Condell Health Network notes

For more information, visit www.condell.org.

Holiday Sale: Stop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in the main lobby at Condell Medical Center and make purchases that will spread goodwill and cheer throughout the hospital. Funds raised at this Auxiliary-sponsored event will go toward enhancing services and purchasing new medical technologies that will benefit patients for years to come.

The holiday sale will include $5 jewelry and accessories and $10 watches, as well as 2007 Condell ambulance banks, sporting goods and first aid kits -- all at reduced prices until they are sold out. There will also be raffles held. Tickets cost $1 for three chances.

To join the Auxiliary of Condell Medical Center, or find out about fundraising events that benefit the hospital, contact (847) 990-5615 or auxiliary@condell.org.

Donation Drives: Condell Medical Center is reaching out to area residents this season to support several collection drives that will benefit friends and neighbors in need. Stop in the following locations to drop of donations:

• Centre Clubs' Food Drive: Ends today. Nonperishable goods are needed to benefit The Northern Illinois Food Bank. Collection boxes are located in Centre Club lobbies at Gurnee, 1405 Hunt Club Road and Libertyville, 200 W. Golf Road. Donors are eligible for raffle prizes, including a day at Centre Club, massages, personal training sessions and nutritional consultation.

• Pastoral Care's Winter Outerwear Collection: Through Sunday. New or gently used coats, scarves and gloves for adults and children are needed to benefit Catholic Charities. Collection boxes are located in the hospital's main lobby and outside the cafeteria on the lower level. Clothing should be cleaned.

• Radiology's Pet Supply Drive: Through Dec. 21. Pet food, new and gently used toys, grooming and related items to benefit Save-A-Pet. Collection boxes are located at the Radiology department's main desk. Check in at the welcome desk in the hospital's main lobby for directions. Cash and check donations payable to Save-A-Pet are also welcome.

Stress Echo Screening: The Condell Heart Center on Cleveland Ave., in Libertyville is offering a special stress echo screening for Lake County residents only. To qualify for the $100 test, residents must not have a previous cardiac disease diagnosis.

The stress echo screening consists of two tests: an echocardiogram and a cardiac treadmill stress test. These comprehensive studies will indicate whether a person's heart shows signs of blockages or irregularity.

This screening offer expires Jan. 31 or when 100 appointments are filled for qualifying clients who meet screening criteria, whichever comes first. Call (847) 990-5532, weekdays, to make an appointment.

Weight Management: Anyone who sings up for New Direction Weight Management of Condell during December will get their $100 initiation fee waived. Stop in at a free orientation session for more information about the variety of medically supervised weight loss programs available. Orientation sessions are held at 7 p.m. every Wednesday at the Libertyville Centre Club, located at 200 W. Golf Road on the hospital's main campus.

For information about attending a free orientation session and about Wellness Services of Condell, call the Libertyville Centre Club at (847) 990-5700.

New Support Group: Condell Medical Center now offers an ongoing drop-in cancer support group that meets at 10 a.m. Wednesdays in the patient lounge on the fourth floor (north unit). This group welcomes patients with all types of cancer and aims to bring inpatients, outpatients and their families together to share the challenges they face and inspire each other to lead full lives. The support group is facilitated by two-time cancer survivor Bill Casale, M.Ed. in counseling, and Deacon Don Wheling, Condell Medical Center's pastoral care chaplain.

For information, call (847) 990-5199.

Breast cancer group: Condell Medical Center offers an ongoing breast cancer support group that is led by Peg Schuetz, a licensed clinical professional counselor, and Maggie David, a registered nurse and breast cancer survivor. The group meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. every third Friday of the month at Condell's Intergenerational Day Center's solarium in the Allen Conference Center, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. For information, call (847) 990-5818.

For a complete listing of all the help and support groups offered at Condell Medical Center, visit the Web site www.condell.org.