[ Health beat ]

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Oct 9, 2000 by Capital-Journal

- Health beat

EVENTS

- Using Humor to Make Tough Times Better, a program by David Naster, comedian and author of "You Just Have to Laugh," is provided at 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 6130 S.W. 17th. Naster combines his degree in psychology and 24 years as a professional comedian to explain how humor can heal, motivate and inspire, how to look at life in a humorous way, how to find humor in change and conflict and how to laugh off stress. Sponsored by Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. Free. To register to attend, call 354-5225.

- Crawlers and walkers who were born in October 1999 in St. Francis Hospital and Medical Centers's NewLife Center are invited to a baby birthday party from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday in the west cafeteria at St. Francis. Festivities will include baby races for crawlers and walkers.

Refreshments will be served. For reservations, call the volunteer office, 295-8127, before noon Tuesday.

- "From Girl to Woman," a program for girls ages 8 to 13 and their mothers at 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Pozez Education Center, 1505 S.W. 8th. Program will address menstruation and physical changes of puberty, the emotional upheaval of adolescence and communication techniques for mothers and daughters. Cost is $25 per mother/ daughter couple. To register, call 354-5225.

Support groups

The following support groups have meetings open to the public:

- AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) --- For people who have a desire to stop drinking. Call 354-3888 for meeting schedule and times.

- Alcoholicos Anonimos --- 7 a 9 p.m. Martes y Viernes, 1221 S.E. 27th (la 27 y Indiana). Si tienes algun familiar o amigo que crees que necesite ayuda acude a: Grupo AA "Nueva Vida."

- Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families --- 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Lowman United Methodist Church, S.W. 15th and Gage; or 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3625 S.W. Wanamaker Road. Information, 267-4403.

- Al-Anon --- For people whose lives are affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend. Call 357-8725 for meeting times and locations.

- Alzheimer's early stage patient support group --- For patients with early stage Alzheimer's disease. Information, Carol Bradford, Midland Hospice, 232-2044.

- Alzheimer's caregivers in Topeka/Shawnee County --- 7 p.m. Tuesday, Brewster Place Health Care Unit, 1001 S.W. 29th and 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Midland Hospice, building A, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle. Free. No reservations needed. Information, Marcene Grimes, 234-2523.

- Alzheimer's caregivers in Council Grove --- 2 p.m. Friday, Morris County Hospital, 600 N. Washington, Eberle Conference room. Free. No reservations needed. Information, Marcene Grimes, (785) 234- 2523.

- Alzheimer's caregivers in Manhattan --- 11:45 a.m. today, Riley County Seniors Service Center, 412 Leavenworth. No reservations needed. Information, Marcene Grimes, (785) 234-2523.

- Alzheimer's caregivers in Seneca --- 7 p.m. today, Country View Estates, 512 Community Drive. Free. No reservations needed. Information, Marcene Grimes, (785) 234-2523.

- Alzheimer's caregivers in Summerfield --- 2 p.m. Tuesday, Good Shepherd Village, 613 3rd St. Free. No reservations needed. Information, Marcene Grimes, (785) 234-2523.

- Amputee support group --- 2:30 p.m. Thursday, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, rehabilitation classroom, fourth floor. Provides emotional support and a forum for sharing information on coping. Information, 295-8346.

- Autism Society of America --- A new Topeka chapter is being formed. For location, meeting date and time, call 286-3473.

- Breast cancer support group --- For people living with breast cancer and the significant people in their lives, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today, Pozez Education Center, 1505 S.W. 8th. People are encouraged to attend at any point in their diagnosis or treatment. Facilitated by breast cancer survivors, co-sponsored by Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center and American Cancer Society. Free. Call 354-5225 to register to attend.

- Cancer support group --- 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday for three months beginning in October, Faith Lutheran Church, S.W. 17th and Gage. Information, 354-9591, or American Cancer Society, 273-4422.

- Codependents Anonymous --- 12-step program for improving self- esteem and relationships. Various groups meet weekly, 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Lowman United Methodist Church, S.W. 15th and Gage. Free.

- Compassionate Friends, Topeka chapter --- Support group for parents, grandparents and siblings of a deceased child of any age. Information, 272-4895.

- Crohn's and Colitis support --- For people with Crohn's disease or colitis and their families, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Pozez Education Center, 1505 S.W. 8th. Information, Becky, 354-6672, Ext. 626.

- Divorce and Beyond --- A 10-week program, sponsored by the Catholic Ministry for the Divorced and Separated for people who are divorced or who have filed for divorce, will have its first session from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, St. Vincent's, 3601 S.W. 17th. The program examines what people going through a divorce experience and suggests activities for making divorce a growing experience. To register to attend call Most Pure Heart of Mary Church office, 272- 5591. Participant books are optional and can be ordered for $9. Information, Norman Koester, 862-9086, or Sally Pauzauskie, 234- 0990.