Living with diabetes
A diabetes educator will lead a discussion and offer suggestions on how to make simple nutrition and exercise changes to help achieve weight loss, lower blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent diabetes. Sponsored by the Baltimore Washington Medical Center, the discussion will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 1 and from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. May 9, in the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Suite 119, 300 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Cost: $25. Registration and information 410-787-4940.
Underage drinking
The Department of Health's alcohol and drug abuse prevention and education services have been awarded a Maryland grant of $31,132, which will aid in programs to reduce underage drinking. Grant target areas are Brooklyn Park, Curtis Bay, Glen Burnie and Pasadena. Information: Sandy Smolnicky, prevention specialist, 410-222-6724.
Healthful eating
The Learn to Live program of the Department of Health offers a free archive of more than 675 healthy recipes. Most recipes are low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber. Many are suitable for diabetic, meatless and low sodium diets. To view recipes and to print out free recipe cards, go to learntolivehealthy.org and click on "Recipes Search" under "Food and Fitness."
Quit smoking
The Learn To Live program of the Anne Arundel County Department of Health offers quit-smoking and power-to-quit-smoking kits. Kits are available from the Learn To Live Line, 410-222-7979, or from the Spanish language line, 410-222-4479. Also, quit-smoking classes are offered at the following health providers:
•Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2000 Medical Parkway, Health Sciences Institute, Annapolis. Information: 443-481-4000 or 1-800-MD-NURSE. Free self-help information to help adults and teens quit smoking. Visit http://aamcevents.com.
•Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Tate Cancer Center, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4367 or visit http://mybwmc.org.
•Owensville Primary Care, 134 Owensville Road, West River. Information: 410-867-4700.
Women's pelvic health
Baltimore Washington Medical Center physicians Dr. Christiana Enzmann and Dr. Mara Holton will discuss urogynecological problems, pelvic pain and endometriosis at 6:30 p.m. May 15 in the Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Center, third floor, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Pre-registration is requested: 410-787-4367.
Weight management
The University of Maryland Center for weight management will offer a free educational seminar exploring a comprehensive surgical approach to weight loss from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 22 in the Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information 410-328-8940 or visit http://www.umm.edu/weightloss.
VA outpatient clinic
The Department of Veterans Affairs has opened a new 13,300-square-foot facility to serve veterans in Anne Arundel and Howard counties. The clinic is located at 2479 Fifth St. adjacent to the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center on the Fort George G. Meade Installation. Services include general outpatient medical care, preventive health and education services, various medical screenings, TeleHealth services and referrals to specialized programs and inpatient services available throughout the VA Medical Health Care System. Information: 410-305-5300.
HIV/AIDS services
The Department of Health offers free, confidential testing and counseling for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Call for an appointment at the Annapolis center 410-222-7493; Glen Burnie center 410-222-6636 or Parole 410-222-7248. Information: 410-222-7108.
Men's health kits
The Learn to Live program of the Department of Health offers free men's health kits with information on prostate health and colorectal cancer screening, as well as the HIM magazine, which includes information on sun safety, smoking, nutrition and other men's health tips. To order a kit, call the Learn to Live Line at 410-222-7979. For information, go to learntolivehealthy.org.
Health report card
The Department of Health has announced its annual report card of community health indicators. The report highlights progress in lowering death rates from stroke, diabetes and breast cancer. County residents have met national goals for getting screened for cholesterol levels, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Lung cancer and melanoma mortality rates were higher in Anne Arundel County than in Maryland as a whole. Information: 410-222-7202.
Health email alerts
The Department of Health has a community health email alert system to provide timely notices about department services and community health issues. Also, a recreational water-quality email alert system has been in effect since 2006. It alerts subscribers when a closure or advisory is issued for a county waterway. For information, call 410-222-4508 or visit http://aahealth.org/alerts.
Support groups
Vascular screenings The Maryland Vascular Center at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center will offer free screenings for carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms and peripheral arterial disease to those 50 or older who have hypertension, diabetes, family history of vascular disease, high cholesterol or history of smoking from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17 at Kingdom Builders Church, 1490 Matthews Town Road. Reservations: 410-787-4367.
