Note: Events without published prices are free, and registration is required for most programs.

Aortic aneurysm

A screening that detects a bulge in an artery wall is scheduled Monday through Friday at Memorial Hospital, Memorial North Park or Memorial Atrium Imaging Center. Eligible for the free tests are people 65 and older who have no previous diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm and who have not had an abdominal CT scan in the past five years. Appointments are required. Call 495-6000 to register.

Bone density, loss

A pixi screening of the ankle, which indicates if there is need for further examination or treatment for osteoporosis, is scheduled from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Aug. 14 at Erlanger East. Appointments are limited, and registration is required. Call 778-5465.

Cancer

* Memorial Hospital provides complimentary massages to cancer patients currently in treatment on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. Call 495-7778 for an appointment at one of three locations.

* A Tai Chi class for cancer patients and their caregivers begins at 1 p.m. Monday at Memorial’s Center for Cancer Support. Call 495-7778 for more information.

Child safety, car seats

Two car-seat inspection/installation events, weather permitting, are scheduled by Safe and Sound. Places and times are Babies R Us on Gunbarrel Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, and at Northgate Mall, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 14. The Safe and Sound on the Road program is made possible by Kohl’s Cares for Kids. Call 778-6691 for more information.

Cholesterol screening

MinuteClinic health centers offer free screenings to evaluate cholesterol (HDL and LDL) and triglycerides from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at five CVS pharmacy stores through the month of August. Tests are available at CVSs on Lee Highway, East Brainerd Road, Ridgeway Avenue, on Signal Mountain and at two Hixson locations. Each participant receives a risk assessment and an explanation of results from a heal care practitioner. Results from a finger-prick blood sample are available within 5 minutes. Tests are more accurate after an eight- to 12-hour fast. For more information call a CVS pharmacy, or (410) 372-0827.

Diabetes

* A two-part diabetes self-management program is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Aug. 19 at Memorial’s Health Place at Hixson. Help with arranging for the required physician’s referral is available at the registration number, 495-7970. Registration is required and there is a class fee.

* A two-part basic diabetes class begins at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday and Aug. 20 at Memorial’s Diabetes and Nutrition Center. This overview of the disease covers prevention, treatment and complications. Help with arranging for the required physician’s referral is available at the registration number, 495-7970. Registration is required, and there is a class fee.

Heart failure

An educational class for patients with congestive heart failure is from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Aug. 14 at Chattanooga Heart Institute on the Memorial Hospital campus. Call 495-7764 for more information.

Health care reform

The local organizing group of the Tennessee Health Care Campaign meets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Senior Center, 957 Boynton Drive. The group is for anyone who is struggling with health care issues or anyone interested in reforming the health care system. Refreshments are served. For more information, call toll-free at (877) 431-7083, or locally at 667-7649.

Health fairs

Health information fairs are scheduled at two community centers. Times and places are from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Southside and from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at Dodson Avenue. Planned are blood pressure checks and information on Medicaid, TennCare, CoverKids and marriage counseling from First Things First. Staffs of these agencies and health care professionals answer questions. Door prizes are given away and refreshments are on the menu. For more information call Southside at 778-2700 and Dodson Avenue at 778-2800.

Low impact exercises

Three low-impact exercise classes are scheduled at HealthLink Plus in Northgate Mall. Times are from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Classes are led by an exercise physiologist from Siskin Therapy Services, and no registration is required. Call 778-5465 for more information.

Parenting

First Things First offers a Love’s Cradle Workshop for non-married expectant couples from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 14, 21 and 28 at Haven’s Buffet, 480 Greenway View Drive. Classes are free but registration is required. Call 267-5383 or log onto www.firstthings.org.

Senior health, safety

AARP’s Driver Safety Program helps seniors (55 and older) adjust to age and health issues that may affect driving skills. A class is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Memorial’s Home Health Office. Drivers who complete the course are eligible for discounts on auto insurance premiums. There is a $10 materials fee. To register call 495-4653.

Weight-loss surgery

A seminar on the Lap Band surgical weight-loss procedure for people at least 100 pounds overweight is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the community rooms at Memorial Hospital. Call 495-2244 for reservations.

Weight management

A seminar on Erlanger’s Bariatric Services, including surgical procedures, is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday at Chattanooga Lifestyle Center. The session is for people at least 100 pounds overweight who have health problems related to obesity. Registration is required. Call 778-5465.

Support groups

* SAVING LITTLE HEARTS: For parents of children with congenital heart defects. Second Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m., TVA Building A, 4201 Access Road. 240-7846. www.savinglittlehearts.com/chattanooga.php

* SELF HELP FOR HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE: Third Sunday (September-November and January-May), 2 p.m., Ronald McDonald House. 894-3138.

* SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS: Twelve-step group meets 7 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. 892-3558.

* SMOKING CESSATION: Third Monday, 5 p.m., Chattanooga Lifestyle Center. 778-9400.

* SPINAL CORD INJURY: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Siskin Hospital. 634-1204.

* STROKE: Third Thursday, 5 p.m., Siskin Hospital. 634-1751, 634-1578.

* STROKE: Third Wednesday, 11 a.m. Siskin Hospital. 634-1728.

* STROKE: Fourth Thursday, 10-11 a.m., HealthSouth. 697-9142.

* SUICIDE SURVIVORS: First Thursday, 7 p.m., Memorial Hospital community rooms. 629-6897.

* TOPS: Take off Pounds Sensibly group, every Monday, 6 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Ascension. 622-1483.

* TOPS: Take off Pounds Sensibly group, every Thursday, 9 a.m., First Baptist Church of Fort Oglethorpe. (706) 375-2310.

Items for this column are due the Monday before Thursday’s publication date. Write to Nancy Carney, P.O. Box 1447 Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447; fax 668-5102; e-mail ncarney@timesfreepress.com or call 757-6283.

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