FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2009
Classes, Support Groups and Events for the Community at St. John’s Mercy Hospital
The following classes, special events and support groups are offered by St. John’s Mercy Hospital. Unless otherwise noted, they meet in the Educational Services Department, first floor, at St. John’s Mercy Medical Building, 851 East Fifth Street in Washington. For some events, registration starts six weeks in advance and space is limited.
Heartsaver CPR: This three-hour class is designed for the layperson who requires credentialing in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The course teaches CPR and relief of choking in adults, children, infants and the use of mouth barriers to block direct contact between victim and rescuer. The class meets from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Educational Services Department. For more information, or to register, call 636-239-8004.
Women’s Heart Health Fair: St. John’s Mercy Hospital and St. John’s Mercy Heart and Vascular Hospital with the Sister to Sister Foundation, will host a free heart health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday, Feb. 28, at St. John’s Mercy Hospital, 901 E. Fifth Street in Washington, second floor. The event, an effort to raise awareness and save lives, will offer free heart health screenings, innovative presentations about heart health, opportunities to talk with medical, lifestyle, nutrition and fitness experts, national and local exhibitors, and much more. Admission and heart screenings are free. Registration is encouraged, but not necessary. Registration is available online at www.sistertosister.org/register or toll-free at 1-866-450-0575. For more information, call St. John’s Mercy Hospital Public Relations at 636-239-8234 or visit www.stjohnsmercy.org/sistertosister.
Al-Anon: Al-Anon is a support group for families and friends of alcoholics. The group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. every Sunday in the Educational Services Department. For more information, call 636-239-8004.
Congestive Heart Failure Support Group: Meets from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at St. John’s Mercy Medical Building. For more information, call 636-239-8004.
Diabetes Education Series: This group meets four times a year to learn how to manage diabetes and motivate, empower and inspire members to lead healthier lives. The meeting is from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 5. For more information, call the Diabetes Wellness Center at 636-239-8371.
Diabetes Education: St. John’s Mercy Hospital will host “Medication Therapy in Diabetes Mellitus: A Brief Overview” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, in the Educational Services Department. David Walker, doctor of pharmacy (PharmD), Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator at St John’s Mercy Hospital, will lead the event. Admission is free and family members are welcome to attend. For more information, call 636-239-8248.
Grief Support Group: This group is open to anyone experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one. Call Pastoral Care at 636-239-8240 for dates, times and locations.
Heartsaver AED: This class teaches Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and the use of mouth barriers to block direct contact between victim and rescuer. It also teaches how to bring relief to choking adults. This class is offered by request. For more information, call Educational Services at 636-239-8004.
Heartsaver First Aid: This four-hour class provides the skills to effectively assess and maintain life during the critical time following an emergency to the arrival of professional medical personnel. The course provides corporations with a complete health and safety training solution for First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for people assigned to respond to emergencies in the workplace or community as well as those who simply want to learn those skills. The class meets from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. March 12 in the Educational Services Department. For more information, or to register, call Educational Services at 636-239-8004.
Lamaze: This is a childbirth class that helps expectant parents prepare for all aspects of the birth process. With help of fathers or “labor coaches,” mothers-to-be prepare for labor by learning a variety of relaxation techniques including breathing, massage, movement and comfortable positions. The program also includes information on the 24-hour epidural service offered at St. John’s Mercy. Information on newborn care and breastfeeding will be given. Participants watch a movie on childbirth and tour the Mercy Childbirth Center. Expectant parents should begin Lamaze classes by the seventh month of pregnancy. The class meets from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays for four weeks (March 3, 10, 17 and 24). The cost is $70. Lamaze Weekend Accelerated meets from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday March 7 and Saturday, March 14. The cost is $90. For more information, or to register, call Educational Services at 636-239-8004.
Pediatric Wellness Expo: St. John’s Mercy Hospital will host its Fourth Annual Jump Into Health Pediatric Wellness Expo from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21, in the gymnasium at East Central College, 1964 Prairie Dell Road in Union. The event will offer family-friendly activities and special guests. Exhibitors include Kids in Motion, Family Martial Art Fitness Academy, “Louie the Lightening Bug,” face painting, representatives from the YMCA, Villa West Dance and Acrobatics and more. Prizes include bikes, local merchant passes and fitness games. There also will be free giveaways. The event is open to the public and admission is free. The Jump Into Health Pediatric Wellness Expo is sponsored by St. John’s Mercy Hospital Nutrition and Diabetes Wellness Center. Reservations are not required. For more information, call 636-239-8378.
Stroke Support Group: Meets from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at St. John’s Mercy Hospital Sports and Therapy Center, 1713 Heritage Hills in Washington. For more information, call 636-239-8858
News Release