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Health classes, lectures in Pinellas

 
Published Feb. 13, 2013

Health notes

Arts program is for cancer patients

Morton Plant Mease's Cancer Patient Support Services invites cancer patients and their families to "The Art of Well-Being," a new creative arts program that focuses on the connection between creativity and health and how tapping into a person's creative side can impact the healing process and recovery.

Creative experiences that include painting, journaling, poetry, music and movement will be offered each month in a safe environment for cancer patients and their family members.

"When a patient has the opportunity to be in a comfortable environment and focus on a creative process, it can help reduce stress and gain focus that can lead to calming the body for mental and physical recovery," said Dr. Ben Yan, Morton Plant Mease oncologist. "There have been several recent studies done showing how the arts can benefit the healing process, and mental well-being along with a regular exercise regimen is extremely important for patients undergoing treatment for cancer."

Cancer Patient Support Services will offer the "The Art of Well-Being" program at 4 p.m. Feb. 21 at Mease Countryside Hospital, Meeting Room 5, 3231 McMullen-Booth Road, Safety Harbor. It will be facilitated by Diane McMillen, a nine-year breast cancer survivor, co-facilitator of the Tampa Bay Breast Cancer Support Group and recent graduate of the Ringling College of Art & Design Arts & Healing Certificate program. All supplies will be provided.

Space is limited; registration is required. Call (727) 953-6877.

Friday

QiGong: This internal Chinese martial art is a practice that promotes health and longevity through deep breathing coordinated with slow movements and meditation. $3 for members, $4 nonmembers. 9 a.m., Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 812-4531.

Line Dance Class: Dancers of all skill levels can get fit, have fun and make new friends while learning to line dance. $3. 10:30 a.m., Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 812-4531.

Saturday

Run Your Heart Out 5K: Choose from a 5K or 1-mile run on the cart paths of Countryside Country Club's Lake and Pine courses. $20, $12 ages 10 and younger. 7:30 a.m., Countryside Country Club, 3001 Countryside Blvd., Clearwater. (727) 796-1333.

Ride 4 the Animals: Cyclists choose from three routes — 12-mile "Sheltie," 30-mile "Labrador," and 62-mile "Mastiff," — and ride at their own pace along the gulf beaches. Helmets are mandatory. Benefits Suncoast Animal League. $25-$40. 8 a.m., Highlander Park, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin. (727) 251-1966. ride4the animals.com

Stress, Diet & Nutrition: Get nutrition strategies to condition your body to handle life's daily stresses, boost immune system and increase energy. Free. 3 p.m., Nature's Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater. (727) 443-6703. naturesfoodpatch.com

Belleair Sunset 5K: A sunset 5K and fun run along the waterfront and through the heart of Belleair. Racers and nonracers are invited to a post-race party with live music by the Hot Rod Hornets, complimentary food, beer, wine and desserts. $25 advance, $30 after Jan. 31; $20 ages 5-15; $15 after party only. 5:30 p.m., Belleair Town Hall, 901 Ponce De Leon, Belleair. (727) 518-3728. belleairrec.com.

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Monday

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Support Group: Meet other caregivers dealing with similar situations and learn caregiving skills to make the day-to-day care easier. Meets every Monday at 10 a.m. Free. Lasting Legacy, 38511 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor. (727) 578-2558.

Ageless Grace: A chair-based exercise group that addresses balance, cognitive function, joint mobility, spinal flexibility, systemic stimulation, right-left brain coordination and confidence. $3-$4. 10:30 a.m., Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 298-3299.

Heart Health Seminars: In recognition of the importance of Heart Health Awareness Month, Morton Plant Mease hosts a series of community health seminars to help raise awareness and provide education about heart disease. Cardiologist Parag Patel will discuss signs and symptoms of a heart attack, the importance of early detection and the latest treatment options with stents. Free. 12 p.m., Mease Countryside Hospital, 3231 McMullen-Booth Road, Safety Harbor. (727) 953-6877. baycareevents.org

Tuesday

Drive for a Cure: The 18-hole, four-person scramble that includes cart, prizes and lunch benefits the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Morton Plant Mease Mammography Voucher Program. $65 advance, $75 after Feb. 5. 9 a.m., East Lake Woodlands Country Club, 1055 East Lake Woodlands Parkway, East Lake. (727) 786-1816.

Inventor Allyn Kahn Introduces Mentagy: Professor Allyn Kahn, inventor of Mentagy, will introduce his new award-winning puzzle that appeals to kids, teenagers, adults and seniors who want to keep their brains sharp. Visit Mentagy.com. Free. 7 p.m., Tarpon Springs Public Library, 138 E Lemon St., Tarpon Springs. (727) 943-4922.

Wednesday

QiGong: This internal Chinese martial art is a practice that promotes health and longevity through deep breathing coordinated with slow movements and meditation. $3 for members, $4 nonmembers. 9 a.m., Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 812-4531.

Line Dance Class: Dancers of all skill levels can get fit, have fun and make new friends while learning to line dance. $3. 10:30 a.m., Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 812-4531.

Heart for Health Fair: Morton Plant Mease will present two heart health fairs to recognize Heart Health Awareness Month in February. Learn about heart disease and actions you can take to achieve and maintain cardiovascular health. Includes sleep, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings. Free. 11 a.m. at the Aging Well Center, 1501 N Belcher Road, Clearwater. (727) 953-6877. baycareevents.org

Heart Health Seminars: In recognition of the importance of Heart Health Awareness Month, Morton Plant Mease hosts a series of community health seminars to raise awareness and provide education of heart disease.

• Join Dr. Josh Rovin, cardiothoracic surgeon, to learn more about minimally invasive heart surgery and the new options available for the treatment of aortic stenosis. The session includes an overview of the transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure and first year patient outcomes. Free. 12 p.m., Morton Plant Hospital Complex (Cheek-Powell Pavilion), 455 Pinellas St., Clearwater. (727) 953-6877.

Registered nurse Ann Murphy-Hough will discuss how not getting enough sleep can cause calcium buildup in the heart's arteries and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Free. 6 p.m., Mease Countryside Hospital, 3231 McMullen Booth Road, Safety Harbor. (727) 953-6877.

Mail health news to Tampa Bay Times, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756; fax to (727) 441-4119; or email nbeall@tampabay.com.