Jan. - May 2005 Class Schedule
Whether you need help coping with an illness or just want to stay healthy, these courses are for you.

Testing. Testing.

Blood Pressure Checks
Free. No registration required.
Thursdays, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, May 5
2–4 p.m.
SH Lobby

Cholesterol Screening
A 12-hour fast (water only) is required for this total lipid screen (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides).
Cost: $20. Please pay at the door.
Call 503-561-5639 for an appointment.
Saturday, March 19, 7:30–10:15 a.m.
WCC Room G/H

For Your Health

Bereavement Support Group
If you have lost a loved one or experienced another loss, this six-week group may help. The weekly sessions offer a simple yet meaningful structure built upon bereavement education and opportunities to share experience, strength, and hope.
Call 503-561-5562 to register.
Tuesdays, Jan. 4–Feb. 8 - 10 a.m.–noon or 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, April 5–May 10 - 10 a.m.–noon or 7–9 p.m.
WCC (various rooms)

Stand Tall for Healthy Bones!
A physical therapist and registered dietitian team up to bring you a comprehensive osteoporosis workshop that addresses the dual importance of nutrition and exercise in preventing and managing osteoporosis. This workshop offers information on bone-healthy eating and a simple yet effective strengthening program. Resistance training using resistive exercise bands to improve posture and prevent weakness and imbalance will be demonstrated.
Cost: $10.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Tuesday, March 8 or May 10, noon–1:30 p.m.
RRC Room 3A

Freshstart Tobacco Cessation Class
Do you want to quit smoking once and for all? Looking for effective strategies and a supportive environment? In this four-week course you’ll learn about tobacco addiction, stress-coping strategies, overcoming cravings, and weight-gain prevention, and then develop a plan for successfully quitting tobacco use.
Cost: $20. A support person may attend at no extra cost.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Evening classes held monthly

Choices for Health
This program is designed to help you manage your weight and experience the benefits of activity! Registered dietitians cover healthful eating, easy meal and snack ideas, grocery shopping, eating out, and strategies for weight loss. An exercise component is included as part of class time.
Five-week ($90) or 10-week ($170) options available. Cost of the program is a covered benefit under First Choice 65.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Wednesdays, Feb. 2–April 6
(five or ten weeks), 3:30–4:45 p.m.
COM A/C

Take Care
Could your community group benefit from more safety education? Aimed at the 65+ population, this five-week program can help you maintain your health and independence. Topics include: safe use of medication, herbal medicines, alcohol and medication interaction, fall prevention and balance, advanced directives, making safe driving decisions and highway safety, and pedestrian safety, including health-walking guidelines. Free.
Call 503-561-5427 to register your group or learn about upcoming classes.

Type II Diabetes Education
Sessions cover nutrition, acute and chronic complications, blood sugar testing, diabetes medications, exercise and more. Individual appointments with registered nurses and registered dietitians are included.
Cost: $625 (covered by Medicare and some private insurance). Follow-up classes available.
Call 503-561-6990 to register.
Ongoing, morning and evening classes
RRC, 3rd floor

Get on the Ball!
Prevent or improve back pain with therapeutic exercise balls. Find out how posture, stress, and daily habits can affect your back. You’ll learn proper body mechanics and ball exercises to improve core strength and stability, overall posture, and increase abdominal and spinal awareness. Participants should wear comfortable clothing. Please bring a ball if you have one.
Cost: $10.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
COM A/B

Balance Improvement and Fall Prevention
Did you know that one-third of adults over age 65 falls each year, and that falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for this age group? Improve your balance and prevent falls with our eight-week balance-improvement program. Participants must be 65+, living independently in the community, not have had more than two falls in the last six months, and not currently using a walker (cane is acceptable).
Cost: $40 for all eight sessions.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 1–March 24
3–4 p.m.
RRC, 2nd Floor

Plumbing for a Leaky Bladder
This program will address how the urinary system works and causes of involuntary urine loss. Treatment of urinary incontinence by physical therapists will be discussed, and the biofeedback equipment that improves treatment effectiveness will be demonstrated.
Cost: $10.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Monday, Jan. 17, noon–1:30 p.m.
WCC Room G/H
Tuesday, Feb. 8, 6–7:30 p.m.
WVH

