HEALTH NOTES

The Baltimore Sun

Two courses held on mental illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness will offer two free courses in Columbia in September.

"Family-to-Family" is a 12-week course for family members and friends of people with serious mental illness or brain disorders.

The class focuses on clinical treatment for those with mental illness and coping skills for family members.

"Peer-to-Peer" is a nine-week course on recovery for anyone with a serious mental illness.

The classes are for families members and people with conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and borderline personality disorder.

NAMI-Howard County also offers free support groups for those living with mental illness, their parents and families.

Information: 410-772-9300.

Howard General sets handbag sale

The Howard County General Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary will sponsor a Handbag Sale 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 28 and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 29 in the hospital lobby, 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia.

A selection of top-quality handbags, wallets and luggage will be for sale. Proceeds will benefit the hospital's expansion program.

Information: 410-730-2495.

Chronic-illness workshops planned

The Howard County Office on Aging will offer workshops for people with chronic illness, "Living Well ... Take Charge of Your Health," at local senior and wellness centers.

Topics are to include advance directives, nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques and communication skills. The groups will discuss strategies to manage symptoms, communicate with doctors, lessen frustration, fight fatigue and make daily tasks easier.

The workshops will be offered at:

Heartlands, 3004 North Ridge Road, Ellicott City, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 23 through Sept. 27.

Glenwood Community and Senior Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Oct. 2, through Nov. 6.

Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, Suite L-9, 11055 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 9 through Nov. 13.

The cost is $25 for the six-week course.

Information: Maryland Access Point, 410-313-5980.

Medicare coverage seminar on Aug. 9

The Howard County Office on Aging will present a free seminar, "Use Caution Before Changing Your Medicare Coverage," at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia.

Representatives from the Office on Aging's Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program will discuss the advantages, disadvantages and marketing of alternative plans to Medicare, such as Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Part C.

Information or registration: 410-313-7391.

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