451

October 6 – Laughter Yoga/Laughter Clubs; 7:30-9 p.m. $20/person; Presented by Laura Zimmerman, Special Program Instructor, Monmouth Medical Center;  Laughter Yoga Club programs provide light-to-moderate exercise for mental and physical flexibility, mood regulation, stress reduction and an attitude boost.  In other words, a real therapeutic ally.  Our unbalanced world doesn’t laugh much and we continue to exist amid strife, misunderstanding and turmoil.  Certified Laughter Leaders work with people around the world to develop ways to use humor and laughter for health, peace, productivity, intergenerational connectivity and joy of living; At Tatum Park Activity Center, Red Hill Road, Middletown.  To register, call 732-842-4000, Ext. 1. 

October 6, 13, 20, 27 & November 3 - Preparation for Childbirth; 7:30-9:30 p.m. $125/couple; Tuesday evenings; Five sessions of childbirth education including lectures on relaxation and breathing techniques; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

October 7 – Children/Adolescents Experiencing Loss; 6-7 p.m.; Free; Professionally led support group for children and adolescents dealing with grief over the loss of a loved one; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration is required 732-923-6990

October 7 – Kids Need Support, Too; 7-8 p.m.; Free; Support group for children and adolescents who have family members diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses.  This professionally run group will allow children to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences with others in similar situations to help decrease their feelings of isolation and encourage coping skills; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration required 732-923-6990

October 7, 14 & 21 - Shore Area Stroke Survivors; 3-4 p.m.; Support and education for stroke patients, their families, caregivers and friends.  Monthly speakers on stroke-related topics; Cosponsored by Monmouth Medical Center and The Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls; At The Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls Cafeteria, 2 Centre Plaza; For information and registration contact Shirley Maguire at 732-460-6743

October 7, 14, 21 & 28 -Breastfeeding Support Group; 11am-12:30pm; Free; Mutual support and education for women who are breastfeeding their infants.  Meet with Monmouth Medical Center’s certified lactation consultants to discuss your questions and concerns.  Goldsmith Wellness Center, 4th floor, Monmouth Medical Center.  To register call 732-923-6857

October 7, 14, 21 & 28- Diabetes Self-Management Series; 2-4 p.m. Fee; Four-session diabetes education program focusing on diet, nutrition, glucose monitoring, medications, meal plans, prevention and treatment of diabetes complications, dining out and benefits of exercise. Program is taught by a registered nurse and a registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator; The Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center; For information and/or to register for classes, call 732-923-5025

October 8 – Cleft Palate Support Group; Support group for parents of children with cleft palates or cleft lips providing a forum for discussing shared concerns and exploring resources; For registration, time and location contact Helene Henkel 732-923-7653

October 8 - Monmouth Medical Center Adult Pulmonary Support Group; 10:30 a.m.-noon Free; Support group cosponsored by Monmouth Medical Center and the American Lung Assn. of New Jersey for adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic asthma, asthma or bronchitis and their families; At Monmouth Medical Center, Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Education Room (ST012), Maysie Stroock Pavilion, Corner of Pavilion and Second Avenues, Long Branch; Registration required 732-923-6990

October 8 – Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC); 6-7 p.m.; Patient-directed, non-profit, self-help organization dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral, head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers.  Monthly meetings offer information, support and encouragement to newly diagnosed patients, survivors, family members and friends; At Monmouth Medical Center; For registration and information call Rebecca Kopke at 732-923-6575

October 8 – Evening Enlightenment; 7:30-9 p.m.; $20; Presented by Laura Zimmerman, Special Program Instructor, Monmouth Medical Center; Meditations to transform your life now – at work, home and for play.  Learn uncomplicated ways to introduce the benefits of meditation into your busy, overstressed, daily lives.  Adapting ancient traditions into a modern and accessible approach brings awareness, calm and creativity to our everyday actions.  Learn down to earth strategies, simple reminders and flexible plans to help you through the day.  At Tatum Park Activity Center, Red Hill Road, Middletown.  To register, call 732-842-4000, Ext. 1. 

