Blood donations

The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region of the American Red Cross is requesting blood donations. Eligible donors can call 800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. Platelet donors should call 800-272-2123.

Calendar

Education programs: Howard County General Hospital will feature the following programs. Space is limited; registration is required. Unless otherwise noted, all programs will be held at the HCGH Wellness Center's Medical Pavilion, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia. To register, call 410-740-7601 or register online at hcgh.org.

* Prenatal class for early pregnancy, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Learn about the early stages of pregnancy and understand the physical changes, your baby's growth and easy ways to support your pregnancy. Free.

* Quit smoking and master long-term success, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25, April 29 and May 20.

Wellness programs: The Tai Sophia Institute offers free wellness programs. The institute is at 7750 Montpelier Road in Laurel.

* 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Qi Gong: Dance of the Phoenix. This Taoist health and longevity exercise has been practiced for thousands of years in China.

* 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Chakra energy balancing, the ancient form of hands-on healing that uses a gentle, noninvasive touch to balance the subtle energy field.

* 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, medical longevity Qi Gong and three jewels Qi Gong focus on improving physical health and wellness by eliminating blockages, rigidity and disease through gentle physical movements and synchronized breathing.

* 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, yoga and meditation.

* 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, graduate admissions open house.

The institute, an accredited graduate school, offers master's degree and graduate certificate programs in transformative leadership and social change, herbal medicine and acupuncture as well as continuing education, community wellness programs and clinical services. All events can be found at tai.edu/IntroPrograms.aspx

Healthy eating : Strategies to maintain and lose weight and healthy eating tips will be presented by Giant Food's in-store dietitian, Sheryl Hoehner, 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday and Jan. 27, Feb. 3 and 10, Clarksville Giant Food, 6050 Daybreak Circle, Village of River Hill, Clarksville. All programs will offer classes that tour the aisles, provide product samples and recipes.

Cardiovascular clinic : The clinic will be at The Mall in Columbia in partnership with Howard County General Hospital, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Lord and Taylor Court. Screenings will be offered in blood pressure, total cholesterol blood test, glucose blood test, carotid artery screening, body mass index measurement, bone density and pulmonary function. Free services and programs will feature: ask a cardiologist; ask a neurologist; stroke information; nutrition education; cardiac rehabilitation information; seated massage demonstration; acupuncture information; healthy Howard education; and Get Active Howard County information. For more information, call HCGH at 410-740-7601.