New healthy pregnancy program in Lake County

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is launching a new program called "Becoming a Mom/Comenzando bien," that is designed to teach women about having a healthy pregnancy. Funded through a March of Dimes grant, the program will offer a series of six sessions/courses that are free and open to the public. The first session will feature a two-hour class every Thursday, from Nov. 5 to Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (No class Nov. 26.). Participants will receive a free lunch each week. The location is the health department's North Chicago Community Health Center, 2215 14th St., North Chicago. For those unavailable to attend the first session, five additional six-week sessions/courses will be offered. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death worldwide. The premature birthrate for Lake County is 9.3 percent. Taught by medical professionals, community health workers and trained volunteers, the program offers a bilingual curriculum. To register or for more information, call (847) 377-8050.