Hospital schedules baby-sitting course
Howard County General Hospital will present "Essentials in Baby-Sitting," a class in managing children, creating a safe environment and emergency techniques, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 3 at the hospital's Wellness Center, Suite L-9 of the Columbia Medical Center, 11055 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia.
The cost is $46 and includes lunch and a certificate.
A podiatry screening will be offered from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, and a diabetes screening is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Nov. 13. The services are free. Registration is requested.
A self-defense class for children ages 8 to 12 is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. tomorrow. The cost is $25.
"Maybe Baby," a seminar on financial planning for prospective parents, will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 13. Admission is free.
Information or registration: 410-740-7601, or www.hcgh.org.
Medicare workshop at senior centers
The Howard County Department of Citizen Services' Office on Aging will sponsor a workshop: "Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage 2008 - It's Again Time to Consider Options" at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Bain Center, 5470 ruth Keeton Way, Columbia; and 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City.
The annual open enrollment period for the benefit begins Nov. 15 and will continue to Dec. 31. The workshop will cover how the benefit works and what choices are being offered. Those who attend can determine whether they are eligible for Extra Help, the low-income subsidy that helps with premium, deductible and prescription costs.
The discussion will be led by representatives from the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program. Admission is free.
Information or registration: 410-313-7391.
Grocer joins fight against breast cancer
Shoppers at Whole Foods markets this month who purchase natural cold remedies, such as Boiron's Oscillocosinum and Coldcalm, will have a portion of the price donated to breast cancer research.
Signs in the stores indicate products that are included in the program, which is coordinated by Pink United, an initiative to raise money for breast cancer awareness, education and research. Participating vendors contribute a portion of sales to a breast cancer organization of their choice.
Information: www.pink united.net.
Donations needed -- The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region of the Red Cross says the community blood supply remains at crisis level and is urging eligible blood donors to call 800-448-3543 to schedule a donation. Platelet donors should call 800-272-2123 to schedule an appointment. Donors must be in good health; at least 17 years old (in Maryland, age 16 with written parental consent); weigh 110 pounds or more, and have not received a tattoo within the previous year or donated whole blood within the previous 56 days.
Caregiver support -- Caregiver Support Group at Winter Growth, 5460 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 410-964-9616.
Herbs 101 -- Tai Sophia Institute, a graduate school for wellness-based disciplines, is offering Herbs 101, an eight-week introductory course on using herbs for health and wellness, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through Nov. 14. The hands-on program includes the basics of plant chemistry and physiology, using herbs in the kitchen, understanding the body's language, a clinical perspective and a fall herb walk. A miniseries of three classes costs $115. Registration is required. Tai Sophia is at 7750 Montpelier Road, North Laurel. 410-888-9048 or 800-735-2968, Ext. 6647, or www.tai.edu.
CPR, first aid -- Registration is being accepted for Central Maryland Red Cross classes, held this month and next in Howard County.
An adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitationcourse will be offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow at First Presbyterian Church, 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia. The cost is $52.
NAMI support -- NAMI-Howard County, the county chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is offering free support groups and courses:
A group for people with mental illness will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the music room at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road in Columbia. The group meets on alternate Tuesdays.
A group for friends and family members of adults with a mental illness is scheduled to meet at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Harmony Hall, 6336 Cedar Lane, Columbia.
A group for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with serious mental health problems will meet from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 28 at Faulkner Ridge Center, 10598 Marble Fawn Court in Columbia. Susan Heisel, 410- 772-9300.
Heart walk/run -- The American Heart Association will hold its "Start! Heart Walk" at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at Centennial Park in Ellicott City. More than 7,000 walkers are expected to attend, the association says. The noncompetitive 5-kilometer walk/run begins at 9 a.m. Teams of employees of local companies, friends and families are expected to take part. Walkers who are survivors of heart disease or stroke will wear red caps bearing the words "Fighting Back." Activities available to participants include a Kids' Corner; Lifestyle Change Awards; Eat Street, offering heart-healthy meals; information and physical activities; and stories of survivors. Participants will be asked to sign a pledge to lead a healthy life by incorporating exercise into their daily routines. 410-637-4529, or www. starthowardcountymd.org.
Health plan -- County Executive Ken Ulman and Dr. Peter L. Beilenson, the county's health officer, will discuss the new Healthy Howard Plan at town hall meetings in Columbia, Cooksville and Savage. The meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at Linden Hall, 4765 Dorsey Hall Drive, Columbia; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Glenwood Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville; and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Savage Volunteer Fire Station, 8925 Lincoln St., Savage. 410-313-4253.