Substance abuse The Northern Lights Against Substance Abuse is a coalition in north Anne Arundel County working to help reduce substance abuse in youth and young adults. Meetings will be held the second Friday of every month. Information Loretta Lawson-Munsey 410-777-2527 or lllawsonmunsey@aacc.edu.
Cancer The group offers support and educational programs for patients diagnosed with any type of cancer. Sponsored by The Baltimore Washington Medical Center, the group meets at 5 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month in the Aiello Breast Center, 203 Hospital Drive, Suite B100, Glen Burnie.
Lung cancer The group provides emotional support and information to patients and families coping with a diagnosis of lung cancer. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month in the Donner Pavilion, Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis. Information: 1-800-966-2619. Register online at aamcevents.com.
Breast-feeding Mothers will discuss topics determined by the participants and directed by a certified lactation consultant. Bring the baby, grandparents and care providers. The group meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month in the Sajak Pavilion, second floor, 2002 Medical Parkway, Annapolis. Register online at aamcevents.com.
Breast cancer A support group for patients, families and caregivers. The program will be led by a licensed counselor and a registered nurse. The group will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at Kent Island, Anne Arundel Diagnostics, lobby, Chester. Information: 800-966-2619. Register online at aamcevents.com.
Trauma recovery The group focuses on empowerment, learning new skills for managing the effects of trauma and building healthy relationships. Anne Arundel Medical Center's in-house Abuse and Domestic Violence Program has professional trained staff. The group meets 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Monday at the Doordan Institute, AAMC Health Sciences Pavilion, seventh floor, Annapolis. Information: 443-481-1209.
The Joslin Circle A diabetes support group discusses issues regarding management of the disease. The group meets 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month in the Joslin Diabetes Center, Suite 223, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4940.
Man-to-Man prostate cancer Offers information about diagnosis, treatment and management. The group meets 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in the Tate Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4367 or the American Cancer Society 410-421-4304.
Stroke support Meets to discuss stroke recovery and prevention from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month in the Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4457.
Caregivers Provides information, respite and support to people who give care to family and friends. The group meets 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Heritage Office Complex in the Department of Aging and Disabilities office, fourth floor, 2666 Riva Road, Annapolis.
Joint School A free session on the preparation, recovery and benefits of hip- and knee-replacement surgery will be held at 4 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every other month at Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 300 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information and reservations: 410-553-8282.
Suicide support group For ages 18 and older meets monthly on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Life Center, 445 Defense Highway in Annapolis. Registration is required. Information: 410-987-2129.
'Stepping Stones' A support group for children ages 8-13 who are grieving the loss of a loved one meets from 10 a.m. to noon monthly on Saturdays at the Life Center, 445 Defense Highway in Annapolis. Registration is required. Information: 410-987-2129.
Mental Health A support group for community members and families seeking information about psychiatric issues. The programs discusses depression, anxiety, addiction and bipolar disorder. The group meets from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month in Room A of the Partial Hospitalization Program, second floor, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive. Information: 410-553-8070 or 410-787-4627.
Diabetes support group is open to all people with diabetes and their families to better understand living with diabetes, and meets from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month in the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology at BWMC, 300 Hospital Drive, Suite 223, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4940.
Screenings
•Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Anne Arundel County after lung cancer. Screenings and informational kits are available through the Health Department's Learn to Live program. To order a free kit, call the Learn to Live Line, 410-222-7979, or visit learntolivehealthy.orghttp://learntolivehealthy.org. Also, the Department of Health's LifeScreen program offers free colorectal cancer screening to county residents ages 50 to 64 who are uninsured and income-eligible. Information: 410-222-6640.
•The Department of Health offers free, confidential testing and counseling for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. For appointments: Annapolis, 410-222-7493; Glen Burnie, 410-222-6633; Parole, 410-222-7248. For personal and confidential HIV case management services, call 410-222-7108.
