Health education classes offered by Whidbey General Hospital

Published 11:00 am Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Achieving a meaningful depression

Although some depression is caused by physical factors, much of it results from certain self-inflicted causes, usually without the patient being aware.

By learning how we cause and achieve depression, we are better able to avoid it or at least minimize its effects. This is not a substitute for medical and psychotherapy.

Taught Feb. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. by James Bennett, MSW; $12

Angina, heart attack and stroke

During the first hour, Janie Keilwitz RN, MN will talk about heart disease, cardiac risk factors, prevention, signs, symptoms and actions to take if you think you are experiencing a heart attack or angina. During the second hour, Janie will discuss cerebrovascular disease and stroke followed by stroke prevention, risk factors, signs, and actions to take if having a stroke.

Taught Feb. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by Janie Keilwitz, RN, MN; free.

Couples communication skills

Learn how to communicate effectively as partners. Develop active

listening and conflict resolution skills. Improve the dialogue between you, enhancing intimacy and forgiveness. Open to five couples only.

Taught Thursday, Feb. 5 through March 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. by Marisa LaRue, M. A., L.M.H.C.; $215 per couple. Class will not meet Feb. 12.

Creating meaningful moments

This class will help you learn to connect to your heart in a new way.

You will learn a technique to transform annual events and significant life transitions from mundane to memorable. You will learn to tap into your own creative juices to provide you with exactly the occasion that you want to mark the moment.

Taught Feb. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m., by Paula Pugh; $12.

Daibetes and heart disease

A discussion on diabetes prevention, complications and actions to help reduce the risk of both diabetes and heart disease.

Meets March 6, from 11 a.m. to noon with Janie Keilwitz, RN, MN; free

How to handle energy drainers

Energy can be drained by difficult people, too many obligations, unrealistic deadlines, stress, kids who won’t listen, etc. Examine the causes of energy drain in three areas of your life: work, home and family and learn specific techniques to handle these issues

Meets April 17, from 10 a.m. to noon with Patricia Beaugard; $18

Introduction to T’ai Chi and quigong

This workshop includes a demonstration, 30 minute workout and an explanation and history of T’ai Chi, with emphasis on the management of depression and chronic fatigue as well as pain management.

Meets Feb. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. with Jill Reed, 30-year veteran of T’ai Chi and Qigong; $18

Living with loss

This seminar is designed to help people work through the normal and needed process of grief that follows the death of a loved one. Explore ways of coping with life’s changes, ways to remember loved ones and ways to growth and healing. There will be two separate six-week classes offered.

Meets Thursdays, Jan. 22 through Feb. 26 or April 22 through May 27 with Colleen Lura; $55. Classes meet form 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Meditative hand and foot massage

Easily-learned massage skills create a profound experience for both receiver and giver. Bring a pillow and a towel and wear comfortable clothing. These are two separate classes. Sign up for either or both of the classes.

Meets Saturday, Jan. 31, with Cynthia Trenshaw. Hand massage is from 10 a.m. to noon; foot massage is from 1 to 3 p.m. $20 each class or $35 both classes.

Personal safety and security

A no-nonsense approach to techniques and attitudes that will teach you non-victim behavior. Learn how to identify potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid or escape from them.

Meets March 20 from 10 a.m. to noon with Jim Bailey; free

Pilates

This exercise uses smooth, controlled stretching movements, and rhythmic breathing. The emphasis on control, breathing, and the development of the abdominal and back muscles makes this a valuable, relaxing exercise system for all ages and fitness levels. This class is limited to 15 people.

Meets at Island Bodyworks, Tuesdays, Jan. 20 through March 9, from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. with Gail Liston; $56

Self-hypnosis

This class explains how we unknowingly use self-hypnosis on a daily basis. By learning the dynamics of self-hypnosis we can monitor and avoid the negative input and influences of the day. We can consciously use self-hypnosis to provide ourselves with positive suggestions for health and welfare.

Meets Jan. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. with James Bennett, MSW, DCH (Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy); $12

Smoking cessation

Topics include the dynamics of tobacco cessation, quitting skills, and skills to maintain tobacco reduction/cessation status. Participants need to attend all sessions. Free NicoDerm patch prescription. Two separate classes will be offered.

Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with Katherine Riddle, RRT. Two seesions offered: Jan. 20 through 29 or April 6 through April 15; free.

