Health Briefs for the week

Book club aims to help participants end nicotine addiction

Franciscan Health is offering a 14-week book club focused on helping participants quit smoking and vaping for good. The club will read “The Naked Mind Nicotine: The Science-Based Method to Reclaim Your Health and Take Control Easily” by Annie Grace and William Porter. With thought-provoking questions and exercises that spark clarity, the book helps jump start the journey to being nicotine-free while helping participants achieve healthier bodies and minds. The group will discuss two chapters of the book at each week’s meeting.

The book club will be led by Laura Arent, Franciscan Health tobacco treatment specialist, who will offer tips and techniques to help participants through anxiety and urges they may experience while quitting nicotine products.

The club will meet virtually each week on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern/11 a.m. to noon Central from Jan. 17 through April 14. Beyond the cost of the book, the book club is free of charge. To register, contact Laura Arent at Laura.Arent@franciscanalliance.org. After enrolling, participants will receive an email with details and links for the meetings and supplemental materials.

Classes

SOUTH BEND — Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana will offer the free class “Alzheimer’s & Dementia” from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 8 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/.

GOSHEN — Chair Yoga will be offered by the Elkhart County Parks at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 11 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 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. Jan. 10 in Ballroom A & B, Community Learning Center, 305 S. Michigan St. Register at sjcpl.libnet.info/events.

Surge precautions: COVID, flu and RSV cases rise; Beacon requires masks and limits visitors

Events

SOUTH BEND — Care Partner Academy Live: “When Is It Time?” presented by Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana. This class provides information for caretakers who would like to know more about resources available for different stages in caring for a loved one with dementia. It will also help caregivers see when it is time to make a transition. This event will be held at the St. Joseph County Public Library, Community Learning Center, 305 S. Michigan St., from 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 9. Register at sjcpl.libnet.info/events.

BUCHANAN — Lisa Powell from the Area Agency on Aging will present “Munch on the Mediterranean” at 1 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Buchanan Area Senior Center, 810 Rynearson St. She will discuss the Mediterranean Diet and what foods fit into a Mediterranean style of eating, how to incorporate specific foods into daily eating and tips to get started. The diet has proven to help reduce cardiovascular risks, reduce inflammation and support healthy aging. Powell will also offer food samples. Registration is required by calling 269-695-7119.

Support Groups

NILES — Lory’s Place and the Niles-Buchanan YMCA offers a free, in-person grief support group for adults who have experienced the death of someone significant. This is an open-ended group which means you can attend or leave whenever you choose. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month (Jan. 10) from noon to 1 p.m. at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, 905 N. Front St. Space is limited. Register by calling 269-983-2707.

Vaccinations

BERRIEN COUNTY — Corewell Health Lakeland will hold a drive-thru flu shot clinic from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 10 at 100 W. Main St., Benton Harbor. No appointment is needed, and participants remain in their vehicles the entire time. Must be 18 or older. There is no cost with most insurance; bring insurance card with you. $37 for the traditional vaccine or $74 for the high-dose vaccine. Cash or check only; credit cards not accepted. For questions, please contact Corewell Health Employer Services at 269-927-5154.

Blood drives

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

• First Church of God, 2020 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte, noon to 6 p.m. CST Jan. 8.

• Innovation Park at Notre Dame, 1400 E. Angela Blvd., South Bend, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 9.

• Northside Baptist Church, 53198 County Road 9, Elkhart, 1:30 to 6 p.m. Jan. 9.

• Purdue University Northwest–Westville Campus, Library Student Faculty Building, Room 144, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST Jan. 9.

• Fireman’s Building, 1013 E. Arthur St., Warsaw, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 9.

• Oak Creek Community Church, 833 Lincoln Way E., Mishawaka, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 10.

• The Acorn, 107 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 10.

• Silver Beach Center, 333 Broad St., St. Joseph, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 10.

• Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 3115 Niles Buchanan Road, Buchanan, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 11.

• Plymouth Fire Department, 111 N. Center St., Plymouth, 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 11.

• Peace Lutheran Church, 3590 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 11.

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

• Hardware Plus, 611 Lincoln Way W., Osceola, 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 5.

• Walkerton/Lincoln Twp. Public Library, 406 Adams Road, Walkerton, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 5.

• Lakeville Community, Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan St., Lakeville, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9.

• Martell Services Group, 4601 Cleveland Road, South Bend, 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 11.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Health Briefs for South Bend area from Jan. 5-11, 2024