If you want an item listed in this calendar, please e-mail it two weeks in advance to calendar@santamariatimes.com, fax it to Attn: Calendar at 928-5657, or mail it to Health Calendar, Santa Maria Times, 3200 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Include the event time, date, address and a contact phone number.

Support Groups

Mending Broken Vessels Transplant Support Group meets 7 p.m. first Monday of the month, conference room, Marian Medical Center, 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-5050.

Grief Support Drop-In Group meets at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, County Offices, 1086 Grande Ave., Room 107, Arroyo Grande. Info: 544-2266.

A Men’s Cancer Forum and Discussion Group for men who have been diagnosed with cancer meets 5 to 6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of the month in the Lompoc Hospital District boardroom, 508 E. Hickory Ave., Lompoc. Snacks and cold drinks provided. Free. Info: Kate Zeiss, forum facilitator, at 686-5370 in Solvang or 563-5853 in Santa Barbara. 

Multiple Sclerosis caregivers support group meets 6 p.m., second Tuesday of the month, Arroyo Grande Hospital Annex B, 345 S. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande. Info: 534-1902 or 801-5763.

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America Support Group meets 6:30 to 8 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, Marian Medical Center, 1400 E. Church St., Conference Room C, Santa Maria. Info or to reserve: Lee at 922-6133, or Phyllis at 929-5154.

Compassionate Friends, Central Coast Chapter meets at 7 p.m. third Tuesday of the month, Church of Christ, 795 E. Foster Road, Santa Maria. The group is a nonprofit self-help organization offering friendship and understanding to bereaved families. Info: 922-5222.

South County Parkinson’s caregivers support group meets 1 to 3 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month, Rabobank Offices Conference Room, 542 Camino Mercado, Arroyo Grande. Info: 481-7424.

Santa Maria Lupus and Rheumatic Diseases group meets 7 to 9 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month, except for December, Knollwood Village Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, 4012 S. Bradley Road. Info: 346-2484 or smlupus@gmail.com.

Oasis General Grievers Support Group meets 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Luis OASIS Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. A certified grief counselor will lead the group. Info: 937-9750.

The Better Breathers Group meets at 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, Marian’s Health and Wellness Center, 1406 E. Main, Santa Maria. Part of the American Lung Association, the group helps people with respiratory problems. Info: Don Perry at 922-2161. 

South County Caregivers Support Group meets 1 to 2:30 p.m., the second Wednesday of the month, First Methodist Church, 275 N. Halcyon, Arroyo Grande. Info: 547-3830, and for free respite call 489-8894.

Family Mental Health Support Groups: English on Thursday, Spanish on Friday, noon to 2 p.m., 500 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria. Info: Michaelo Balcazar at 441-5098.

 

Good Grief meets 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays, Luis OASIS Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. The group is suitable for people who are not newly bereaved. Through sharing stories and laughter, and sometimes tears, the group tries to help you put your life back together after the loss of your spouse. Info: 937-9750.

Diabetic Support Group meets 7 p.m., first Thursday of the month, Life Way Fellowship, 2627 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, for adults 21 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. Learn how to cope with diabetes, share recipes and exercise. Info: 925-6708.

Mended Hearts Support Group meets 6:30 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, Marian Extended Care Center conference room, 1530 Cypress Way, Santa Maria. The group offers encouragement to heart disease patients and their families and friends. Info or to reserve: Sue Alderson at 934-2531.

 

The Society of Vegetarian-inclined People have their monthly potluck meeting at 7 p.m. first Thursday of the month, Unity Chapel of Light, 1165 Stubblefield Road, Orcutt. Bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share. Info: 343-0437.

Dystonia Support Group meets 4 p.m. second Thursday of the month. The group offers information and support for people experiencing this neurological movement disorder or wondering if they are. Info and location: Frank Salcido, 925-9634.

Santa Maria Valley Celiac support group meeting second Thursday of each month. Information for those who are newly diagnosed and support and information to those who cannot eat gluten. Info: 937-0087 or smvceliacs@msn.com for time and location.

