Health Happenings

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

Aortic aneurysm

A screening that detects bulges in artery walls is scheduled Monday through Friday at Memorial Hospital, Memorial North Park and 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 last five years. Appointments are required. Call 495-6000 to register.

Heart disease

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

Neck, arm pain screening

Screening for people with unexplained neck, arm or hand pain is from 8-11 a.m. at Erlanger North Campus Annex, Suite 200. Registration is required. Call 778-5465 to register.

Balance screening

A free screening, sponsored by Erlanger hospital and Siskin Hospital for Rehabilitation, is available to evaluate balance and stability and to determine if further testing or treatment is necessary. This is a screening for seniors whose balance problems may be affecting their mobility and independence. The screenings are 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Erlanger North Campus Annex, Suite 200. Registration is required. Call 778-5465 to register.

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.

* 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 any of three locations.

Child safety, car seats

Safe and Sound conducts a car-seat inspection/installation event, weather permitting, from 8:30-11 a.m. today at Erlanger East. The Safe and Sound on the Road program is made possible by the Kohl's Cares for Kids program. Call 778-6691 for more information.

Diabetes

* A two-part basic diabetes class begins at 8:45 a.m., June 30 at Memorial's Health Place at Hixson. 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.

* Free classes are offered to diabetes patients who use Lantus or Apidra insulin. Sessions begin at 5:30 p.m. each Tuesday at 2307 Napier Road, Suite No. 117. Call 544-0340 to reserve a place or for more information.

Parenting for pops

Boot Camp for Dads, a fun, free and informative class about being a great dad, is led by a First Things First Instructor from 9 a.m. to noon, June 28 at Parkridge East Hospital. To register, call TriStar MedLine at (800) 242-5662.

Mental illness disorders

A free comprehensive workshop (2 sessions) is designed specifically for family members and friends of persons affected with mental illnesses. "With Hope In Mind," you will be offered information on symptoms, emotional support, tips for self care, coping skills and problem management. Sunday, June 29 and July 26, 3 to 7 p.m. 901 Oak St. Call for reservations 827-4049.

Sleep disorders

A sleep-disorders screening is from 8:30 to 11 a.m. today at Erlanger East. The evaluation is for people who feel tired after a good night's sleep. Registration is required. Call 778-5465.

Fitness

Free and ongoing tai chi classes are held from 10 to 11 a.m. each Sunday in Coolidge Park on the North Shore. Chris Campbell is the instructor. For more information, call 821-8947.

Low impact fitness

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

Water aerobics class

Free exercise class 10 to 11 a.m. at the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital. Class is conducted in a swimming pool to help support the joints and encourage free movement. No registration is necessary. Class available on first come/first served basis. Call 778-5465.

Support groups

* BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Chattanooga Lifestyle Center. Meetings are for individuals scheduled to have Bariatric surgery or who have already had weight loss surgery. Call (423) 778-5465 to register.

* NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Meetings sites in Dalton, Ga., Fort Oglethorpe and the Tennessee towns of Athens, Benton, Cleveland, Chattanooga, Dayton and Dunlap. For more information call (423) 899-6500 or log onto www.nachattanooga.com.

* NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL: First Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. at Country Place Restaurant, and third Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Johnson Mental Health Center. 624-2941 or 877-7246.

* NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND: First Tuesday, 7 p.m., Siskin Hospital. 785-3407.

* NICOTINE ANONYMOUS: Each Tuesday, 7 p.m., Memorial Home Health Office. 495-4653.

* OSTEOPOROSIS: Third Thursday, noon, Rehab South, 530 Cherokee Blvd. 634-7744.

* OSTOMY ASSOCIATION: Fourth Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Memorial's Community Rooms. 877-1988.

* OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Nine meeting sites. 517-3101.

* OVERSPENDERS ANONYMOUS: Call Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. 490-5620.

* PARENTING: For parents of teenagers and young adults. Each Monday, 7 p.m. Bradford Health Service. (866) 246-3216.

* PARENTING INTERNATIONAL/CHATTANOOGA: For parents seeking information and friendship. Second Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Birth Wellness and Women's Center, 553-7352.

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.