Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital Offers Health and Wellness Series

Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital will host a series of seminars to create health awareness and inspire healthy living. The Blodgett Hospital Wellness Series offers specialized health and wellness resources to help individuals get and stay healthy and fit.

“Our primary concern is supporting our patients to be as healthy as possible. The Blodgett Hospital Wellness Series is designed to improve the health of our local community by creating a culture of health among hospital employees, patients and the local community,” said Jim Wilson, president, Blodgett Hospital. “We put together a variety of wellness programs and educational opportunities that we hope will promote disease prevention and healthier lifestyles for all ages.”

All of the events will be held at 1840 Wealthy St., East Grand Rapids, in the hospital’s Yaw Conference Room. Most of the events are free, however, preregistration is required. Complimentary parking is available at all events.

Breast Cancer: The Road to Diagnosis
Thursday, January 27, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This session is free.
Call 616.267.2626 and select Option 4 to register.

What if you came in for your annual screening mammogram and were told you needed to return for more testing? Would you know what to expect? Join us for one woman’s journey through diagnostic testing. Jane Pettinga, MD, Spectrum Health Medical Group, and clinical advisor, breast oncology, Spectrum Health Cancer Program, along with a panel of experts from Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion will share the latest information on diagnosing breast cancer.

When Diets Fail: Advances in Weight Loss Surgery
Thursday, February 17, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This session is free.
Call 616.267.2626 and select Option 4 to register.

Obesity is a condition that contributes to more than 20 major chronic diseases and it is often misunderstood. The causes vary and are not simply a matter of self control. Join Randall Baker, MD, medical director, bariatric surgery, Spectrum Health, to find out more about surgical options for obesity. Although not for everyone, learn who can benefit and who is eligible for weight loss surgery. Visit spectrum-health.org/bariatrics for additional information and future seminars.

Menopause and Your Bones
Thursday, February 10, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This session is free.
Call 616.267.2626 and select Option 4 to register.

Menopause is more than hot flashes and mood swings. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, women can lose up to 20 percent of bone mass in the first five to seven years after menopause. Join Anne McKay, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, Spectrum Health Osteoporosis Center, to learn how the time before and after menopause can affect your bones and what you can do to keep them strong.

Strength Training
Tuesdays: February 22 to April 12, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This eight-week series costs $75.
Call 616.267.2626 and select Option 4 to register.

Join us for a program that uses free weights, theratubing, physioballs and foam rollers. We will emphasize movements that are safe and effective for people with low bone mass, as seen with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Class size is limited to allow for individual coaching. Please wear comfortable, layered clothing and bring an exercise mat.

Men and Osteoporosis
Wednesday, March 16, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This session is free.
Call 616.267.2626 and select Option 4 to register.

One in four men older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Are you one of the 2 million men who have osteoporosis or one of the 12 million men at risk for this disease? Will you keep your bones strong as you get older? Join Anne McKay, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, Spectrum Health Osteoporosis Center, to learn about the risk factors for osteoporosis in men and steps you can take to keep your bones healthy. A guest will share the male perspective on low bone mass.

Healthy Bones to Last a Lifetime
Monday, March 21, 10:30 a.m. to Noon
This session is free.
Call 616.267.2626 and select Option 4 to register.

Broken bones are not part of aging. Your bones can stay strong as you get older. Join Anne McKay, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, Spectrum Health Osteoporosis Center, to learn about risk factors for osteoporosis, and medical conditions and medications that can impact your bones as you age. Area professionals also will share ways to prevent falls and community resources to keep you moving safely. This event is sponsored by the Successful Aging Coalition.

Breast Cancer: Treatment Options
Thursday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This session is free.
Call 616.267.2626 and select Option 4 to register.

Join us for the continuation of a personal journey through cancer treatment. This session is for anyone who has breast cancer, wants to support someone who does or just wants to be better informed. Jane Pettinga, MD, Spectrum Health Medical Group, and clinical advisor, breast oncology, Spectrum Health Cancer Program, will discuss the latest in breast cancer treatment. Learn how the health care team can help make decisions, what to expect during treatment and the support available along the way.

For more information about Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital, please visit spectrum-health.org/blodgett.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, nine hospitals and more than 170 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart, physician groups with more than 600 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with 600,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 16,700 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,350 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care. The organization provided $115.9 million in community benefit during its 2010 fiscal year. In 2010, Spectrum Health was named a Top 10 Health System by Thomson Reuters.