•The county Health Department offers free breast exams, mammograms, PAP tests and cervical cancer screenings to eligible county residents 40 and older. Information: 410-222-6180 or visit http://learntolivehealthy.org.
•Baltimore Washington Medical Center will sponsor free blood pressure screenings from 8:30 a.m. to noon, May 8, 15, 22 at Harundale Presbyterian Church, Eastway and Guilford Road, Glen Burnie.
Continuing services
The county Health Department offers health tips to prevent gastroenteritis, an illness of the stomach and intestines on its website http://aahealth.org. Click on gastroenteritis under hot topics.
•The Administration Care Coordination Unit, which provides services to clients who are enrolled in or may be eligible for medical assistance and HealthChoice to help them gain access to health care. Information: 410-222-7541 or 410-222-4380.
•Children's immunization shots at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15 months and 18 months. Information: 410-222-4896 or the community health section at aahealth.org/immunizations.
•Family planning services with free pregnancy tests, counseling, low-cost exams, lab tests and low-cost birth control supplies to women younger than 25. For an appointment: 410-222-7144.
•Baby care kits containing information on having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Information: aahealthybabies.org or call 410-222-7223. Also, free pregnancy and breast-feeding information is featured in the baby care kits or to take the free online "Taking Care of a Baby" and Home Safety" classes, go to aahealthybabies.org . For information about car seats and a list of inspection locations, call Maryland Kids in Safety Seats: 800-370-7328.
•Substance abuse treatment services through Community Treatment Services. Information: 410-222-0120. Methadone and suboxone maintenance services through the Health Department's adult addictions clinic: 410-222-0100.
•The Health Department urges all females to learn about protecting themselves through vaccination and Pap tests. Also, the department offers education and outreach programs for adolescents and parents. Topics for discussion include benefits of abstinence, responsible decision-making, pregnancy prevention and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Information: Healthy Teens and Young Adults, 410-222-4468. April is STD awareness month. The department provides education, prevention screening and treatment services. Visit http://aahealth.org/programs/comm-diseases/std. or call 410-222-7382.
•The REACH health care program offers low-cost doctor visits, checkups, prescription medicine, lab work and tests, radiology services and dental services to uninsured county residents. Information: 410-222-4531.
•Comprehensive medical coverage to income-eligible families, children and pregnant women through managed-care organizations via the Medical Assistance for Families/MCHP program. Applications: 410-222-4792.
•Maryland birth certificates. Information: 410-222-4462 or visit aahealth.org/birthcertificates.
•Behavioral health services are available to county veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan for their spouses and their children ages 5 to 18. Information: 410-222-1117.
•The WIC supplemental nutrition program provides free nutritious foods, education, breast-feeding support and resource referrals to pregnant, breast-feeding and postpartum women and children up to age 5. To qualify, call 410-222-6797 or 410-222-0139 (Spanish).
•The Learn to Live program has more than 675 free recipes low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber. Many are suited for diabetic, meatless and low-sodium diets. Visit learntolivehealthy.org and click on "Recipes Search" under "Food And Fitness."
•A free booklet, "Don't Let Us Get Hooked on Tobacco," is available to parents who want to dissuade children and teens from smoking. The booklet is sponsored by the Learn to Live program and can be ordered or downloaded online at learntolivehealthy.org. Information: 410-222-7979.
•The Learn to Live Healthy program offers an annual newsletter for child care providers and parents. The newsletter includes healthy eating tips, advice on when to keep ill children home, facts on pertussis (whooping cough), and approaches to prevent temper tantrums. In addition to Building Blocks, Learn to Live offers publications for parents and child care providers that can be ordered from the Learn to Live Line, 410-222-7979, or on the website at learntolivehealthy.org.
The Department of Health offers the following mental health services for children and adults:
•Adolescent and family services, 410-222-6785
•Addictions treatment, 410-222-6725
•Prevention and education services to prevent violent behavior and alcohol and drug abuse in young people, 410-222-6724.
•Mental health and substance abuse treatment is available to veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. Information: 410-222-0117.
For additional information about mental health services, visit aahealth.org. or call the county's crisis response line, 410-768-5522.