from the desk of Dannai Harriel

Thanks for the 1st entry of the year- j.

Healthy Community


As part of its ongoing goal of improving the health care of women and their families, Magee-Womens Hospital recognizes the importance of establishing community-based health education. In order to increase access to health education for low income and urban women, Magee-Womens Hospital now offers a series of health classes in a variety of community settings. These programs are designed to offer health information useful for women and their families. Each program is designed for learning through participation in discussions, displays and videos.

Enclosed is a list of the health topics. These classes will be at no cost to your organization or participants, except where noted. Good will offerings are gratefully accepted and are applied to future programming. Presentations will last from 1-2 hours depending on the topic unless otherwise noted.

We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. For information, please contact us by phone at 412-641-4482 or 412-641-1047.

Magee Womens Hospital

HEALTHY COMMUNITY

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Breast Health
Includes discussion of the importance of early detection as the best protection in combating breast cancer successfully. Facilitators use breast models and videos to advance the discussion, and breast cancer survivors tell their stories.

Intimate Partner Violence
Defines in depth what domestic violence is, recognizing risk, decreasing risk to self and family, and how to safely seek help. Can also address the special aspects of dating violence when presented for adolescents.

Sexually Transmitted Infections/Safer Sex
Includes information on recognition, diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Protection and risky behaviors will be discussed. Long term consequences to health and reproduction will be reviewed. A frank discussion about HIV infection and AIDS is included. Protecting oneself, partner and unborn child from this serious threat to health and life as well as testing and treatment are addressed.

Healthy Lifestyles
A basic review of what contributes to the health of a woman's mind, body and spirit. Topics include: good eating habits, coping with stress, feeling fit, safety concerns and beating the blues.

Label Reading and Smart Shopping
Learn the latest tips for comparison shopping for food items. Using product information labels and recognizing store marketing strategies can help you get to the checkout counter.

The Second Half: A Unique Experience
Health goals change as lifestyles change in the second half of life. Beginning with menopause, this discussion will focus on adjustments in diet, rest and recreation for well being. The importance of continuing with women's health care check ups will be addressed. Bone health and heart health for women can be included or addressed separately in greater depth.

Stress Management
A basic review of what stress is, how it can affect individuals both emotionally and physically; and some of the various ways of coping successfully. Recognizing signs of depression in oneself or a loved one and seeking treatment are included.

Babysitting Basics
Practical tips for 10-14 year olds on getting started with babysitting, working with babies and children and minor home emergency situations including relieving choking and making an emergency phone call. (Approximately 4 hours in one or two sessions.)

Methods of Family Planning
The reasons for seeking effective methods of birth control will be discussed. The advantages and drawbacks of the various methods available will be illustrated with models and examples of each method.

Pediatric Basic Life Support-Infant/Child CPR for Families
The American Heart Association program, taught by an approved instructor, will offer the basics in home safety, and recognizing and treating life threatening events involving infants and children. (Approximately 4 hours in one or two sessions)

A one hour demonstration of relieving choking, home safety and getting help in an emergency may be arranged.

Healthy Origins-Childbirth Preparation
Offered as a series, this program covers pregnancy, birth, and parenting with each topic centered session. Facilitated by a certified childbirth educator (Lamaze, International), a wide variety of videos, models and posters will add to the discussions and practice sessions. Tours of the Magee-Womens Hospital Womancare Birth Center may be arranged.

Review sessions for parents who attended classes with their first children, and are now welcoming a second (or more) child, may also be arranged.

Prenatal, Postpartum and Early Parenting Support
From the joys and discomforts of pregnancy to the roles of parents in rearing healthy children, new parents have questions. These informal groups can set meeting times to learn and share in the offices of any of the Magee-Women's Neighborhood Centers.

Baby on the Way: Children welcoming new brothers and sisters
Becoming a big brother or sister is a special event. This program can help children adjust to their mothers' hospital stays and to the new baby. Parents and children can hold and diaper soft cloth dolls and see a special video for “Big Kids.”

Growing Up Together for Daughters
Parents who want to be involved in helping their daughters with the confusing changes of growing up will want to attend this program. Facilitators encourage communication between parents and children regarding the normal processes of early adolescent sexuality. Suggested for ages 8 through 12 years.

A second program may be offered to 13 through 16 year olds and their parents, dealing with issues of sexual responsibility, dating, decision making, and pregnancy prevention.

Planet Future
Planning and following a course for the future is not always easy-especially for a young teen. Through small group activities, informal mentoring, and a little self expression through art, youngsters can raise their awareness of the possibilities for their personal goals.

Your suggestions on additional health topics are welcome.

Program Coordinators: E. Hughes and D. Chiaverini
Telephone: (412) 641-1047 for information

We look forward to hearing from you.

Diana Chiaverini, RN, MEd
Program Coordinator

Ebony Hughes, RN
Program Coordinator