Aquatic Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a slow, meditative exercise. Benefits of Tai Chi include relaxation, increased circulation and range of motion, and improved balance and coordination. Participants in this 12-week class need to be independent in the pool, bring their own swimwear and have a doctor’s consent to participate.
Cost: $52.
Call 503-561-5932 to register.
Thursdays, April 7–June 23, 10:45–11:45 a.m.
RRC Pool

SPLASH! Diabetic Exercise Class
Join us for an eight-week, zero-impact aquatic program that provides a full-body workout involving stretching and strength building. Learn how to manage your blood sugar while exercising. Participants need to be independent in the pool and have a doctor’s consent to participate.
Cost: $70.
Call 503-561-5932 to register.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 5–May 26, 7:45–8:45 a.m.
RRC Pool

Seatbelt Diversion Class
This class is for people who have received a ticket for driving without a seatbelt. You should arrive at 6:45 p.m. to complete registration paperwork, and pay fees. No one will be admitted after 7 p.m.
Cost: $25 cash.
Call 503-561-5427 for more information.
Wednesday, Feb. 9 or April 13, 7–9 p.m
Tuesday, March 8, 7–9 p.m.
WCC Room F

Look Good, Feel Better
This free program teaches beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment to help combat the appearance-related side
effects of cancer treatment.
Call Angela Ober at 503-391-0824 to register.
Thursday, Feb. 10 (WCC, Room B),
March 10 (COM A), or April 14 (COM C)
All sessions, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Sweet Hearts: Diabetes Cooking Class
Do your heart a favor and come learn how to make heart-healthy, delicious food that is good for your heart and your diabetes too! Come watch a cooking demonstration and sample the results. You’ll take home a packet of easy recipes and diabetes nutrition information. Pre-registration by Feb. 1 required.
Cost: $20 before Jan. 26, $25 after.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2–3:30 p.m.
RRC, 3rd Floor

Especially for Kids

Committed to Kids™
Weight-Management Program
A 10-week pediatric weight-management program for children ages 7–18 and their parents. This program is taught by a registered dietitian, an exercise specialist, and a child psychologist and is designed specifically for overweight and obese children. Classes include a moderate-intensity, progressive exercise program, nutrition classes, meal plans, and behavioral sessions that provide an individualized approach to childhood overweight.
Call 503-561-6990 to register.
Information session:
Thursday, March 31, 7–8:30 p.m. - RRC
10-week class:
Thursdays, April 14–June 16, 6:30–8:30 p.m. - RRC

When I’m in Charge
This course teaches 8–11-year-olds to make smart and safe decisions when they are home alone. The course focuses on a variety of situations, from phone calls to peer pressure, and includes take-home activities for children and their parents. Kids may bring a snack.
Cost: $15.
Call 503-585-5414 to register.
Saturday, Feb. 12, 9–11:30 a.m., COM A/B
Saturday, May 7, 9–11:30 a.m., COM A/B

First Aid for Children Today
This highly interactive class, geared for 5–8-year-olds, teaches basic first-aid skills, healthy lifestyle, and injury-prevention awareness. Participants receive a fun workbook and certificate of completion.
Cost: $10.
Call 503-585-5414 to register.
Saturday, April 9, 9–11:30 a.m.
COM B

Basic Aid Training
Safety education for ages 8–12. Children will learn emergency action plans and first-aid procedures for choking and water rescue, as well as many other safety tips. Please have children bring lunch.
Cost: $20.
Call 503-585-5414 to register.
Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
COM C

Babysitter Training Class
This class teaches basic childcare skills, first aid and safety issues, age-appropriate behavior and play, and injury prevention to 11–15-year-olds. All skills must be demonstrated, but there is no written test, and all students receive a certificate of completion. Participants should bring a snack and a doll for practice purposes. Please drop off and pick up your child at the classroom.
Cost: $35 or $43 with First Aid kit.
Call 503-585-5414 to register.
Saturdays
Feb. 5 and 12 - 9 a.m.–noon, COM C
Feb. 19 and 26 - 9 a.m.–noon, COM A/B
March 5 and 12 - 9 a.m.–noon, COM A/B
April 9 and 16 - 9 a.m.–noon, COM A
April 23 and 30 - 9 a.m.–noon, COM A/B
May 14 and 21 - 9 a.m.–noon, COM A/B
April 2 - 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.,
WVH (one-day class)

Expectant Parent Classes and Tours
All classes held at the Family Birth Center (FBC)

Spanish Prenatal Classes
Cost: $20 per couple.
Call 503-561-5138 to register.
Sundays, March 13 and 20
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Baby Maybe?
Free.
Call 503-561-5138 to register.
Monday, March 7
7–8:30 p.m.

