SUPPORT GROUPS
BARIATRIC SURGERY SUPPORT GROUPS
Bariatric Surgery
The Bariatric Surgery Support Group meets each month on a Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. in Classroom B at United Hospital Center. Meetings include a half hour presentation by a guest speaker and a half hour group discussion. There is no charge to be a member of the group.
Examples of program topics include the following: Role of Vitamins, Post Surgery Exercise, Dealing with Mental Aspects of Surgery, Nutrition Following Surgery, and Plastic Surgery Options. These topics are presented by a variety of health care professionals including a pharmacist, personal trainer, psychologist, dietician, and plastic surgeon.
2005 Support Group dates include: January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 7, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12 and December 10.
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CANCER-RELATED SUPPORT GROUPS
Hope Support Group
This support group is for those challenged with cancer and their families, and it meets on an "as needed" basis. Programs include support and education. For more information, call 304/624-2709. Registration is required.
Special Touch Support Group
Special Touch sessions are open to women interested in learning more about themselves during and following the diagnosis of breast cancer. The group meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at UHC. Mutual support and educational programs are provided. For more information, call Liz Tustin at 304/623-4819.
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GRIEF-RELATED SUPPORT GROUPS
(for those who have lost a loved one)
The People's Hospice staff coordinates two (2) support groups to help individuals/families who have lost a loved one. The support groups are available not only to those who have lost a loved one as a result of a terminal illness, but to anyone seeking support. This service is available to anyone regardless of their past or present use of hospice services.
The support group helps individuals overcome grief by:
- Making available a trusted and compassionate person to listen to your concerns.
- Providing education about the grief process and what you might expect to happen during your period of bereavement.
- Teaching you new ways to cope with the stress of loss and grief.
- Providing help in becoming involved in a new life - seeking out new support persons, groups, and activities.
- Simply knowing someone is available during time of need.
Support group participants are encouraged to become involved by:
- Sharing thoughts and ideas out loud. This can often help gain a better perspective about the meaning and effect of the loss.
- Discussing painful feelings such as despair, anger or guilt as a way to reduce the intensity of those feelings.
- Reminiscing about their loved one in order to help gain a better perspective on the relationship they shared.
- Discussing the changes they are experiencing in their life. This may ease the transition to a new beginning.
One grief support group meets in the People's Hospice Department located on 3 South at UHC. This is a varied group of participants.
A grief support group for widows & widowers also meets in the People's Hospice Department located on 3 South at UHC.
For more information and to register, call People's Hospice at 624-2424 and ask for the bereavement counselor.
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DIABETES-RELATED SUPPORT GROUPS
The Health Connection Diabetes Support Groups
The Health Connection Diabetes Support Group and Juvenile Diabetes Support Group conduct monthly meetings that cover issues such as meal planning, insulin, exercise, stress, involving the family and more. Call 304/624-2788 for an agenda or 1-800-DIABETES and ask to be placed on the mailing list to receive flyers for monthly meetings.
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