October 28, November 4, 11 & 18 – 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

November 1 & 15 - Two-Day Marvelous Multiples; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; $150/couple (includes continental breakfast); This two-day childbirth education program for those expecting twins, triplets or more is to be attended early in the second trimester of pregnancy.  Class will cover nutrition, labor and delivery, anesthesia options, cesarean section, relaxation techniques, risks and complications of multiple pregnancy, recovery and caring for multiples.  There will also be a tour of the Regional Newborn Center; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

November 2 - 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

November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 – Mother to Mother Support Group; 11 a.m.-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

November 2-30– 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.  Convenient appointment times are available.  The Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center; For information and/or to schedule an appointment, call 732-923-5025 

November 3 – 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

November 3 – An Introduction into the World of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy; 7:30-9 p.m.; $20; In most parts of the world, people link aromatherapy with a relaxing scent, but would never think of a real medical treatment involving the use of essential oils.  The origin of essential oils dates back thousands of years and is used quite extensively in many parts of the world for medicinal purposes.  This course is designed as a basic introduction on how to integrate essential oils into your daily life for healthy benefits. At Tatum Park Activity Center, Red Hill Road, Middletown.  To register, call 732-842-4000, Ext. 1.  

November 4 – Strategies to Reduce Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease; 1 p.m.; Free; Presented by Priya Angi, MD, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic illness affecting not only the patients, but also their families as well as the entire community.  This program will discuss various types of dementias with specific strategies to reduce the incidence of different types of cognitive impairment. At SCAN (Age 50 and over) Learning Center, Monmouth Mall, Routes 35 & 36, Eatontown; Registration required 732-542-1326

November 4, 11 & 18 – Shore Area Stroke Survivors; 3-4 p.m. Support and education for stroke patients, their families, friends and caregivers.  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

November 4, 11, 18 & 25 – Breastfeeding Support Group; 11am-12:30 p.m.; 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.  Call 732-923-6857 to register

November 4 & 18 – “Reach Out for Life” Free Breast Screening Mammogram 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; For more information call Laura Gallo, BA, Program Coordinator at 732-923-6509

November 5 - 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

November 5 & 12 – Baby Care Basics; 7:30-9:30 p.m. $80/couple; Program focusing on infant care including growth, development and safety issues; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

November 5, 12 & 19 – 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

November 5, 12 & 19 - Tobacco Dependence Treatment Program; 3-4 p.m. $15/session (free initial assessment); 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; To schedule a free assessment appointment, contact Helene Long at 732-886-4149

November 5, 12, 19 & 26 – Diabetes Self-Management Series; 9-11a.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

November 7 – Safe Sitter; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $50/child; Presented by certified Safe Sitter instructors, this program teaches 11- to 13-year-olds to be responsible, creative babysitters with special emphasis on how to handle emergencies; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 1-888-SBHS-123, then choose prompt #4 to register 

November 7 & 14 – 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

November 8 - 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

November 9 – Grandparents Program; 7-9 p.m. $30/person, $40/couple; During this program, grandparents have the opportunity to meet with a prenatal educator and discuss current trends in childbirth and infant care so that they can help support their own children as they become parents. A tour of The Eisenberg Family Center is included; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

November 9, 16, 23 & 30 –  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

November 10 - Ovarian Cancer Support Group; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Free; For women diagnosed with cervical, ovarian, endometrial or uterine cancer offering these cancer patients and their families an opportunity to actively participate in healing after a cancer diagnosis; At Monmouth Medical Center, Goldsmith Wellness Center, Wimpfheimer-4; 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; Registration is required by calling Leslie Shephard, RN, OCN, at 732-923-6575

November 10 – Newly Diagnosed? Coping with Breast Cancer; 5:30-7 p.m. Free; 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; Pre-registration required. Call Abigale Hassel at 732-923-7582

November 10 – 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; Women and Children’s Specialty Center, 1 Route 70 West, Lakewood; Registration required, contact Lisa Ball-O’Brien, LSW 732-901-0211

November 10 – Meditation for Inner Calm; 7-9 p.m.; $10/person; Racing thoughts and upsetting feelings can disturb our inner peace.  Learn some simple techniques to restore inner calm and balance the stress in your life; At Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; Registration required by calling 1-888-SBHS-123, then choose prompt #4

November 10 – Exploring the Dynamics of Complementary Medicine; 7:30-9 p.m.; $20; Consumers are taking advantage of Complimentary Alternative Medicine, or CAM as it is often referred to, in record numbers.  Although western or conventional medicine offers many benefits – many people are turning to other modalities to help them through disease, to provide stress relief or to provide wellness.  This program will provide a basis and help you become familiar with some general concepts when searching for a modality or practitioner. At Tatum Park Activity Center, Red Hill Road, Middletown.  To register, call 732-842-4000, Ext. 1. 