Cancer Conversations support group of Santa Ynez, 4 to 5 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday, Rabobank, 1660 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. Info: 563-5852 or www.ccsb.org.

La Leche League meets 10:30 a.m. the third Thursday each month, South Side Coffee Company, 105 South “H” St., Lompoc. LLL provides information and encouragement for mothers about breast-feeding. All mothers and babies are welcome. Info: Shamaar at 735-6898 or e-mail LompocLLL@gmail.com.

Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) discussion group, Fridays, 10 to 11:30 a.m., One Consignment Store, 240 E. Hwy. 246 #105, Buellton. Info: 564-3888 or www.sbpep.org.

Fibromyalgia Support Group meets 10 to 11:30 a.m. the third Saturday of each month (except December), Arroyo Grande Hospital Annex, 345 S. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande. Wear loose clothing for group yoga. Info: 602-2153 or 925-8075.

AL-ANON SUPPORT GROUPS:

Al-Anon Family Group: 11 a.m., Monday, 324 W. Cypress St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-3782.

Wednesday: 5:30 p.m., at the Casa Grande Clubhouse, 519 W. Taylor St., Santa Maria. Info and gate access: Barbara at 922-0574.

Wednesday: 8 p.m., St. Mary’s School, teachers lounge, 424 E. Cypress St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0924.

Thursday: 5:30 p.m., 110 N. Thompson Road, Nipomo. Info: 473-9333 or e-mail barbnwayne@charter.net.

Friday: Noon, Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St. Info: 925-3782.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUPS:

Second Wednesday: 1 to 2:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 275 N. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande. Info: 547-3830.

Last Wednesday: 7 to 8:30 p.m., Merrill Gardens, 1220 N. Suey Road, Santa Maria. Info: 937-9193.

First and third Fridays: 10:30 a.m. to noon, Edwards Community Center, 809 N. Fremont, Santa Maria. Info: Alice at 349-9810, Ext. 200.

Second and fourth Fridays: 1 to 3 p.m., St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 2800 Harris Grade Road, Lompoc. Info: 733-9459.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS:

Monday: 10:30 a.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 959 Valley Road, Arroyo Grande. Info: 929-4469.

Monday: 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, 2800 Harris Grade Road, Lompoc. Info: 737-1158 or 961-8813.

Tuesday: 5:30 p.m., Alano Club, 1669 Fir St., Solvang. Info: 688-1472.

Wednesday: Noon, St. Mary’s Church, 2800 Harris Grade Road, Lompoc. Info: 736-2432.

Thursday: 10:30 a.m., Clubhouse, Rancho Del Arroyo Mobile Home Park, 2700 Cienaga, Oceano. Info: 489-3502.

Thursday: 6 p.m., Bethel Lutheran Church, 624 E. Camino Colegio, Santa Maria. Info: 937-8269.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m., Bethel Lutheran Church, 624 E. Camino Colegio, Santa Maria. Info: 937-8269.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly):

Monday: 6:45 p.m. Chapter 295 meets at the Church of Christ, 795 E. Foster Road, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0837.

Tuesday: 8 a.m., Chapter 1625 meets at the Valley of Flowers Half Century Club, 341 North N St., Lompoc. Info: Janet, 742-0202.

Wednesday: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Chapter 882 meets at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1775 S. Thornburg St. Info: Chelan at 349-2193.

Wednesday: 9 a.m. Chapter 2110 meets at the Town and Country Estates, 1600 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. Info: 937-3961.

Wednesday: 9 a.m. Chapter 2423, Sunnyhills Mobile Home Park Club House, 1650 Clark Ave., Santa Maria.

HEALTHY MINDS

NAMI Northern Santa Barbara County: General Meeting, 7 p.m. second Monday of the month, Elwin Mussell Senior Center, Multipurpose Room, 510 E. Park St., Santa Maria. Info: NAMI NSBC at 938-0546.

Codependents Anonymous meets 7:30 p.m. Fridays for a 12-step program, conference room of Rabobank, 1554 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 934-5228.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous HOW meets 4 p.m. Saturdays in Room 211, First United Methodist Church, 275 N. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande. Info: 546-1178 or www.ceahow.org.

