Northwest Community offers support, education programs
Northwest Community Healthcare, 800 W. Central Road in Arlington Heights, offers a variety of classes, support groups and programs that promote a healthy community. Here's a look as some of what's available.
• Pancreatic, Hepatobiliary, Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Support Group
This group, for anyone with a pancreas, liver, bile duct, esophageal or stomach cancer diagnosis and their family and friends, generally meets the first Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Next meeting is Aug. 7. Facilitated by Kim Jensen, a licensed community social worker, and Stephanie Evans, a registered nurse. For more information, call Health Connection at (847) 618-4968.
• Courage to Stay Tobacco-Free Support Group
This group is open to anyone who wants to quit using tobacco, has already quit but needs support, or is thinking about quitting. We share our experiences, strengths, hopes and also help each other. This is an anonymous group that meets for an hour 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays, excluding holidays. No registration required; walk-ins welcome. One-on-one counseling sessions available; for information or to schedule an appointment, call Mary McNally at (847) 618-7992.
• Nutrition Lecture: The Truth about Dietary Fats: The Good, the Bad and the In-Between
Not all fats are created equal. Get the scoop at this class, which meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Wellness Center. Should you be eating avocado toast? What about cooking with coconut oil? Are nuts a good snack? Is olive oil still the best heart-healthy choice? Explore the topic of dietary fats and the impact on health in this discussion. A free raffle will also take place to win a 60-minute nutrition consult with a registered dietitian. Cost is $5-$15. Register at the Wellness Center Service Desk or call (847) 618-3501.
• Diabetes Education and Support Group
Meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Arlington Heights Senior Center. This class teaches how to better manage the disease. For diabetics, friends and family. No registration needed; walk-ins welcome. Next meeting is from 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 14.
• Infant/Child CPR and Safety
Practice on a mannequin; learn how to childproof your home. $25 per person, advance registration required at nch.org or call Health Connection at (847) 618-4968. Next session is from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7.
• Prepared Childbirth Classes
Meets 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28. Recommended for seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Relaxation exercises, breathing techniques and comfort measures. A description of all phases of labor and birth, including medical interventions, anesthesia and options for labor, as well as a birth video and tour of the obstetric department. $100 per couple. Contact Health Connection at (847) 618-4968 to inquire about availability. Advanced booking required.
• NCH Wellness Center WIN Program
Give us 12 weeks to help you improve your health through the WIN program at the NCH Wellness Center. 90-minute sessions: 45 minutes of group nutrition, followed by 45 minutes of group exercise. Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon or 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. Registration required. For information, call Rosemary Mueller at (847) 618-3625.