October 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Diabetes Self-Management Series; 9-11 a.m. Fee; Four-session diabetes education program focusing on diet, nutrition, glucose monitoring, medications, meal plans, prevention and treatment of diabetes complications, dining out and benefits of exercise. Program is taught by a registered nurse and a registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator; The Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center; For information and/or to register for classes, call 732-923-5025

October 9 – New Babies, New Emotions Support Group IN SPANISH; 3-4 p.m. Support for Spanish speaking Moms-to-be and new Moms with any kind of postpartum-related depression and/or baby blues; Babies 12 months and under are welcome. Sponsored by Monmouth Family Health Center and the Regional Perinatal Consortium of Monmouth and Ocean Counties; At Monmouth Family Health Center, BBR3, 3rd floor, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch. Meets 2nd Friday each month. To register or for more information call Patricia Vena, MSW, LCSW At 732-363-5400, Ext. 22 or Marti Eisner, MSW at 732-923-7102

October 10 – Breast Cancer Awareness; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Free; In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, representatives from the Jacqueline Milano Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center will be providing instruction on breast self exams (BSE) and information about breast cancer awareness.  Learn about the Susan G. Komen for the Cure “Reach Out for Life” initiative and see if you are eligible to receive a free breast screening mammogram.  Program is open to female Monmouth County residents age 40 or above who are uninsured or under-insured and meet income eligibility requirements.  Receive a free BSE instructional shower card. At ExpressCare of Neptune (located inside the ShopRite) 2200 Hwy. 66, Neptune

October 13 – Free Glucose Screening; 10-11:30 a.m.; A simple finger stick to test blood sugar to determine if glucose level is elevated.  The test will be performed by a registered nurse from the Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center; Center for Diabetes Education classroom, Maysie Stroock Pavilion, Corner of Pavilion & Second Avenues, Long Branch; For information call 732-923-5025

October 13 – Ovarian Cancer Support Group; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Free; For women diagnosed with cervical, ovarian, endometrial or uterine cancer.  Group offers these cancer patients and their families an opportunity to actively participate in healing after a cancer diagnosis; Monmouth Medical Center, Goldsmith Wellness Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; Registration required by calling Leslie Shephard, RN, OCN at 732-923-6575

October 13 – Newly Diagnosed? Coping with Breast Cancer; 5:30-7 p.m.; Supportive and educational group offering information on diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.  Provides opportunity to share concerns, fears, questions and experiences in a caring environment.  Jacqueline M.Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center Library, Monmouth Medical Center; Registration required by calling Abigale Hassel at 732-923-7582

October 13 – Pediatric Diabetes Support Group; 6 p.m. Professionally run support group for parents and children to discuss issues, concerns and questions regarding children living with diabetes; Monmouth Medical Center, Maysie Stroock Pavilion, Center for Diabetes Education Classroom, (Use Alexander entrance off Second Avenue), Long Branch; Registration required, contact Lisa Ball-O’Brien, LSW 732-923-6085

October 13 – Natural Energy Boosters; 7-9 p.m.; $10/person; Learn how to counter stress by boosting your energy level.  Discover how nutrition and exercise, including “mood foods”, can increase your enjoyment of life; At Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; Registration required by calling 1-888-SBHS-123

October 14 – A Simple Way to Help Prevent Illness: Handwashing! 1 p.m.; Free; Presented by Jean Bonn, RN, Community Health Education; As cold and flu season approaches, one of the simplest ways to avoid illness is to wash your hands frequently and correctly.  This program will give you an opportunity, using an ultra-violet light, to see how well you wash your hands, highlighting the areas you may miss with normal washing; At SCAN Learning Center (Age 50 and over), Monmouth Mall, Routes 35 & 36, Eatontown; Registration required by calling 732-542-1326

October 14 – Cesarean Birth Education; 7:30-9:30 p.m.; $40/couple; Educational program for couples with explanations of what to expect if Cesarean delivery is indicated for first time or repeat Cesarean deliveries; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

October 14 & 28 – Susan G. Komen “Reach Out for Life” Initiative; 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Stop by our information table to learn about the Susan G. Komen for the Cure “Reach Out for Life” initiative and see if you are eligible to receive a free breast screening mammogram.  Program is open to female Monmouth County residents age 40 or above who are uninsured or under-insured and meet income eligibility requirements. A representative will provide information and answer your questions about the program offered through the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center; At Monmouth Medical Center, ground floor lobby, 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch; For more information call Laura Gallo, BA, Program Coordinator at 732-923-6509

October 15 – Dealing with Grief; 11-11:45 a.m.; Free; Presented by Eileen Velez, BSN, RN, BC, Assistant Clinical Director, Psychiatric Emergency Screening Service; Bereavement and grief are common life experiences for all of us, especially older adults.  The better we understand, the better we can cope with our feelings about loss.  This presentation will include a discussion of the difference between sadness and clinical depression and the stages of grief.  At Howell Senior Center (age 60 and over), 251 Preventorium Road; Registration required by calling 732-938-4500, Ext. 2554

October 15 - Free Child Car Seat Inspections; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; In N.J., all children under age 8 who weigh less than 80 lbs. are required to be in an appropriate child restraint in the rear seat of a vehicle. Unfortunately, 4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly.  Could yours be one of them? Free child seat inspections will be conducted by Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians through a cooperative effort of the Long Branch Police Dept., the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center’s SAFE KIDS Chapter. At Long Branch Union Fire Company, 199 Union Avenue; No appointment is required.

