HEALTH NEWS

Diabetes support

The monthly meeting of the Diabetes Support Group of St. James Mercy Health System is held the third Tuesday of every month at 3 p.m. in the cafeteria at MercyCare on Bethesda Drive in North Hornell. The next support group will be held Nov. 20.

Bath VA announces flue shot clinics

The Bath VA Medical Center will host two flu vaccination clinics and identification card events next week. The first will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 23 at the VFW Post of Baker St., Corning. Second event is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 25 at the American Legion on Scottwood Avenue, Elmira Heights.

Additional flue vaccination and ID card event will be scheduled in Nov. In addition, veterans can receive flu shots and request ID cards at the Bath VA Medical Center, Elmira and Wellsville clinics. Enrolled veterans should contact their Primary Care team to schedule. Veterans not currently enrolled can apply by calling 877-845-

3247.

Blood pressure screenings

From 12-1 p.m. Oct. 25 at the County Office Building, Bath the Steuben County Public Health and Nursing Services will be sponsoring blood pressure clinics.

For more information call the Steuben County Public Health and

Nursing Services in Bath at 664-2438 or (800) 724-

0471.

Traumatic brain injury

A Taumatic Brain Injury Support Group meeting will be held the third Monday of every month from 5:30-7 p.m. in the conference room, rear entrance of Pro-Action building, 117 E. Steuben St., Bath. The meeting is for people with Brain Injury and their families. For more information contact Gail Cochrane, IBI Coordinatior at (585) 382- 3959. The next support group will be held Nov. 19.

Alzheimer's support

• The Alzheimer's Association offers a monthly caregiver support group in Elmira for people who have a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Stafkings Health Care, 221 W. Church St.

For more information contact the Alzheimer's Association at (585) 760- 5400.

• The Alzheimer's Association will offer a free seminar for caregivers of individuals who are affected by Alzheimer's disease. The seminar entitled "Caregiving for the Sandwich Generation" will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Wayland Library, 101 West Naples St., Wayland.

Registration is required. For more information call the Alzheimer's Association at 585-760- 5400 or 800-272-3900 or the Steuben County Office for the Aging at 664-2298.

Medical transportation assistance

Steuben Coordinated Transportation, in partnership with Office for the Aging and the United Way of the So. Tier, offers transportation assistance to Steuben County residents (not on Medicaid) to medical, nutritional, or other necessary services. Transportation assistance is offered by referrals to area services or by arranging for a volunteer driver to transport qualified clients.

If you are a senior citizen without transportation to necessary, nonemergency appointments, please call HELPLINE at 1-800-346-2211 and ask for Steuben Coordinated Transportation. Donations are accepted but there is not a fee for any services given.

Residents of any age interested in becoming a volunteer driver and a vital part of our community are also invited to call for more information. (Mileage reimbursement is available to volunteer drivers.)

Blood drive

The American Red Cross will hold blood drives as follows:

• from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 3 at the First Presbyterian Church, 6 Pulteney Square, Bath. A free breakfast from Stephanie's Family Restaurant will be available for all presenting donors.

• From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Avoca United Methodist Church, 8593 Jacobs Ladder Rd., Avoca.

• From 1-6 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Savona Fire Department, Savona.

• From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Avoca Central School, 17 Oliver Street, Avoca.

• From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Hammondsport Fire Department, 8521 State Route 54. Sponsored by the Hammondsport Fire Department.

Fore more information call 1 (877) 754-3711.

Oral health

St. James Mercy will be in Wegmans, near the pharmacy from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 25 to distribute information on Oral health. Pam Manktelow, registered nurse from the St. James Mercy MOMS Program, will provide information on dental care for pregnant women and young children. Free toothbrushes and toothpaste will be handed out; courtesy of the Sr. Rene Dental Center. Coloring books and crayons will also be available for children.

Coping with Cancer

Coping with Cancer is an educational series available to all at no charge. No registration is required. Christy Widman, Cancer Information Coordinator, National Cancer Institute, will speak at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Centenary United Methodist Church, at 3 West Washington St., Bath. Resources available plus clinical trial information will be the topic.

Coping with Cancer, an educational series, will help to alleviate some of the fears associated with receiving a cancer diagnosis. The better educated we are, the more empowered we will be in facing this disease.

Coping with Cancer is in partnerhip with The American Cancer Society and The Wellness Council of the Southern Tier. Fore more information contact Patricia Lauzze at 776- 2289.

Immunizations

If your child is in need of immunizations, the Steuben County Public Health and Nursing Services will sponsor the following clinics for September under the direction of the local Medical Director. The schedule is as follows:

• From 5-7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Steuben County Public Health and Nursing Services, County Office Building - G3 off D.S.S. lobby, Bath.

For more information call 664-2438 or (800) 724- 0471.