Health Briefs for the week

Center for Hospice Care joins NPHI

MISHAWAKA — Center for Hospice Care announces its new membership with the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, which is comprised of more than 100 not-for-profit, community-integrated hospice and palliative care providers. NPHI is committed to ensuring that patients and their families have access to the highest quality care during life’s final stages. By becoming a part of NPHI, Center for Hospice Care embraces a commitment to person-centered advanced illness care — enabling individuals to concentrate on their own comfort in their final moments.

Goshen Physicians Gastroenterology offers new liver screening

GOSHEN — Goshen Physicians Gastroenterology now offers a new liver screening that provides advanced organ health assessments. In addition to faster and more accurate measurements, FibroScan Expert 630 adds new capabilities to examine the spleen for signs that liver disease is significantly affecting the whole body. The painless and non-invasive exam uses a handheld probe for liver conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, alcohol hepatitis and autoimmune conditions of the livers. The scan also helps specialists assess patient risk of cirrhosis. Liver screenings with FibroScan Expert 630 are available for adults with a referral from a primary healthcare provider.

Classes

SOUTH BEND — Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana will offer the free class “Sundown Syndrome” from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 26 in the Care Partner Academy. Patty Piechocki, director of the Institute for Excellence in Memory Care, will lead this live/interactive web session. Participants can connect through their computer. Register online at https://alzni.org/caregivers/caregiving/.

SOUTH BEND — RiverBend Cancer Services Wellness House, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., will offer the following “Living Well with Cancer” classes. All classes are free and open to cancer patients, survivors, their families and caregivers; pre-register for all classes by calling 574-287-4197.

• Feb. 26: 10 a.m. Seated Strength; 11:15 a.m. Breathworks; 12:30 p.m. Birthday Club; 1 p.m. Zen Coloring; 5:30 p.m. Gentle Yoga.

• Feb. 27: 10:30 a.m. Chair Yoga; 11:45 a.m. Chair Yoga; 1 p.m. MELT.

• Feb. 28: 10 a.m. Seated Strength; 2 p.m. Dominoes.

• Feb. 29: 10 a.m. Yarnwork; 10:30 a.m. Chair Yoga; 11:45 a.m. Chair Yoga; 1 to 2 p.m. Debbie’s Wig Salon.

ELKHART — REAL Services has launched a bi-monthly healthy aging series in partnership with the Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. Second St. REAL Talk is an opportunity for seniors to gain knowledge on a variety of topics centered on health, wellness, and staying active and independent as long as possible. The program is geared for those aged 60 and over, but all are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided at each session. The first session will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 27. The topic is “Don’t go breakin’ my heart: Reflections of a Young Heart Attack Survivor,” featuring Mia Albert, nurse and Hospice Care consultant for Heartland Hospice. Sessions for the year include: April 30, Foot Health and Diabetes; June 25, Energizing the Brain Through Expressive Arts; Aug. 27, Don’t Be A Fall Guy (Fall Prevention); Oct. 29, Dementia Early Detection: Why is it important? What are the Signs? Online registration is required at: realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/.

GOSHEN — Chair Yoga will be offered by the Elkhart County Parks at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 29 in the Ox Bow Haus Shelter in Ox Bow Park, 23033 County Road 45. Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available, bring your own if you have one. This is a free class for those 12 years and older. No registration is required.

SOUTH BEND — The St. Joseph County Public Library is offering “Yoga for EveryBODY” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in Ballroom A & B, Community Learning Center, 305 S. Michigan St. Register at sjcpl.libnet.info/events.

Events

SOUTH BEND — “Handcrafts & the Brain for the Grieving and Caregivers” presented by Self-Healing Communities of Greater Michiana will be held at the St. Joseph County Public Library, Beutter-Kernan Hall, 305 S. Michigan St., from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 29. Learn about the benefits of handcrafts on the brain and all forms of grief. Caregivers are encouraged to attend. Look forward to an hour of learning and relaxation. Register at sjcpl.libnet.info/events.

Support Groups

STEVENSVILLE — Join a walking group that allows participants who are grieving to gather in a supportive environment as you walk and talk. Walk at your own pace, benches are available for breaks. Open group for adults only, no need to pre-register. Gather from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Kohn Fieldhouse, (just south of Lakeshore High School) 5771 Cleveland Ave. Walkers will be required to change shoes upon entering the building. Lockers are available to store coats and boots while walking. For more information, contact Jaime Hoover at 269-429-7100.

Vaccinations

SOUTH BEND — Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, 1342 Berkshire Drive, will host the Indiana Department of Health’s Walk-in Clinic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 24. The clinic will offer COVID and flu vaccines and COVID boosters. Bring your insurance card because your insurance will be billed for services.

Blood drives

Medical Foundation will hold the following drives. Register at givebloodnow.com:

• University of Notre Dame, Graduate Student Library Circle, South Bend, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23.

• Mayor of Plymouth, Fire Station, 111 N. Center St., Plymouth, 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 24.

• South Bend Fire Dept., 1222 S. Michigan St., South Bend, 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 26.

• Holy Cross College, 54515 Indiana 933 N., Vincent Atrium, South Bend, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 27.

• Southwire Company, 515 Copperfield Way, Visitor Entrance, Bremen, 2 to 6 p.m. Feb. 27.

• Elkhart Area Career Center, 2424 California Road, Elkhart, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 28.

The American Red Cross will hold the following drives. Register at redcrossblood.org:

• NW Health Heart and Vascular Building, 901 Lincolnway, LaPorte, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST Feb. 24.

• Frank and Edward Skwiat American Legion Post 451, 121 Skwiat Legion Ave., Michigan City, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST Feb. 24.

• Edwardsburg American Legion, 25751 U.S. 12, Edwardsburg, 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 26.

• First Baptist Church, 1011 S. Indiana Ave., Goshen, 12:30 to 5 p.m. Feb. 26.

• Innovation Park at Notre Dame, 1400 E. Angela Blvd., South Bend, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 27.

• American Legion Post 400, 302 Lakeside Drive, Walkerton, 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 28.

• River Valley High School, 15480 Three Oaks Road, Three Oaks, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 28.

• Washington Discovery Academy, 1500 Lake Ave., Plymouth, noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 28.

• Mishawaka High School, 1202 Lincoln Way E., Mishawaka, 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 29.

• Nappanee at Claywood Event Center, 13920 N. 1100 W., Nappanee, noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 29.

• Marquette High School, 306 W. Tenth St., Michigan City, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST Feb. 29.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Health Briefs for South Bend area from Feb. 23 to Feb. 29, 2024