Franciscan Hammond Clinic Jan and Feb 2012 Education Schedule

With the New Year just around the corner, it's time to ramp up your 2012 goals and plan ahead for the things that will come to benefit you throughout the year. Franciscan Hammond Clinic offers free patient education classes to compliment a variety of health care concerns and needs. Please note these classes on your 2012 calendar and be sure to join us as we prepare for this exciting New Year!

January classes

Diabetes Support Group: Jeopardy Anyone?

Thursday, January 5th at 6 p.m.
Review your diabetes knowledge and have fun at the same time. Sherri Horvat, Diabetes Educator from Animas Corporation, will be leading us in Diabetes Jeopardy. Register in advance to be elibigle for door prizes!

Weight Management Class

Monday, January 9th at 6:30 p.m.
Are you considering weight reduction surgery? The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has an ongoing weight management class for those interested in weight loss through bariatric surgery. The class meets each second Monday of the month and is free of charge to participants. A one time fee of $25 is accessed for the book and supplies. Physician referral is required.

Healthy Weight Loss with Carb Counting
Thursday, January 19th at 6 p.m.
Still trying to find a weight loss plan that works? Join JoAnn Franczek, registered dietitian at the Franciscan Hammond Clinic, as she discusses the importance of controlling carbohydrate intake for healthy weight loss.

Alzheimer's Support Group
Thursday, January 26th at 6 p.m.
Attend this seminar to learn more about how to work with loved ones afflicted by Alzheimer's disease. Affiliated with the Alzheimer's Association.

February classes

Diabetes Support Group: Your Healthy Heart
Thursday, February 2nd at 6 p.m.
Heart health is an important part of diabetes care. Learn nutritional strategies to improve your cholesterol level. Join JoAnn Franczek, registered dietitian, as she leads us in an evening of Heart Healthy Bingo. Be sure to register in advance!

Weight Management Class

Monday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m.
Are you considering weight reduction surgery? The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has an ongoing weight management class for those interested in weight loss through bariatric surgery. The class meets each second Monday of the month and is free of charge to participants. A one time fee of $25 is accessed for the book and supplies. Physician referral is required.

Alzheimer's Support Group
Thursday, February 23rd at 6 p.m.
Attend this seminar to learn more about how to work with loved ones afflicted by Alzheimer's disease. Affiliated with the Alzheimer's Association.

To register, call (219)836-5800 or 1-800-279-8700
Franciscan Hammond Clinic Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m.- Noon.

Register for any of the classes online at http://www.franciscanhammondclinic.org/!

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month.

The early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be overlooked because they resemble signs of natural aging. However, extreme memory loss or other cognitive changes that disrupt normal life are not typical signs of aging. In addition, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease do not begin abruptly; they develop gradually and worsen over the course of months or years.

Older adults who begin to notice a persistent mild memory loss of recent events may have a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI may be a sign of early-stage Alzheimer's in older people. Studies suggest that some, although not all, older individuals who experience such mild memory abnormalities can later develop Alzheimer's disease.

Patients may be aware of their symptoms or may be unaware that anything is wrong. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that everyone learn these 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Memory changes that disrupt daily life. Forgetfulness, particularly of recent events or information, or repeatedly asking for the same information
• Challenges in planning or solving problems. Loss of concentration (having trouble planning or completing familiar tasks, difficulty with abstract thinking such as simple arithmetic problems)
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure
• Confusion about time or place. Difficulty recognizing familiar neighborhoods or remembering how you arrived at a location, confusion about months or seasons
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. Difficulty reading, figuring out distance, or determining color.
• Language problems. Forgetting the names of objects, mixing up words, difficulty completing sentences or following conversations
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Putting objects back in unusual places, losing things, accusing others of hiding or stealing.
• Impaired judgment and decision making. Dressing inappropriately or making poor financial decisions
• Withdrawal from work or social activities. No longer participating in familiar hobbies and interests.
• Mood and personality changes. Confusion, increased fear or suspicion, apathy and depression, anxiety. Signs can be loss of interest in activities, increased sleeping, sitting in front of the television for long periods of time.

Source: A.D.A.M. Health Library. For more information on Alzheimer's disease be use to check out our In-depth Report.