October 15 – Diabetes Support Group; 5-6 p.m.; Free; Through support and education, people with diabetes learn how to become self-sufficient in the daily management of the disease; Facilitated by Monmouth Medical Center’s Center for Diabetes Education staff; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration required 732- 923-5025

October 15 - Baby Fair; 7-9 p.m.; Free; Is there a baby in your future?  Whether you’re already pregnant or plan on becoming a parent someday, you are invited to this free community event for expectant and prospective parents.  Here’s your chance to talk with health care professionals about the childbirth experience, maternity choices or any other topics that are important to you.  Join us for a tour of theEisenberg Family Center and nursery; Refreshments and free gifts; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration required by calling 1-888-SBHS-123, then choose prompt #1 to register.

October 17 – Make Room for Baby; 10-11 a.m.; $40/family; Program for siblings ages 3 to 5 years to acquaint them with the hospital setting and prepare them for the new baby; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

October 17 & 24 – Baby Care Basics; 12-2 p.m.; $80/couple; Program focusing on infant care including growth, development and safety issues; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

October 18 – One-Day Childbirth Program; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; $179/couple (includes continental breakfast and lunch); A complete childbirth preparation course in one day geared for highly motivated participants with busy lifestyles or fluctuating schedules unable to commit to a five week program; At Monmouth Medical Center; Outside reading and pre-registration required 732-923-6990

October 18 – Annual Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Conference; 11:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; $35 in advance (by Oct. 4); $45 at door; Conference will provide information on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia for primary care physicians, endocrinologists, immunologists, infectious disease specialists, pediatricians, nurses and other health care providers.  ME/CFS/FM patients and their families will benefit from up-to-date information on research and treatment, as well as from an opportunity to network with advocates in the patient and medical communities. Cosponsored by Monmouth Medical Center and the New Jersey Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association, Inc.; At the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel Conference Center, State Highway #35 and Industrial Way East, Eatontown; For registration and CME Credit information call the NJCFSA Information Help Line at 1-888-835-3677

October 20 – When Breast Cancer Returns; 1-2:30 p.m.; Supportive and educational group for people whose breast cancer has recurred or spread beyond the primary site.  Provides opportunity to share concerns, fears, questions and experiences in a caring environment; Monmouth Medical Center, Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center; Registration required by calling Abigale Hassel 732-923-7582

October 21 – The Importance of Breast Self-Exams; 1 p.m.; Free; Presented by a health educator from the American Cancer Society; This program will focus on who is at high risk for breast cancer, the importance of early detection, lifestyle for prevention and treatment options.  Participants will have the opportunity to practice identifying lumps in a model; At SCAN Learning Center (Age 50 and over), Monmouth Mall, Routes 35 & 36, Eatontown; Registration required by calling 732-542-1326

October 22 - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Support Group; 7 p.m.; The only support group in New Jersey for  parents of children with IBD cosponsored by Monmouth Medical Center and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) – NJ Chapter.  This is a meeting for children with IBD and their parents.  Meeting will be facilitated by Jonathan E. Teitelbaum, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Charles D. Katz, Ph.D., Psychologist and Lisa Ball-OBrien, social worker; At Monmouth Medical Center, Dr. Teitelbaum’s Office, Steinam Housman Room 210, 255 Third Avenue, Long Branch;  For information call 732-923-6080

October 22 – Bariatric Surgery Support Group; 7-9 p.m.; Free; Professionally run support group open to individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery or to those who are anticipating/planning a bariatric procedure.  New patient education will be provided at the beginning of the session.  At Monmouth Medical Center; Pre-registration is required 1-888-SBHS-123, then choose prompt #1 to register

October 22 – Drumming Up Health; 7:30-9 p.m.; $20; Presented by Laura Zimmerman, Special Program Instructor, Monmouth Medical Center; No musical experience is needed to join in this program.  This session will integrate group drumming with strategies to support participants in the quest for well-being.  Bring your own drum or try out a variety of drums and other percussion instruments.  The program is based upon the HealthRhythms protocol that shows the health benefits of drumming with a group, including stress reduction, mood improvement and a boost to the immune system. At Tatum Park Activity Center, Red Hill Road, Middletown.  To register, call 732-842-4000, Ext. 1. 