Baby Care and Feeding
Cost: $20 per couple.
Call 503-561-5138 to register.
Monday, Feb. 7
6:30–9 p.m.

Child Safety Seat Class
Free.
Call 503-561-5138 to register.
Saturday, Feb. 12
1–3 p.m.

Training Camp for New Dads
Cost: $20. Scholarships available.
Call 503-561-5138 to register.
Saturday, Jan. 8 or March 12, 9–11:30 a.m. (taught in English)
Monday, Feb. 14 or April 11, 6–9:30 p.m. (taught in English)
Sunday, Feb. 13, March 13 or April 10, 9 a.m.–noon (taught in Spanish)

New Moms’ Connections
Free.
Call 503-561-5138 to register.
Every Thursday
10–11:30 a.m.

Moms in the Middle
Are you in the middle of your pregnancy? Come to this free information night in the Family Birth Center. Meet our staff and take a tour of the units. Guest speakers include lactation specialists, nurses, pediatricians, family-practice physicians, and more!
Free.
Call 503-561-5138 to register.
Monday, Jan. 31 or April 4
7–8:30 p.m.

Ball-Bouncing Mamas!
Join other expectant and new mothers in a six-week exercise class tailored to pregnant and post-partum women. You’ll learn how to improve abdominal core stability and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. These exercises will reduce strain on your back and spine during and after pregnancy. Therapeutic exercise balls will be used for most of the exercises. Wear comfortable clothing. Babies not yet crawling can come.
Cost: $20 per person.
Call 503-561-5138 to register.
Tuesdays, Jan. 11–Feb. 15
Tuesdays, April 5–May 10
11 a.m.–noon

Baby Massage
Enjoy a special time with your baby, learning basic baby massage. This class is for expectant and new mothers, fathers, grandparents, and adopting parents. Learn the benefits of loving touch for baby and you, as well as tips for using massage as your child gets older.
Bring your newborn to pre-crawler baby!
Cost: $20 per couple, $10 per person.
Call 503-561-5138 to register.
Saturday, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 19, or April 16 - 1–2:30 p.m.

CPR and First Aid
To register for any CPR/First Aid class, call the American Red Cross at (503) 585-5414.

Adult, Infant, and Child CPR with First Aid
Cost: $45.
Two-day classes.
Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 7 and 8, 5–10 p.m., WCC, Room F
Tuesday and Wednesday, March 15 and 16, 5–10 p.m., WCC, Room F
Saturday, April 2, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m., COM A/B
Saturday, April 23, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., WVH
Wednesday and Thursday, May 4 and 5, 5–10 p.m., WCC, Room F

Adult CPR and First Aid
One or two-day classes available.
Cost: $25 for CPR only; $35 for both.
Saturday, Feb. 5, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., COM A/B
Saturday, Feb. 19, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., WVH
Saturday, April 2, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., COM A
Saturday, May 7, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., COM C
Monday, April 11, 6–10 p.m., and Tuesday April 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m., COM A/B

Infant/Child CPR and First Aid
Cost: $25 for CPR only, $35 for both.
Saturday, April 23, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
WVH

First Aid Basics
Cost: $25
Tuesday, March 8, 6–10 p.m., WCC, Room B/C
Tuesday, May 10, 6–10 p.m., COM A/B

Community Health Forums

The Aging Eye
Age can bring changes that affect your eyesight, but this does not mean that you have to live with these changes. Dr. Richard Neahring, an ophthalmology specialist will present common ophthalmologic conditions of the aging eye. He will discuss prevention and treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye and presbyopia.
Free.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Thursday, Jan. 20, 7–8:30 p.m.

