Cancer, Perinatal Support Groups, Cardiac Assessment At St V's
Cancer, Perinatal Support Groups, Cardiac Assessment At St Vâs
BRIDGEPORT â A free breast cancer survivor support group, sponsored by St Vincentâs SWIM Across the Sound, meets on the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 5:30 to7 pm on Level 4 of the Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, adjacent to St Vincentâs Medical Center, 2800 Main Street.
Upcoming dates are June 19 and July 3.
The Breast Cancer Survivor Support Group provides information and resource to women dealing with breast cancer at any stage of survivorship. Breast cancer patients are also given the opportunity to share their questions and concerns about the disease.
Facilitators are Maureen Pelletier, RN, OCN, and Joyce Flynn, Network of Strength volunteer
No reservations required, free parking with validated ticket.
General Cancer Support
Also, a free General Cancer Support Group is offered by St Vincentâs on the third Wednesday of every month from 9 to10 am. The next group will meet June 20, in the Oncology Conference Room in the Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care.
This ongoing monthly group is focused on giving support to patients and families who have been diagnosed with lung, colon, head and neck, esophageal, GI cancers, and other solid tumors. The one-hour dialogue and discussion will cover medical issues and stress-related issues regarding the medical, physical, and emotional effects concerning the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Facilitators Lynn Roberge, CAS, LPC, NCC, psychotherapist, and Teresa McLaughlin, RN, MSN, AOCN, oncology nurse case manager, will lead the group in discussions.
For more information, call St Vincentâs SWIM line at 203-576-6158 or view a full listing of health and wellness programs and support groups at www.stvincents.org/community-wellness/events
Perinatal Grief
Also, St Vincentâs âWe Careâ Perinatal Grief Support Group will meet on Wednesday, June 20, from 7 to 8:15 pm in the Ambulatory Infusion Center waiting area on level 3 of the Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care,.
The group is for those grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillborn, or newborn death.
The group is facilitated by a maternity nurse and a chaplain who are certified grief counselors. It meets the third Wednesday of each month. Speakers experienced in grief counseling are scheduled periodically.
There is no charge for attendance. No registration is required.
For additional information, call Sister Arthur Marie Donnelly in the Pastoral Care Department at 203-576-5110 or Marilyn Faber at 203-576-5716.
Cardiac Assessment
In other news, the Elizabeth Pfriem Women at Heart Program at St Vincentâs Regina L. Cozza Center will sponsor a free womenâs cardiac screening fair Saturday, June 23. Women of all ages are encouraged to attend the Take Heart Fair between 9 am and noon in the Hawley Conference Center at St Vincentâs, 2800 Main Street.
Take Heart is a great opportunity for women to get to know their own hearts a little better. There will be free blood pressure and vital sign screenings, body composition evaluation and nutrition assessment, as well as fitness assessment, lifestyle changes, and appropriate formulation of an action plan through goal setting.
Women will also have access to Framingham Risk scores, which help to determine their potential development of heart disease in the next ten years. Take Heart guest speakers will include registered dietitian Karen Novak, RD, MA, CDE, and cardiologist Dr Kathleen Harper.
They will be discussing nutrition and prevention of heart disease in women. Parking is free as are all screenings and lectures.
Free cholesterol screenings will also be available at the Take Heart fair â but only by appointment. No walk-ins, as space is limited. To make an appointment call St Vincentâs at 203-576-6119. Information is also available online at www.stvincents.org/takeheart.