Exploring Forgiveness – A Community Discussion
Join Family Therapist Chris Cortman, Psy.D., 8:30-10:30 am Tuesday, May 5, for a free community presentation on the processes and dynamics associated with forgiveness. The event will be held at Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. Continuing education credits are available for qualified professionals ($10 fee). RSVP: (941) 917-1779.

Sarasota Memorial Clinic Helps People Taking Blood Thinners
Sarasota Memorial is expanding an important outpatient clinic to help monitor and treat people taking warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and low molecular weight heparins or blood thinners. Doctors typically prescribe the medication to reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots in people who have had heart attacks, strokes or other serious blood clotting conditions. But it can be a delicate balancing act: taking too much increases bleeding, while taking too little increases the risk of blood clots. Sarasota Memorial’s Anticoagulation Clinic – staffed with a cardiologist medical director, nurse practitioner and specially trained nurses who work with patients and their doctors to monitor and adjust their medication dosage – will open a second location off Clark Road on May 11 to make services more convenient to those living in south county communities. In addition to stabilizing the dose, Sarasota Memorial’s anticoagulation team also provides education and support to help manage ongoing changes in diet, medications and other factors that can interact with the medication. For more information, contact Sarasota Memorial’s Anticoagulation Clinic locations at:

Sarasota Memorial Heart & Vascular Institute
1540 S. Tamiami Trail: 917-8889
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am- 4 pm

Sarasota Memorial Institute for Advanced Medicine
5880 Rand Blvd. (off Clark Road near I-75): 917-8230
Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 8 am- 3:30 pm

Heart Healthy Eating
If you are living with heart disease or simply want to learn nutritional strategies to promote your heart health, join Sarasota Memorial’s cardiac rehabilitation specialists for this free presentation Saturday, May 16, 9:30-11 am, at Sarasota Memorial's Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd. Cardiologist Patrick Delmastro, MD, will be available for a question & answer session following the presentation. Call (941) 917-6139 to register.

Breastfeeding Part 2: Pumping & Returning to Work
Breastfeeding is by far nature’s best source of nutrition for your baby, and many experts encourage moms to breastfeed babies for six months or more to take advantage of its full health benefits. But breastfeeding can be difficult for moms returning to work or school. Planning ahead is key. To that end, Sarasota Memorial has added a new monthly class to its childbirth education series – Breastfeeding Part 2: Pumping and Returning to Work – to help women anticipate and overcome the challenges of breastfeeding after returning to work or school. Class dates and times vary. The first class will be held Saturday, May 16, 3:30- 4:30 pm in the Waldemere Medical Plaza, 1921 Waldemere St. Call 941-917-1700 to register or browse our online health calendar for information on other childbirth or health education classes.

The Power of an Exercise Prescription
The next time you see your doctor, he or she might do more than just recommend some exercise – they could pick up their prescription pad and prescribe exercise. Exercise is a powerful complement to traditional medical intervention, and in some cases, studies show it can reduce a patient’s drug dosage or eliminate the need for medicine altogether. But doctors find that giving vague advice to exercise just doesn’t cut it. Rather, more and more doctors are finding that many sedentary people will begin an exercise program if given a prescription written just for them. It’s an idea gaining popularity across America. In Sarasota, the city has proclaimed May “Exercise is Medicine” month, joining a national campaign urging physicians to write exercise prescriptions. At Sarasota Memorial’s Healthplex – the region’s first medically oriented fitness center – the concept is not new. The center’s health and fitness professionals craft individual exercise programs to help members safely and efficiently meet all of their personal health goals. For more information, call Healthplex at (941) 917-7000 or visit sarasotahealthplex.com.

FREE In-Home Assessments for Senior Caregivers
Thanks in part to a state grant, Sarasota Memorial is providing free in-home assessments and assistance to local residents caring for seniors with memory problems for a limited time this year. The program – which has no income requirements – runs through June 30, 2009. Anyone over the age of 18 caring for someone 60 or older with memory problems is eligible. Sarasota Memorial will send trained staff to your home to complete a thorough assessment, offer basic training and tips on caring for someone with memory loss and prepare a care plan that links caregivers with local resources when possible. For information or to arrange a home assessment, call (941) 917-7197.

Perfect Prescription for Weight Loss
Every person is different. Your weight management plan should be, too. If you’ve been thinking about getting your weight under control or diabetes in check, Sarasota Memorial offers a number of programs to suit diverse schedules, budgets and needs. Please call (941) 917-7777 for information or register online:

• Eating Healthy for Life – a 4-week program that focuses on menu planning, grocery shopping, restaurant eating, exercise and education. A healthy balance of one-on-one counseling and a free support group helps participants overcome key barriers to weight loss.

• Weight Management Partners Program – For a more intensive, medically supervised program of diet, exercise and education, try Sarasota Memorial’s 8-week Weight Management Partners Program. Each week, participants meet with a multi-disciplinary team of health and fitness experts to assess and refine customized weight loss strategies to meet your personal goals. For more information, attend a free introductory class at 6 pm May 4 or June 1 at the Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., ½-mile west of I-75 off Clark Road, Sarasota. The next 8-week session starts June 8. Call (941) 917-4998 for information.

• Diabetes Management – For people struggling to manage their diabetes, individualized outpatient treatment services and free support groups are available. Information: (941) 917-7468.

Healing Arts
Relax at Sarasota Memorial’s free expressive arts studio, a weekly program designed to promote creative expression, relaxation, health and healing. The class meets 2-4 pm every Monday at Sarasota Memorial’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., ½-mile west of I-75 off Clark Road, Sarasota. Supplies are provided. RSVP to (941) 917-7293.