A Family Partner in Santa Maria and in Lompoc is available through Partners in Hope for county mental health resources and information. Info: Michaelo Rosso-Balcazar, 305-9219.

The 2-1-1 HelpLine provides assistance if you are facing a crisis and need help and want to know what agencies are available in Santa Barbara County. Free, anonymous and confidential. Dial 2-1-1. Cell phone users other than T-Mobile: (800) 400-1572. TTY for people with hearing impairments: 899-8108.

The Community Resources HelpLine can help get you in touch with trained professional counselors when you are facing a crisis and want to talk or need help. They are available 24 hours daily. Free, anonymous, confidential. For Santa Maria, call 928-5818; for Lompoc, call 734-2711.

 

HEALTHY LESSONS

Learn how to remain independent despite vision loss with classes offered by Braille Institute, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Atria Maria Del Sol, 1405 E. Main St., Santa Maria. New ways of doing daily tasks are taught, such as managing the home, traveling in and around the home and community, and how to receive talking books through Braille Institute’s Library services. Info: 462-1225.

“How to Prepare for Total Joint Replacement Surgery” is taught by a physical therapist at 6 p.m. first Monday of the month, Santa Maria Valley Physical Therapy Group, 820 E. Enos Drive, Santa Maria. The class explains what to expect when having total hip, knee or shoulder replacement surgery. Free. Info: 928-8257 or visit www.smvpt.com.

Free class on “How to Prepare for Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery” is offered by the Santa Maria Valley Physical Therapy Group, 820 E. Enos. Drive, Santa Maria. Time varies, call for class reservation. Info: 928-8257 or www.smvpt.com.

Reflexology classes 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays offered by the Luis OASIS Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave. Cost: $25 for half-hour appointment. Info and appointment: 937-9750.

Free classes on “Targeting Fat Metabolism and Lifetime Weight Management” are offered by certified clinical nutritionist Mary Munoz, RN, at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 631 E. Sunset Ave., Santa Maria. Free. Info: 928-1153.

HEALTHY KIDS

Immunization Clinics are offered by Santa Barbara County Public Health. Ages 18 and younger are screened for low-income immunizations. Cost: $15 per visit. Info: 346-8420 or e-mail dmmarti@co.santa-barbara.ca.us.

Lompoc: 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, 310 North “R” St.

Santa Maria: 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, 2115 S. Centerpointe Parkway.

Teen-focused, culturally sensitive low- to no-cost reproductive health services are offered by EOC Health Services Clinics, in a safe environment with staff trained to screen, assess and provide intervention for people with IPV. No appointment necessary. Arroyo Grande Clinic, 1152 E. Grand Ave.: Walk-in hours are 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

WORK IT OUT

The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is offering a Fitness Training by Aztec class, 7 to 8 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Minami Community Center, 600 W. Enos Dr. Cost: $45 residents and $60 nonresidents. Info: 925-4508 or www.ci.santa-maria.ca.us.

The City of Pismo Beach Recreation Division Walking Club struts their stuff, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Join them at the south side of the Pismo Beach Pier parking lot. Free. Info: 489-9777 or 773-7049.

Mommy & Me fitness class for the mom who is looking to get back in shape after having a baby, 11 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Spyglass Park, Pismo Beach. Cost: $10 per class or $60 per month. Info: 773-7063 or www.pismobeach.org.

Senior Exercise Classes are at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Church Hall, First United Methodist Church, 275 N. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande. Free. Info: 481-2692 or www.WorshipWeekly.com.

A Stability and Balance Training for Active Adults class is offered by the Pismo Beach Recreation Division, 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach. Cost: $48 per month or $6 per class. Info and to register: 773-7063.

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Exercise Class is offered by Santa Maria Valley Physical Therapy Group, 820 E. Enos Dr. Cost: $35 monthly for two classes a week, $45 monthly for three classes a week. Info, times and to register: 928-8257.

Go Fitness Walking, 7 to 8 a.m. weekdays, Santa Maria Town Center mall, lower level. It’s healthy, fun and free. Info: 928-5168.

