November 2010
November is Prematurity Awareness Month and will be recognized throughout the nation with rallies, expert panel discussions and amazing stories from the nation’s neonatal intensive care units - including Sarasota Memorial's NICU, the region's only Level III intensive care nursery. Prematurity is now the leading killer of our nation's newborns, according to the March of Dimes, affecting more than half a million babies a year. The health consequences for infant survivors can be devastating: cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic health problems, blindness, hearing loss and other neurological conditions.
From Nov. 1-Nov. 17 (National Prematurity Awareness Day), Sarasota Memorial will share tips and advice from our medical experts and the March of Dimes on how to help protect your unborn baby from the risks of premature births. For today's tip and daily updates, please visit our online news section each day at smh.com.
Free Nutrition & Fitness Classes
Sarasota Memorial dietitians host free monthly nutrition classes. Upcoming: Start Now to Slim Down the Holidays with Style! Wednesday, Nov. 3
(12-1 pm) at Sarasota Memorial’s Healthplex/Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. RSVP: (941) 917-7777.
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The Positive Journey of Caregiving
Join us for a free educational forum developed for caregivers of all types and professionals in allied fields, 9:30 am-3 pm Friday, Nov. 5, in Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s first floor auditorium, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Speakers include: Christopher Cortman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist presenting “Understanding the Value of Forgiveness”; Wendy Jacobs, J.D., Ph.D., a clinical psychologist; and Ira Wiesner, J.D., elder law attorney and founder of the elder law firm Advocates in Aging. Jacobs and Wiesner will present “Mindfulness as Respite, Positive Psychology.” A free lunch will be served. RSVP: (941) 917-1779.
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Bone Builders
Join Sarasota Memorial fitness professionals in a supervised exercise program designed to fight bone loss and osteoporosis. Sessions are held twice weekly along with monthly osteo education and support group meetings. A home exercise program also is available. A physician referral is not necessary. Call (941) 917-7000 or register online at: sarasotahealthplex.com
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The Doctor is In – Robotic GYN Surgery 
Join Gary Easterling, MD, OB-GYN, for a free presentation on minimally invasive robotic surgery for gynecological conditions, 11 am Monday, Nov. 8, in the Healthplex Education Room, Sarasota Memorial Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. RSVP: (941) 917-7777.
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An Ounce of Prevention: Hyperlipidemia 
Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Learn about this risk factor and others during a series of free presentations by Mahfouz El Shahawy, MD, cardiovascular disease prevention specialist and medical director of Sarasota Memorial’s Cardiovascular Disease Assessment Center. The Hyperlipidemia lecture will be held 5-6 pm Wednesday, Nov. 17 in Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s first floor auditorium, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail. Call (941) 917-7777 to register or for information.
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Bariatric Weight Loss Support Group
If you are considering weight loss surgery, often the hardest question is the very first one, “How do I get started?” Sarasota Memorial offers free personal evaluations to help you take the first step to find out if weight-loss surgery is right for you. It’s part of an easy-to-navigate 7-step Bariatric Program that equips you with the tools you need to attain your goal. Call (941) 917-4571, attend a free education & support group for people who have had or are contemplating weight loss surgery or visit our website at: visit www.smh.com/weightlossprogram.
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Promote health through world's oldest forms of exercise
Tai Chi is one of the oldest forms of exercise, and now research confirms its many health benefits. Researchers reviewed 77 randomized controlled trials about Tai Chi published between 1993 and 2007 and included a total of 6,410 participants. Study authors found a "stronger evidence base" that Tai Chi offers benefits for bone health, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, balance, quality of life, fall prevention and mental health. Tai Chi is a more specific form of exercise that focuses on a series of 24 to 108 postures and transitional movements.
The exercise professionals at Healthplex are here to answer your health and fitness questions. We offer many options to help meet your goals, including services such as personal training, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and group exercise classes. We offer Tai Chi classes on land and in water! To learn more about all of our programs, we invite you to come by for a tour. Visit www.SarasotaHealthplex.com or call (941) 917-7000 for more information.
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