November 10, 17, 24, December 1 & 8 - 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

November 11 – Understanding TIAs; 1 p.m.; Free; Presented by Florence Armour, MSN, RNC, APN-C, D.S. Zocchi Brain Tumor/Stroke Center Coordinator, Monmouth Medical Center; What is the difference between a TIA (transient ischemic stack) and a stroke? Learn about the warning signs of each, the various treatments and steps you can take for prevention; At SCAN (Age 50 and over) Learning Center, Monmouth Mall, Routes 35 & 36, Eatontown; Registration required 732-542-1326

November 11 – Childbirth Update/VBAC; 7:30-9:30 p.m. $40/couple; Childbirth preparation review program teaching latest breathing exercises and newest aspects of obstetrics.  For those planning a VBAC, discussion will also include criteria, contra-indications, preparation and more; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

November 12 – 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; Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehab Education Room, Maysie Stroock Pavilion, Monmouth Medical Center, Pavilion and Second Avenues, Long Branch; Registration required 732-923-6990

November 12 - 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

November 12 - 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; Monmouth Medical Center; For registration and information call Rebecca Kopke at 732-923-6575

November 13 – Celiac Disease Awareness; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; Celiac disease is a genetic disorder that causes the immune system to react dangerously to a protein called gluten which is found in wheat, barley and rye.  Some 3 million Americans have celiac disease, and 97 percent of them don’t know it yet. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease as well as the education and support services that are available at the Kogan Celiac Center at Monmouth Medical Center. At ExpressCare of Neptune (located inside the ShopRite) 2200 Hwy. 66, Neptune

November 13 - Free Diabetic Foot Screening; 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Conducted by Frances C. Fittanto, DPM, Podiatric Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center; Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels going to your legs and feet often causing foot problems.  When this occurs, you may not feel a cut, blister or ingrown toenail.  If left untreated, foot problems can become serious. Finding and quickly treating foot problems reduces your risk for serious problems.  Have your feet checked through this free screening.  At the Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center, Maysie Stroock Pavilion, Corner of Second and Pavilion Avenues, Long Branch; Appointment required (limited to first 20) by calling 1-888-SBHS-123

November 13 – New Babies, New Emotions Support Group (IN SPANISH); 3-4 p.m.; 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 Monmouth Family Health Center and the Regional Perinatal Consortium of Monmouth and Ocean Counties; At Monmouth Family Health Center, BBR3, 3rd floor, Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; To register or for details, call Patricia Vena, MSW, LCSW at 732-363-5400, Ext. 22 or Marti Eisner, MSW at 732-923-7102

November 14 – 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

November 15 - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Epstein Barr Virus & Fibromyalgia Support Group; 10-11:30 a.m. Support group for persons with these syndromes and their families, friends, significant others; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration required 732-923-6990

November 17 - 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/certified diabetes educator 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

November 17 – 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. Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center Library, Monmouth Medical Center; Registration required.  Call Abigale Hassel at 732-923-7582

November 18 - 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, ground floor lobby, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch

November 18 – Reduce Your Diabetes Risk; 1 p.m.; Free; Presented by Autumn Dempsey, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator, Center for Diabetes Education, Monmouth Medical Center; Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body metabolizes sugar.  The condition is becoming more common, but there are ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Learn how in this informative session.  At SCAN (Age 50 and over) Learning Center, Monmouth Mall, Routes 35 & 36, Eatontown; Registration is required 732-542-1326

November 19 – Great American Smoke Out; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Stop by our information table and pledge to quit smoking. Learn how a smoking cessation program can help you quit.  If you’re thinking about quitting, we can help.  Information provided by Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health’s Tobacco Dependence Treatment Program; At Monmouth Medical Center, 1st floor outside Sea Breeze Café, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch

November 19 - Free Child Seat Inspections; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; In New Jersey, 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. Free child seat inspections will be conducted by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.  The inspections are offered through a cooperative effort of the Long Branch Police Department, the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center’s SAFE KIDS Chapter.  No appointment required. At Long Branch Union Fire Company, 199 Union Avenue

November 19 – 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 Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth staff; At Monmouth Medical Center, Alexander Wing, Room A001; Registration required 732- 923-5025

November 19 - Kogan Celiac Center Support Group; 6:30-8 p.m.; Free; Provides mutual support and education for patients and family members to improve the health and well being of those living with the disease. Monthly topic to be announced.  At Monmouth Medical Center, Maysie Stroock Pavilion #A001, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; For information call 973-322-7260

November 19 – 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

November 19 – 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

November 20 – Parenting Education Series: Internet Safety; 6-8 p.m. Free; Presented by Richard Shin, Detective, Computer Crimes Unit, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office; Part three of a four-part series of educational programs for parents will provide an overview of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit and what they investigate focusing on types of computer crimes, how children access the Internet, chat rooms and user profiles, sexting, security configuration settings, safe internet habits, cyber-bullying and prevention.  Cosponsored by the Coastal Monmouth Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse and Monmouth Medical Center; At Monmouth Medical, Borden Auditorium, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; Registration required by calling 1-888-SBHS-123, then choose prompt #4

November 21 – Becoming a Big Brother/Big Sister Program; 10-11:30 a.m. $40/family; This program is specially suited for children ages 6 and up who are preparing for the arrival of a new sibling; At Monmouth Medical Center; Registration 732-923-6990

November 22 - 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

November 22 – 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

November 24 – 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

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

Children/Adolescents Experiencing Loss; 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

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

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 and next session call 732-923-6080

Kids Need Support, Too; 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

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 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 Adult Bereavement Support Group; Free; This is an opportunity to share your story with others experiencing similar circumstances; Facilitated by Hospice Professionals, you’ll learn about common bereavement reactions and learn a lot about yourself, too.  Offered periodically; At Monmouth Medical Center, Goldsmith Wellness Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch; Registration required by contacting Christina Ruane, LSW at 732-923-6463 or cruane@sbhcs.com

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.  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 (732) 923-6990.