Health Calendar
Since its founding in 1998, Guardian Angel's Sexual Assault Service Center has served more than 2,800 victims of sexual violence and their significant others through counseling, medical and legal advocacy, an emergency hotline, support groups, volunteer training and professional development. An additional 141,559 people have been provided with informational and educational services since 1998. All services are provided free of charge.
"Our specially trained staff and volunteers are on-call on a 24-hour basis, 365 days a year, to respond any time a victim of sexual violence or their significant other seeks help at a medical facility," says Sheila Schmitz, chief executive officer of Guardian Angel Community Services. "Our on-call advocacy program is dependent on having functional pagers. The grant from the Morris Hospital Foundation will increase our efficiency in serving victims of sexual violence on a 24-hour basis.
The grant will also fund 10 new advocacy bags, which are used by staff and volunteers to transport supplies when responding to calls.
This year, the Morris Hospital Foundation is awarding nine health care grants totaling over $27,000 to fund initiatives that improve the health and well-being of members of the communities served by Morris Hospital. This is the eighth year for the Morris Hospital Foundation's grant program, which was made possible through funding from a bequest from a community member several years ago.
"The grant program was established to further support the mission of Morris Hospital, which calls us to improve the health of area residents," says Ginny Kelly, vice president of development, Morris Hospital Foundation. "This is an outstanding example of how a charitable gift from an individual can truly leave behind a legacy for the community."
In addition to Guardian Angel Community Services, grant recipients for 2009 include: Christian Youth Center of Morris, Easter Seals, Grundy County No Tolerance Task Force, MVK Ambulance, Morris Fire Protection, Seneca Volunteer Ambulance, United Cerebral Palsy and United Methodist Church in Channahon.
As a result of a prior appeal, the Morris Hospital Foundation is awarding six other area organizations a combined $14,000 in funding that will assist with the purchase of automated external defibrillators and other life saving equipment.
The Morris Hospital Foundation, which is governed by a 17-member, volunteer board of directors, was established in 1994 to enhance the work of Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. The Foundation, through its fundraising efforts, provides donors the opportunity to make outright, as well as legacy gifts impacting both the community's immediate and future healthcare needs.
Every day, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need in communities like Grundy County. By getting involved with the Red Cross through blood donation, you can help patients in the area and across the United States.
"The need for blood is constant. With only 38 percent of the population eligible to give, it's important for eligible individuals to make blood donation part of their everyday lives," said Ken Buck, executive director of the Grundy County Chapter. "When you give blood, you help save lives."
"As a member of the Red Cross and Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 6049, I am very proud of the fact that the Morris VFW Post has decided to host a blood drive to support our community and those in need." said Buck.
The Red Cross is hundreds of thousands of people who volunteer their time and talent, plus millions more who donate their blood. Join the Red Cross family and make an appointment to donate today. You could change a life, starting with your own.
How to Donate Blood Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form where state permits, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.
The talk will take place at 2 p.m. Nov. 10, at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Rd., Shorewood. Anderson will educate attendees about diabetes--causes, symptoms and treatments.
The Timbers, an independent and assisted living community, presents senior-related seminars, programs, and panel discussions on a monthly basis as a part of its "Quality of Life" series.
The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments as well as a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
This talk is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested. For more information call Judy Malin at 815-609-0669 or visit www.timbersofshorewood.com.
to Nov. 11
Prepared childbirth series: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays to Nov. 11 in the Family Birthing Suites classroom at Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St., Morris. This class consists of four sessions that focus more deeply on the knowledge, skills and support needed to give birth with confidence. Topics include the process of labor, comfort measures, relaxation skills, common medical interventions, pain management options, vaginal and Caesarean birth, postpartum, newborn care, breastfeeding, and a tour of the Family Birthing Suites. The registration fee is $60. For more information, or to register for classes, call 815-942-2932, ext. 7301.
Nov. 4 or 17
Heartsaver AED (adult, infant, child) course: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.. Nov. 17, Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St. in Morris. Covers the basic techniques of adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation as well as use of an automated external defibrillator and first aid for choking and is appropriate for anyone interested in learning skills that could save the life of a loved one, friend, co-worker or citizen in the community. Cost is $55. Register online at www.morrishospital.org, or call 815-942-2932, ext. 7367.
Nov. 10
Diabetes management workshop: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10, Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St. in Morris. The workshop covers specific techniques for managing diabetes and controlling the disease process and is intended for individuals who are newly diagnosed with diabetes, as well as those who have had the disease for several years. Spanish translation is available upon request. Free. Register online at www.morrishospital.org, or call 815-942-2932, ext. 7367.
Nov. 12
CPR for the health-care provider: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 12, Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St. in Morris. Intended for licensed and certified health-care professionals, this course teaches the skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for victims of all ages, use of an automated external defibrillator, and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction. Cost is $65. Register online at www.morrishospital.org, or call 815-942-2932, ext. 7367.
New siblings: 6 to 6:45 p.m. Nov. 12, Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St. in Morris. For children ages 3 to 7 who are preparing to welcome a new brother or sister. Siblings-to-be will learn how a newborn baby looks and acts and what happens while Mom and baby are in the hospital. Activities, discussion and a tour of the birthing suites help children feel a part of the experience. Each child should bring a doll or stuffed animal. Cost is $10 per child. Register online at www.morrishospital.org, or call 815-942-2932, ext. 7367.
Nov. 21
Saturday childbirth: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21, Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St. in Morris. This condensed class covers the basics of labor, birth and postpartum care. Education on newborn care and breastfeeding is not covered in this class, but is available free of charge during a separate class. Cost is $60. Register online at www.morrishospital.org, or call 815-942-2932, ext. 7367.
Ongoing
TB testing, checking: Every Monday by appointment at the Grundy County Health Department, 1320 Union St. in Morris. Cost is $15. Call 815-941-3419 to schedule an appointment.
Group Fitness Fall Series: The Channahon Park District is now taking registrations for the Group Fitness Fall Series. The park district is offering fitness classes that will fit most any schedule and for any age, from classes that include infants and toddlers with Mom to senior classes that promote strength and fitness. Step, cardio, yoga and pilates classes are all offered on a variety of days and times. For more information, call the Channahon Park District at 815-467-PARK, or go to www.channahonpark.org.
Hatha yoga: 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital, 100 Gore Road in Morris. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364.
The Fit for Life Circuit Class: 7 to 8:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Class incorporates music, energy and fun and is ideal for individuals who would like to increase their physical performance and regain youthful energy and flexibility while achieving cardiovascular and bone-strengthening benefits. Limited openings are available. The cost is $2.50 per session. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364.
Pilates: 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital, 100 Gore Road in Morris. Designed to tone and sculpt the entire body while promoting weight loss. Cost is $2.50 per session. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364, to register.
Sunrise yoga: 5:45 to 6:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Heritage Crossing Field House, sponsored by the Channahon Park District. You will stretch your mind and your body as you develop strength, flexibility and inner peace to carry you through your day. Call 815-467-7275.
Gentle yoga: 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays at the Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Center, Morris Hospital, 100 Gore Road, Morris. A modification of traditional yoga with seniors in mind. Each session involves exercise, breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation activities. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364, to register.
Child Immunization Clinic: Wednesdays, the Grundy County Health Department offers childhood immunizations to Grundy County residents by appointment. A $15 donation is requested. For more information, call 815-941-3419.
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