Annual Heart Fair and Lecture
To have a strong, healthy heart, you need to understand how to take care of it. Please join us for our annual heart fair, for free blood-pressure checks, demonstrations and interactive information on heart health and cardiac services. During the lecture, Dr. Wallace Lai, a local cardiologist, will discuss ways to keep your heart healthy, prevent heart attacks and regain your health after a heart attack. Free. Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Thursday, March 3
5–6:45 p.m. Heart Fair and Exhibits
7–8:30 p.m. “Living with your Heart” with Dr. Wallace Lai

Diabetes Awareness Day
We will be offering fasting blood sugar testing, exhibits and educational sessions designed to enhance your knowledge of diabetes management.
Free.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Saturday, March 19
9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Gehlhar Nutrition Lecture: Secrets to Aging Gracefully
Free radicals. Oxidative stress. These are complicated medical terms that greatly affect the way our bodies function. But what do they mean? Can we prevent disease and slow the aging process with a proper diet? Please join Dr. Balz Frei, Ph.D., Director and Endowed Chair of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, to learn how antioxidants and other micronutrients can help us to age with health and grace.
Free.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Thursday, March 31, 7–8:30 p.m.

Your Choice: Understanding Prostate Cancer and Treatment Options
The management of a disease such as prostate cancer is almost never simple, and there are seldom clear choices for the treatment. Please join Dr. Ted Williamson, a local radiation oncologist, to discuss prostate-cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment methods currently available. Learn ways to choose the appropriate treatment and why a second opinion is important.
Free.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Thursday, April 21
7–8:30 p.m.

More Than A Snore
Sleep apnea is often associated with disturbingly loud snoring that keeps a spouse or roommates awake. The condition may seem like a mere annoyance, but the implications of obstructive sleep apnea are quite serious.

The Health Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Presented by Dr. Martin Johnson of Salem Hospital's Sleep Disorder Center.
Free.
Call 503-561-5639 to register.
Thursday, May 19
7–8:30 p.m.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a difficulty maintaining open airways during sleep. In other words, air cannot flow into or out of the person’s nose or mouth, although the body’s efforts to breathe continue. The condition is characterized by as many as 20 to 30 involuntary breathing pauses, or “apneic events,” per hour.

Effects of sleep apnea
“Sleep apnea has two main effects,” says Dr. Mark Gabr, Director of Salem Hospital’s Sleep Disorder Center. “The first is sleep disruption, preventing a person from getting enough quality sleep, making them especially tired during the day. Secondly, it causes drops in blood oxygenation, which can lead to cardiovascular complications, as well as problems with concentration, memory, and other mental tasks.”

Who experiences sleep apnea?
While it’s possible that sleep apnea may be genetic, those most likely to develop the condition include people who snore loudly, are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have a physical abnormality in the nose, throat, or other section of the upper airway. For those already experiencing sleep apnea, the use of alcohol and sleeping pills increases the frequency and duration of breathing pauses.

“New emerging evidence suggests that sleep apnea can have a major negative impact on medical disorders such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and asthma,” says Dr. Martin C. Johnson II of Salem Hospital’s Sleep Disorder Center. “If you snore loudly and you have these conditions, you should strongly consider the possibility of sleep apnea, and discuss further diagnostic testing with your physician.”

Treating sleep apnea
While treatment varies based on a person’s unique situation, medication is typically not effective. Instead, the most successful treatments are mechanical processes that help reopen the airways.

“Our primary treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP—continuous positive airway pressure,” says Dr. Gabr. “It is a simple mechanical treatment that forces air into the passageways to keep them open during sleep.”

In addition, weight loss can be helpful in reducing the effects of sleep apnea. Even a 10% reduction in weight can measurably reduce the number of apneic events for most people. Plus, in certain circumstances, surgery can be used to remove obstructions or correct airway abnormalities.

Learn More
• Attend our May forum, “The Dangers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea,” presented by Dr. Martin Johnson of Salem Hospital’s Sleep Disorder Center.
• Visit Health Source, our online encyclopedia of medical information.

What’s WVH?
It’s West Valley Hospital in Dallas.

We offer classes in Dallas, including:

• When I’m in Charge
• Babysitter Training Class
• Adult CPR and First Aid

If a class you would like to take in Salem is full, please consider taking it at “WVH” in Dallas.

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