News Release

April 24, 2006

Contact: Carolyn Pennington, 860-679-4864
e-mail: cpennington@uchc.edu

Celebrate Health Programs: May 2006

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Celebrate Health at the University of Connecticut Health Center encompasses two free membership programs, Celebrate Women and Celebrate Aging, that provide valuable health and wellness information for targeted audiences in the community. A variety of educational programs are being offered in May.

Growing Older and Desperately Seeking Sleep: This presentation will explore how the architecture of sleep changes as you grow older, how various medical problems, including sleep apnea, affect our sleep, and how to get the sleep you need. Daniel McNally, M.D., director of the Sleep Disorders Center at the UConn Health Center, will lead the discussion on Monday, May 1, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 95 Cedar Street, Newington. Registration is not required.

The Talks at Covenant Village: Join us every month for informative talks at Covenant Village, 52 Missionary Road in Cromwell. This month's topic takes a look at "Successful Aging". The program begins at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 11 and is held in the Fireside Lounge in the Commons Building. The Talks at Covenant Village are presented by Patrick Coll, M.D., professor and director of clinical programs, UConn Center on Aging and Division of Geriatrics. The talks are free and open to the public.

Blood Pressure – Know Your Numbers: High blood pressure (hypertension) has nothing to do with being tense or nervous. In fact, you might be a very calm person and still have it. Hypertension is a major health problem in the United States, where more than 50 million people have the condition. Get the facts on high blood pressure from George Mansoor, M.D., assoc. professor of medicine, and learn about the most recent research and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, and how to live a heart-healthier life. Free blood pressure checks will be taken before or after the discussion. The presentation is open to the public and will be held on Thursday, May 11, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon.

The Wellness Lecture Series at Seabury: Join us at the Seabury Retirement Community for a "healthy" lecture intended to promote successful aging. This month's lecture explores "Emotional Wellbeing and Antidepressant Medications". The lecture will take place on Friday, May 12 at 11 a.m. at 200 Seabury Drive, Bloomfield. The Wellness Lecture Series at Seabury is presented by Patrick Coll, M.D., professor and director of clinical programs, UConn Center on Aging and Division of Geriatrics. The lecture series is free and open to the public.

Vascular Disease – Can You Possibly Have It?: Vascular disease is very common, particularly as people age. Many people have vascular diseases and don’t know it because they rarely cause symptoms in early stages. However, many people can be treated with lifestyle changes and/or medications to prevent the progression of disease. Join us as James Menzoian, M.D., professor of surgery, reviews the most common types of vascular diseases, symptoms, risk factors and what you can do to prevent or treat vascular disease. The talk will be held on Monday, May 15, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Farmington Senior Center, 300 New Britain Avenue, Unionville.

National Women’s Check-Up Day: Celebrate Women is taking part in National Women’s Check-Up Day by offering free screenings for women. This is an opportunity for you or a loved one to visit a health care professional for a preventive screening. Breast exams, pap smears and peripheral arterial disease screenings will be offered. Screeners are Patricia Bozeman, A.P.R.N., C.V.N., vascular surgery, UConn Health Center; Nancy Kalagher, A.P.R.N., ob/gyn practitioner, UConn Health Partners, East Hartford. The screenings will take place on Monday, May 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hollfelder Center for Women’s Health at the UConn Health Center. Appointments will be taken on a first-call, first-served basis. We cannot accommodate walk-ins. Call 860-679-8899 or toll-free 866-4FEMALE to schedule an appointment.

A Matter of Balance - Fall Prevention: Falls may happen to anyone, but their incidence increases with age. Many older people experience increasing difficulty with balance and safe mobility which can lead to falls. Join Victoria Panzer, Ph.D., asst. professor of neurology at the Balance and Gait Enhancement Laboratory at the UConn Health Center, and learn about both common and little known factors that can cause falls and loss of balance. You will see a video about fall prevention in the home and will hear about an exciting new approach to prevent falls. Also, learn how you can participate in a free, personalized, one-on-one fall prevention program. The talk will be held on Thursday, May 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Henry Low Learning Center at the UConn Health Center.

Women and Fitness – Spring Training: Would you like to know how to get into shape – not just for summer – but for life? Certified personal trainer, Lynn MacDonald, will explain the components of fitness, how to start an exercise program, how to reshape your body, strength training, and exercises you can do anytime/anywhere. The seminar also provides information about core training of the abdominal, buttock, and lower back muscles. Dress in comfortable clothing if you plan to participate in the optional core exercises. The seminar will be held on Thursday, May 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Onyiuke Dining Room at the UConn Health Center.

Which Vitamins are Right for You?: Did you ever wonder if the vitamins you're taking are actually doing anything, or are even worth the money? Mitch Kennedy, N.D., Charlotte Johnson Hollfelder Center at the UConn Health Center, will discuss what nutrients are most deficient in the American diet; the difference between brands; capsules vs. tablets; fillers, dyes, and preservatives; and which nutritional regimens are most beneficial. Also covered: How good are all-in-one vitamins? What is the U.S. recommended daily allowance? Are there options for people who don't like taking pills? The lecture will be held Monday, May 22, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Henry Low Learning Center at the UConn Health Center. It can also be viewed live via web cast at www.celebrate.uchc.edu/webcast/

Get Stroke Smart – Prevent it Before it Strikes: Every 45 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. Every 3 minutes, someone dies of one. Don’t become a statistic by ignoring the warning signs. Michael Dahn, M.D., professor of surgery at the UConn Health Center, will explain the risks and warning signs of stroke, tips on prevention and what to do when you or someone you love is having a stroke. The talk will be held on Tuesday, May 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Community Center, 300 Welles Street, Glastonbury.

Thyroid Disorders in Women: The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box. It produces thyroid hormone, which is essential for normal body growth and metabolism. The development of all tissue is dependent on the thyroid gland's proper functioning. If overactive or underactive, the thyroid gland can create health problems. Dr. Beatriz Tendler, M.D., asst. professor of medicine, will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of thyroid disorders in women, as well as the importance of knowing your medications and doses. The talk will be held on Wednesday, May 24, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Onyiuke Dining Room at the UConn Health Center.

Registration for these programs is required. The programs are free unless otherwise noted. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692. For more information, visit the Celebrate Health web site: www.celebrate.uchc.edu.

UConn Health includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, the UConn Medical Group, University Dentists, and John Dempsey Hospital. Home to Bioscience Connecticut, UConn Health pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. More information about UConn Health is available at www.uchc.edu.

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