BGH offers wealth of health education information

Bonner General Hospital is the hub of the medical wheel in our community and, aside from the acute care aspects of the hospital's service, their role in health education and referral is impressively diverse and complete for a city our size.

The mission is not only to treat immediate illness but also to prevent it where possible and assist in ongoing education and support for myriad health needs.

Often after an illness or diagnosis that will be ongoing, such as diabetes or cardiac problems, there is a need for education and support in understanding and living with the disease. Nearly every department at BGH works with patients, families and their medical professionals to assist with learning about, and treating, their particular challenge. Here are just a few of the opportunities provided.

BGH is fortunate to have a diabetes program recognized by the American Diabetes Association and two certified diabetes educators who assist patients with adjusting to their new lifestyles through diet, exercise and medication applications in conjunction with their physician. There are diabetes classes to provide initial and follow-up patient education as well as an ongoing support group, which brings diabetics of all ages together to share experiences.

Cardiac Rehabilitation and Osteoporosis Clinic provide exercise classes to improve overall health and even prevent development of other problems such as osteoporosis through cardiovascular exercises, strength training and weight loss. Regular exercise, as we all know, can prevent physical decline as we age and BGH offers outstanding opportunities.

There are six-week childbirth education classes all year on Tuesday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Brown House, located north of the hospital building. Lactation education also is available.

On Friday, Sept. 23, from 1-5 p.m., a baby and child safety fair will be presented at the Brown House and will cover safety aspects of leisure activities, lifestyle balance and childhood obesity. Parents, children, educators, health care providers or anyone interested in keeping little ones safe are welcome.

Our hospital also recognizes the importance of bicycle safety helmets through an outreach education program in schools and the community. For information, call Sharon at 263-1441, extension 1169.

September is National Cholesterol Month and again this year, the dietary staff will conduct a grocery store visit to assist with shopping for a healthy life, particularly in choosing cholesterol-lowering foods. Time, date and registration information are pending.

Many employers require certification in first aid and CPR. Bonner General offers an emergency medical technician-taught first aid and CPR class at the hospital on the third Saturday of each month from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year, the October class will be on the second Saturday. The cost is $35. It is open to anyone and it provides two-year certification. Call the hospital to register.

Bonner Community Hospice will present a no-cost grief acceptance group on Wednesdays from Sept. 7 to Oct. 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Brown House. Registration with Kathryn Cooke is required at 265-1185.

A fibromyalgia support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the hospital conference room.

Alcohol education and traffic safety classes are held on the first Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month at the hospital. For information, call 265-5187.

The social services department helps the whole community by providing resource and referral information on available assistance for alcohol and drug treatment, anger management, cancer support, caregivers' assistance, providers of basic needs like food, clothing, housing and medical or dental services, mental health/mental hold procedures, parenting, smoking cessation, victim services, transportation and support groups for many needs.

Also, social services personnel are available to help set up support groups or present programs on other topics as needed. They have, in the past, presented topics such as suicide prevention information, stressed-out parents, Huntington's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and other disease support networking. Recently, they facilitated a panel on psychiatric medications for children and adolescents.

A book of updated resource and referral information on county- and area-wide services is kept in the social services department. If BGH does not provide the resource, they can tell you who does.

On Nov. 2, from 2-4 p.m., social services will host the Alzheimer's Association meeting on holiday held for dementia care providers.

For more information on the services mentioned or others you need, call the hospital's main number at 263-1141.