Water Exercise and Weight Loss classes are offered weekdays by the Five Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande. Info: 481-6399.

PACE (People With Arthritis Can Exercise) classes use a series of gentle movements to increase mobility and range of motion. Three classes meet each week:

Guadalupe: La Lucha, PACE in Spanish — 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and Friday, Senior Center, 4545 10th St. Free. Info: 343-2525.

Old Orcutt: 9:30 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, Luis OASIS Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave. Free. Info: 937-9750.

Shell Beach: 9:15 to 10: 15 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, Shell Beach Veteran’s Hall, 230 Leeward. Free. Info: 773-7063.

The Santa Maria Valley YMCA offers many programs and activities for families, singles and seniors. To join online, visit www.smvymca.org. When you come to work out the first time, you can pick up your membership card at the front desk. Info and fees: 937-8521 or www.smvymca.org.

HEALTH SERVICES

Confidential, low-cost services for sexually transmitted diseases are offered by the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department, 286 S. 16th St., Grover Beach. Cost: free to $35, based on income. Call for appointments 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Info: 473-7050.

Family-planning services are offered by Family Planning Clinics, 286 S. 16th St., Grover Beach. Services are confidential and range from free to low cost, based on income eligibility. Call for appointments 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Info: 473-7050.

Immunizations for general health care and travel abroad are offered by the San Luis Obispo County Health Department, 286 S. 16th St., Grover Beach. Clinics provide free or low cost immunizations for adults and children. Call for appointments 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Info: 473-7050.

Payment Assistance Programs and government-sponsored insurance programs are available at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, 345 S. Halcyon. To enroll, visit the hospital’s Admitting and Patient Registration Department or schedule an appointment at 473-7600. Preventive Health Care for the Aging clinics are sponsored by County Health Care Services throughout Santa Barbara County. Residents 55 and older are invited to participate. Free, contributions are accepted. Info or appointments: 681-5266.

Santa Maria Wisdom Adult Day Health Care, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., provides rehabilitative services to adults with physical or mental impairments that limit their ability to function independently. Spaces are available for residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties ages 18 and older. Services are covered by Medical or private pay. Info: 349-9810, Ext. 201.

RESOURCES

An EOC Senior Health Screening is offered at 9 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month, First United Methodist Church, 275 N. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande. The screening provides free and low-cost services for seniors 50 and older, including blood pressure, pulse, weight, total cholesterol, screening for anemia, diabetes and fecal blood. Nutritional counseling and referrals available if needed. Free. Info: 481-2692 or 788-0827. The Alliance for Pharmaceutical Access (APA) provides access to prescription medications through online patient assistance programs. The programs provide patients with medications prescribed by their physician free of charge. APA provides assistance free of charge and works in cooperation with patients and physicians. APA is open Monday to Thursday, 1 to 7 p.m., inside Marian Medical Center West, 505 E. Plaza Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 614-2040.

The Alzheimer’s Association “Make the First Call” campaign provides education to the public and assistance seven days a week. Info: (800) 272-3900 or 547-3830.

Community Partners in Caring, at the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce, 111 South I St., Suite C-1, is a local nonprofit agency serving seniors who are homebound and over 62 years old. Free services include transportation, shopping and errands, friendly visits, minor home repairs, respite care, housekeeping and yard work. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations accepted. Info: 737-1976.

Free FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards are available to help people with no prescription coverage lower the cost of their medicine. For drug prices and a list of participating pharmacies, or to print a card, visit www.uwcentralcoast.org. Most pharmacies in the United States accept the discount cards. They have no usage or age limits, income requirements or registration forms, and can be used immediately to reduce the cost of medicine for anyone who has no prescription drug coverage. Discount cards may also be obtained by calling Northern Santa Barbara County United Way at 922-0329.

The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program is dedicated to helping all Medicare beneficiaries with help in billing problems, insurance claims, denials or appeals. HICAP offers free and confidential appointments; 928-5663 or (800) 434-0222.

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic has audio books and other taped resources available to member borrowers and their families to help cope with grief, stress, death and dying. Info: 681-0531.