October 22 - Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Adult Support Group; 7:30-9 p.m.; Free;  Support group for ADD adults and their significant others; At Monmouth Medical Center; For information contact Dr. Robert LoPresti 732-842-4553

October 23 - Parenting Education Series: Dating and Domestic Violence; 6-8 p.m. Free; Presented by Pamela A. Schott, LCSW, CPM, Director, Victim-Witness Advocacy,   Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office; Part two of a four-part series of educational programs for parents.  Domestic violence crosses all socio-economic lines.  This presentation will offer information about the signs of abuse, myths and fairy tales, the cycle of violence, why victims stay, resources available and how you can help someone in an abusive relationship. Cosponsored by the Coastal Monmouth Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse and Monmouth Medical Center; At Monmouth Medical Center, Borden Auditorium, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; Registration required by calling 1-888-SBHS-123

October 25 - Eisenberg Family Center Tour; 1:30 p.m.; Free; Tour theEisenberg Family Center, which offers a comfortable, homelike environment for expectant mothers in our expanded labor, delivery and recovery unit, and spacious postpartum rooms for women recovering from childbirth.  Tours will be conducted by a staff member who will answer your questions; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

October 27 - Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group; 2-3:30 p.m. Offers support to caregivers and family members coping with Alzheimer’s disease; Geriatric Conference Room at Monmouth Medical Center’s Maysie Stroock Pavilion, Corner of Pavilion and Second Avenues, Long Branch; Registration required. Contact Robin DeNucci, CSW at 732-923-7560

October 27 - SHARE Support Group; 7:30 p.m.; Free support group for parents who have experienced a loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death as well as grandparents and other adults close to the parents.  Also provides information on how to help children cope with the loss of a sibling.  Stanley Wing, Room 206, Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; Registration required, contact Jennifer Pawlak, APN, 732-923-7344

October 28 – Free Blood Pressure Screening; 11 a.m.-1 p.m; High blood pressure can be a warning sign for a variety of health problems.  Have your blood pressure checked through this free screening to be conducted by health care professionals from Monmouth Medical Center; At Monmouth Medical Center, 1st floor, outside Sea Breeze Cafe, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch

October 28 – Understanding Celiac Disease; 1 p.m.; Free; Presented by Margaret Weiss Massiello, RD, Clinical Coordinator, Kogan Celiac Center at Monmouth Medical Center; Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten which is found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye.  After this presentation, the audience will have a better understanding of the disease and the gluten free diet.  A full description of screening opportunities, dietary education and community support programs will be provided; At SCAN Learning Center (Age 50 and over), Monmouth Mall, Routes 35 & 36, Eatontown; Registration required by calling 732-542-1326

Adoptive Parenting; $175/couple; Program for those planning an adoption to help you prepare for your child’s arrival.  Classes include information on infant care, feeding and formula preparation, baby equipment, safety and child growth and development during the first year of life. For information call 732-923-6990

Diabetes Insulin Pump Support Group If you wear an insulin pump or your physician has suggested you begin to use one, please join us to discuss insulin pump therapy.  This professionally run support group for people with diabetes will offer education and mutual support; Call The Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center at 732-923-5025

Family Support Group; 6-7:30 p.m.; Free support group for family members of patients age 18 and over with a psychiatric diagnosis; Meets twice monthly; At Community Connections Bldg., 72 N. Bath Ave., Long Branch; Registration required call Ron Collier 732-923-5226

Look Good, Feel Better; A special program sponsored by the American Cancer Society for women cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.  Learn to cope with the side effects of treatment and feel comfortable with changes in your appearance by receiving a personal make-over by cosmetology professionals; For next date, time, location and to register 732-758-8220

Orthopaedic Pre-Operative Program; Program for orthopaedic patients having a surgical procedure at Monmouth Medical Center to decrease anxiety and explain what will occur during the hospital stay.  Tour the orthopaedic unit, meet the staff and bring your questions; At Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; Private 30-45 minutes classes can be scheduled by calling 732-923-6603 or 732-923-7971

Seasons Change Bereavement Support Group; Mutual support and education for adults bereaving the death of a loved one.  Group runs for six-week sessions; meets periodically; For information on next session contact Tina Ruane at 732-923-6463

Shingles Vaccination Program: The FDA approved a shingles vaccine for people age 60 and older which may cut your risk of developing shingles in half.  You can now obtain the shingles vaccine through the Saint Barnabas Health Care System’s Shingles Vaccine Program at Monmouth Medical Center.  The vaccine is available by appointment at Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch.  To schedule an appointment call 1-888-SBHS-123; For more information call Cynthia Laracuente, Pharm. D., RPh, Monmouth Medical Center Pharmacy at 732-923-6111

NOTE:  ALL PROGRAMS MEET AT MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER, 300 SECOND AVENUE, LONG BRANCH, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
For questions or more information, contact The Community Health Education Department at Monmouth Medical Center at (732) 923-6990.