Stress management

Stress brings on headaches along with a host of other physical and psychological discomforts. In addition to understanding the causes of stress, this class will provide some ideas for preventing or managing it.

Meets April 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. with James Bennett, MSW, DCH (Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy); $12

Systematic training for effective parenting

For parents of children ages 6-12 years old. Learn new parenting skills to enhance your own parenting style. Know what to expect from a child in terms of their level of development and stages of growth. Understand children’s moods and behaviors more fully; and to enjoy our children more and stress less.

Meets Tuesdays, Jan. 27 through March 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. with Marisa LaRue, M. A., L.M.H.C.; $105.

Yoga for beginners

In this class you will experience the yoga postures, breath awareness and relaxation techniques. Each class is limited to 12 people.

Meets at Island BodyWorks, Mondays, Jan. 19 through March 8 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. or Saturdays, Jan. 24 through March 13 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Each 8-week session costs $88.

Lunchtime yoga

A continuing class for experienced students who are familiar with yoga poses and are interested in deepening their practice and understanding. Due to space, this class is limited to 12 people.

Meets at Island Bodyworks Tuesdays, March 2 through 20 from noon to 1 p.m. with Gail Malizia, Certified Yoga Instructor; $48.

Yoga for teens

Regular yoga practice for teens can help establish healthy fitness habits for life. In a non-competitive and supportive environment, this class will teach breathing exercises, yoga postures to increase strength and flexibility, and visualization exercises to help calm a busy mind. No previous yoga experience necessary. For ages 12 to 17.

Meets Tuesdays, Jan. 20 through Feb. 24, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with Ann Hardy, Certified Children’s Yoga Therapist; $57

Integral yoga

Gentle stretching helps to open the joints and relax the muscles that are tightened from stressful experiences. Class proceeds with step-by-step instructions. Time is given to the special concerns of each individual.

Please wear loose clothing and do not eat two hours prior to class.

Meets at Moving and Grooving Tuesdays, Jan. 20 through March 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Annapoorne Colangelo; $80

Senior fitness

This class is designed for seniors; using a variety of circuit weights, free weights, and cardiovascular equipment. Learn proper stretching, warm-up and cool-down techniques, (For ages 50-80 years).

Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 2 through April 8, from 1 to 2 p.m., at Whidbey General Hospital’s Rehab Services North with Sarena Vaccaro, MS, ATC; $40

Basics of allergies

A general presentation introducing the nature of allergies, how we diagnose allergies, and the various treatment options for treating allergies.

Meets April 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. with Keith Becker, MD; free

Cholesteral breakdown

Learn about cholesterol numbers, cholesterol goals according to risk factors and different treatment plans. Meets March 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. with Kim Stickney, PA; free

The malpractice crisis

Is there really a medical malpractice crisis in Washington state? What is the likelihood that affordable professional liability insurance may become unavailable to your physician or your hospital in the near future? How can we justify the fact that less than one-half of the money paid out by an insurance company in a successful malpractice trial will go to the injured plaintiff? What have other states such as California done to keep malpractice insurance costs relatively low, and to insure that a greater percentage of money expended ends up in the hands of those injured by malpractice? Learn the answer to these and other questions and how we can go about effecting meaningful change in the tort system in Washington state.

Meets Jan. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m., with Byron Skubi, MD; free.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone strength and increased susceptibility to fracture. More than 25 million Americans are affected by this disease; 80 percent are women. The vast majority of hip and spine fractures in elderly women are a result of osteoporosis. Of women who suffer a hip fracture, 50 percent will spend some time in a nursing home, 67 percent will not return to their normal level of function, and 20 percent will die in the following year. This lecture will discuss prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis.

Mets Feb. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., with Jennifer LeTourneau, MD; free.

CPR

Two versions offered

Whidbey General Hospital offers CPR classes to the public.

The class fee is $30 plus the cost of the textbook. Two versions of CPR are offered. The textbook for Basic CPR for Friends and Family costs $2.

The more advanced Heartsaver/AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) class is for people who need/want CPR and AED training, often for their jobs. The textbook for that class is $12. If that book is returned in good condition, a $10 refund will be made to the student. After enrolling, students will be sent the appropriate textbook for pre-class study.

Meets from 6 to 10 p.m., Feb. 16, March 15, April 19, May 17 and June 21. $30 plus $12 for the advanced class book or $2 for the basic class book.