Santa Barbara County’s information and referral hotline and telephone counseling service offers 24-hour help for child abuse, drugs and alcohol, financial assistance, medical care, pregnancy, senior information and suicide prevention. Call (800) 400-1572.

HEALTHY HELPING

Coast Hills Federal Credit Union holds blood drives 2 to 6 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday and every first and third Wednesday, 1320 North H Street in Lompoc. Info: www.unitedbloodservices.org to schedule a blood donation.

The Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Auxiliary needs volunteers to help with patients, the front desk and in the gift shop. The auxiliary also helps raise money for scholarships and other community projects. Info: 489-4261.

Blood donations are needed in Santa Barbara County: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. To donate blood, make an appointment at the Santa Maria Blood Center, 1770 S. Broadway, by calling 928-2546; or visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org/CentralCoast.

The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) needs volunteers who want to learn about Medicare and help others. Info: (800) 434-0222.

If you have can pull-tabs to donate to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, where family members may stay while their seriously ill children are treated, call 937-0890. 

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. To refer a child to Make-A-Wish Foundation, volunteer, donate cash, vehicles or airline miles call (888) 899-9474. Annual Wish Granters Training in Santa Maria is held each spring. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Make-A-Wish, 4222 Market St. Suite D, Ventura, CA 93003. Info: www.tri-counties.wish.org.

The Marian Medical Center’s Hospice Program needs volunteers in the Santa Maria, Lompoc, Solvang, Nipomo and Five Cities areas. Info: 739-3830.

Marian Medical Center needs volunteers to help throughout the hospital, including the gift shop, newborn nursery and front lobby reception at Marian and Marian West. English- and Spanish-speaking, and bilingual volunteers are needed. Info: 739-3520.

The Northern Santa Barbara Special Olympics needs volunteers to help with sports training and competitions. Info: 928-0767 in Santa Maria; in Lompoc 735-4418.

Pacific Pride Foundation needs volunteers to help families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Volunteer opportunities include food pantry assistants, office help or being a buddy to someone in need. Info: Jocelynn 349-9947.

MARIAN MEDICAL

CLASSES:

Marian Medical Center Community Education offers classes and lectures at Marian Extended Care Center. Reservations are required. Info and to reserve, unless otherwise noted: 739-3578.

Smoking Cessation classes are available through the Tobacco Prevention Program. Cost: $20 materials fee. Info: 346-7275.

Guided Imagery Training (Stress Management) teaches techniques to ease stress through mind-body exercises. Free, by appointment only: 739-3780.

HEALTH SERVICES:

Free Blood Pressure Checks, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, and 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1406 E. Main St., Santa Maria. No appointment needed. Info: 739-3578.

Free Memory Screenings, 1 to 5 p.m., every second and fourth Tuesday.

SUPPORT GROUPS:

Marian Cancer Care Services, 210 S. Palisade Drive, Suite 200, Santa Maria, offers support to the community at the center, unless otherwise noted. Free. Info and to reserve: 739-3780, unless otherwise noted.

The Art of Living With Cancer (All Cancers) Discussion Group meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. the first, second and fourth Thursday of every month. Share solutions to problems and learn skills to take control and celebrate life. 210 S. Palisade Drive, Suite 200. Family members and caregivers welcome.

Lymphoma and Leukemia Family Support Group meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month, in the third-floor boardroom, Hancock Building, 116 S. Palisade Drive, Santa Maria, to help patients and families cope with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease and MDS before, during and after treatment.

Cancer Support Group for Spanish Speakers meets 1 to 2:30 p.m., last Thursday, at Los Adobes de Maria, 1148 W. Boone St., Santa Maria. Info and to reserve: 739-3780.

Grief Support Group meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, offering resources and support to anyone who has lost a loved one and are trying to put meaning, order and peace back in their lives.

SPOHNC-Santa Maria will meet 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every other month at Marian Rehabilitation, 915 E. Stowell Road., Suite A, Santa Maria.

