Rapides Regional Events – February 2014

Feb. 1:  Breastfeeding Class, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Gallery Room in the Medical Terrace at Rapides Regional Medical Center. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this one-day class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on advantages, preparation and troubleshooting techniques. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for your baby. Research shows that learning about breastfeeding prenatally enhances your breastfeeding experience. The support partner/father is welcome to attend. Lunch is included. To register, call 877-801-8441.

Feb. 4: Healing Hearts, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., Trellis Room in Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The group helps parents who have lost babies. For more information, call 769-7569.

Feb. 6: AARP Driver Safety Program for those 50 or older. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Medical Terrace Auditorium at Rapides Regional Medical Center.  A one day, four-hour class. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-AARP members. Bring a check or money order payable to AARP to cover the cost of the course and your AARP membership card to verify your AARP membership number. Register by calling 1-877-801-8441.

Feb. 7: Wear Red for Women Day. Rapides Regional Medical Center encourages the community to wear red today to bring awareness to the fact heart disease is the number one killer of women. This should also serve as a reminder to women to schedule a visit with their physician for a heart-healthy checkup. Call Rapides Regional Medical Center’s physician referral line at 1-877-801-8441 to find a physician near you.

Feb. 12: Diabetes Group Class, 9 a.m.-Noon, Medical Terrace Auditorium at Rapides Regional Medical Center. Rapides Regional Medical Center offers a free program designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program; therefore no physician referral is required. The program content follows the American Diabetes Association guidelines and uses a variety of teaching methods to enhance learning. Topics include meal planning, monitoring blood sugar, medications, complications, and learning to deal with a chronic disease.  The course is taught by Sandy Couvillon, Registered Dietitian, and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. The program is free, but space is limited. Register by calling (318) 769-3106.

Feb. 15: Prepared Childbirth Class, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Gallery Room in the Medical Terrace at Rapides Regional Medical Center.  This one-day class, taught by a certified childbirth instructor, prepares couples for the actual delivery. Topics include stages of labor and delivery, when to go to the hospital, pain management, assisted delivery, Cesarean birth as well as a tour of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A light lunch will be provided. To register, call 877-801-8441.

Feb. 17: Cancer Support Group, Noon, Cascade Room in Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. If you or someone you know has cancer, or you are a caretaker of someone with cancer, please join this group on the third Monday of each month. A light meal will be served. Please pre-register by calling (318) 769-7200.

Feb. 17: Sibling Class, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Cascade Room, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. This free class is offered to children expecting a little brother or sister. It helps them understand where mom is when the baby is being born and lets them know how important it is to become a big brother or sister. The ideal age for this class is 3-10. Registration is required. To register, call 877-801-8441.

Feb. 27: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, 6 p.m., Gallery Room in the Medical Terrace at Rapides Regional Medical Center. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call (800) 644-9730 for more information.