MidMichigan Health offers a variety of classes, screenings and support groups for the months of March and April 2010. Those interested in registering or learning more may call MidMichigan Health Line toll-free at (800) 999-3199 or visit www.midmichigan.org/classes.

Health and Well-Being

Bariatric Surgery Options

Learn about laparoscopic weight loss surgery and how it can improve overall health. MidMichigan surgeons specializing in bariatric surgery will highlight laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy surgical options. Free.

• Thursday, April 15, 6 p.m., Gratiot Medical Center Alma, Patient Tower Conference Room 1161 A&B

Gratiot County Annual Memorial Service

Community members are invited to remember loved ones and friends during a spring memorial service. MidMichigan Home Care professionals will lead a commemoration which includes recitations, music and the reading of the names of the deceased, both former hospice patients and community members. Deceased loved ones are also honored during a touching presentation in which a pine tree sapling will be given to family members present. Free.

• Sunday, April 18, 2 p.m., Gratiot Medical Center, Wilcox Auditorium

Golf Fore Life

For some, warm weather means time to dust off the golf clubs. Whether an experienced or first-time golfer, MidMichigan’s rehabilitation staff will teach attendees how to avoid strains and common golfing injuries before the season begins. Attendees requested to bring a golf club. Free.

• Thursday, April 8, 6:30 p.m., Gratiot Medical Center, Wilcox Auditorium

• Thursday, April 15, 6:30 p.m., Ithaca, Rehabilitation Services

• Thursday, April 22, 6:30 p.m., Merrill, First Bank

How to Manage Back Pain

Get relief from chronic back pain without surgery. Experts in back and neck rehabilitation from MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland will show attendees how to use exercise, body mechanics instruction, lifestyle changes, relaxation training, and psychological techniques to manage pain. Free.

• Thursday, April 1, 3 p.m., Shepherd, West Midland Family Center

Just Between Women: Tools for Staying Healthy at Work and Play

The Just Between Women programs are designed to fit the busy schedule of today’s women. Having knowledge of basic movement principles is important at both work and home since lifestyles can affect comfort and safety in daily life. Women may not always realize the negative affects of repetitive or improper movements until an injury has occurred. Cost: $5 for each session, includes lunch.

March: The March Just Between Women’s program will offer tools for women to properly use their muscles, bones and joints to maintain active, injury-free and productive living every day.

• Thursday, March 25, noon-1p.m., Gratiot Medical Center, Patient Tower Conference Room 1162 A&B

April: The April Just Between Women’s program will focus on setting goals to gain control of body mass index (BMI). Presenters will demonstrate how eating foods that contribute to ongoing good health is key to avoiding chronic diseases. For some women, this may mean living life in a new way. No single food will do the trick, but a diet with generous amounts of whole foods can be the ticket to good health. Attendees will learn which foods to eat for maximum health benefits.

• Thursday, April 15, noon-1p.m., MidMichigan Medical Offices-Merrill

• Wednesday, April 21, noon-1p.m., Gratiot Medical Center, Wilcox Auditorium

Race Preparation for the Run or Walk

Participants will train in preparation for an upcoming run or walk during these 75 to 90-minute sessions. Classroom discussion and walking or running time are included. Participants will learn proper stretching before and after exercise, the right shoes to wear, avoiding overexertion, maintaining proper running form and how to increase mileage gradually. For the Midland classes, call the Midland Community Center at (989) 832-7937 for cost, registration and more information.

• Wednesdays, April 7, 6 p.m., Gratiot Medical Center, Patient Tower Lobby

Diabetes Education

Pre-Diabetes Class: Reduce Your Diabetes Risk

Being overweight, inactive or having a family history of diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which now affects 24 million Americans. “Steps to Health Living” is a three-week weight management and activity program for individuals who want to decrease this risk. Participants will work each week with a certified diabetes educator to help them make lifestyle changes. Cost: $35 individual/$50 couple.

• Thursdays, April 8, 15 and 22, 3-4:30 p.m., Gratiot Medical Center in Alma, Patient Tower Conference Room. To register, call Central Scheduling at (989) 466-3295.

Family Health Education

Breastfeeding: Healthy Beginnings

Topics discussed include breast changes, milk production, positioning, feeding frequency, and problem-solving. Participants will also learn hints for adjusting to time away from the baby, returning to work, and weaning options. Call for costs, dates and locations.

• Wednesday, April 21, 6:30 p.m., Gratiot Medical Center, Conference Room 1162 A

Older Brother/Older Sister

The goal of this class is to prepare children to welcome the new baby into the family. Activities concerning feelings and the expected newcomer are included. All children attending this class must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended ages are 2 ½ to 8 years. Call for costs, dates and locations.

• Wednesdays, March 24 and April 28, 6 p.m., Gratiot Medical Center, OB Conference Room

Preparation For Childbirth

This class series prepares the expectant mother and her labor partner for active participation in the birth experience. Classes cover relaxation, breathing awareness, hospital practices, the most up-to-date techniques, and options for labor and delivery, including the unexpected and cesarean birth. Call for costs, dates and locations.

• Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m., Gratiot Medical Center-Wilcox Auditorium

Refresher Childbirth

Having a baby is challenging work. This special two-hour refresher course for couples reviews the childbirth experience and offers practice with breathing techniques. Cost: $10.

• Tuesday, April 27, 7 p.m., Gratiot Medical Center, OB Conference Room

Health Care Screenings

Call MidMichigan Health Line for locations, costs, dates, times and more information on the following free or low cost screenings offered in the MidMichigan Health service areas: blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and stroke screenings.

Support Groups

All support groups are free of charge.

Adult Grief and Loss

• Adult “Moving On” Grief and Loss, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Gratiot Medical Center, Main Café

• Adult Grief and Loss Support Luncheon, 11:30-1 p.m., fourth Tuesday of each month, JJ Ruby’s, 2862 N. State Road

Bariatric

• Bariatric Support Group, 6 p.m., Wednesdays, April 7 and 21, Gratiot Medical Center, Wilcox Auditorium.