Prostate Cancer Discussion Group meets 8 to 9:30 a.m., second and fourth Wednesday, Marian Extended Care Center, 1530 E. Cypress St., Santa Maria, for men diagnosed with prostate cancer, before, during and after treatment. Discuss issues, exchange information and share concerns. Family members are welcome.

A nondenominational prayer group meets regularly to explore the power of hope and healing, and the impact of beliefs and expectations on well-being. The group is open to all patients, family and friends to discuss concerns in a safe and confidential environment. Locations vary. Info: 739-3780.

Cancer Survivorship: Life Beyond Cancer focuses on the issues of life that occur after cancer treatment. Info: 739-3780.

Look Good ... Feel Better (English-speaking) meets noon to 1:30 p.m., First Tuesday of each month. Space is limited.

Look Good ... Feel Better (Spanish-speaking) meets 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., second Monday of each month. Info and reservation: 938-9200.

Swing Thru Cancer meets 1 to 2 p.m., third Wednesday of the month at the Monarch Dunes Golf Club driving range. Cancer patients, survivors and caregivers learn basic golf techniques to alleviate the stress they may be experiencing.

CANCER CENTER ACTIVITIES:

The Marian Cancer Center, 210 S. Palisade Drive, Suite 200, Santa Maria, unless otherwise noted, offers the services listed below to the community, free of charge, many on a regular monthly schedule. Info and to reserve: 739-3780, unless otherwise noted.

The Healing Hour, third Tuesday of each month, 4 to 5 p.m. at the Hancock Building, 116 S. Palisade Dr., on the third floor boardroom. Learn how to focus your thoughts and reduce stress through journaling, poetry and paints.

Cancer Center Orientation is for patients, family members, friends and anyone interested in learning about the many free cancer support services offered at Marian Cancer Center. Staff will answer questions. Call for an appointment.

CANCER CENTER CLASSES:

The center offers free classes to the community, their families and friends at Marian Extended Care, 1530 E. Cypress, Santa Maria, unless otherwise noted. Reservations are required. Info and to reserve: 739-3780, unless otherwise noted.

Relaxation Therapy: 2 to 4 p.m. fourth Thursday of the month, Conference Room A, Marian Medical Center, 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria. This stress reduction therapy is available to cancer patients and health care personnel.

Lymphedema Prevention Exercise Class meets 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays at Marian Extended Care, 1530 E. Cypress. This is a therapeutic, fun program for cancer survivors and others with chronic conditions of all ages and fitness levels.

Restoring Your Strength and Endurance are specialized exercise classes offered through the Marian Cancer Center, at Marian Health and Wellness Center and Hancock College, at no cost to cancer patients. Registration required.

Guided Imagery Training teaches techniques to ease stress through mind-body exercises. Sessions are free and offered by appointment only.

CANCER CENTER RESOURCES:

The Marian Cancer Center offers free information and resources to the community. Info: 739-3780.

Access to Internet Information Resources is available free of charge, to research your questions. Call the Cancer Center to ensure a volunteer is available to help you.

Cancer Information Lending Library and Resources offers a variety of free pamphlets and handouts relating to questions and diagnoses. The Cancer Center also has a free lending library that offers access to books, videos and audio tapes.

Clinical Trial Information and Resources will help you understand the pros and cons of clinical trials and help you to gather the appropriate information about ongoing clinical trials nationwide.

Nutritional Instruction is offered to patients and families trying to cope with the challenge of obtaining good nutrition during and after cancer treatment. Suggestions related to food choices, meal preparation and managing side effects are provided. A dietitian is available by appointment, at the Cancer Center.

The Oncology Nurse Consultant and Social Worker Programs are designed to help find community resources to allow cancer patients to proceed with care, and are ideal for new patients and families coping with a cancer diagnosis. If you are unable to understand your diagnosis, are lost in the system, or are confused about how to proceed, call the Cancer Center. Free, by appointment only: 739-3780.

Special Cancer Resources for the Medically Uninsured are provided through the Marian Cancer Center to patients who qualify. Guidance is offered in gaining access to resources not covered by insurance plans, including wigs, scarves, hats and prostheses. Some patients may also qualify for special programs that help with medication expenses. Free, by appointment only. Info: 739-3780.