Massage therapy for cancer patients

To reduce stress and promote healing, free massage therapy is available for cancer patients currently undergoing treatment every Wednesday and Thursday at the Center for Cancer Support at Memorial Hospital and every Tuesday at Center for Cancer Support at Memorial Hospital Hixson. Call 495-7778 for appointment.

Bone-density screenings

Rehab South will offer free bone-density screenings via Dexa Scan during the month of December at Rehab South Physical Therapy, II Northgate Park, Suite 102, behind the Red Lobster, Hixson. Allow 15 minutes for screening and results reviewed by a licensed staff member. Call 877-4599 for appointment.

Heart failure class

Free educational class for patients with congestive heart failure, today and Thursday, Dec. 29 ,at the Chattanooga Heart Institute, second floor. Call 495-7764 for information.

Weight-loss surgery

• The Gastric Band Institute will hold a free seminar on gastric banding (Lap-Band ad Realize Band) and the new "sleeve" procedure for people who are 75 pounds overweight. The session will be held Tuesday, Jan. 10, 5:30 p.m., at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Roosevelt Room, 1400 Market St. Call 899-1000 for reservations. Free insurance verification.

• Overweight and considering surgical options? Free insurance verification offered through December. Call 423-899-1000 or e-mail jennifer@gastricbandinstitute.com

• Gastric study. If you are more than 75 pounds overweight and want to participate in a research study with the new sleeve stomach plication, call 899-1000 or visit www.gastricbandinstitute.com for information.

Items for this column are due the Friday before Thursday's publication date. Write to Linda Weaver, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447; fax 668-5071; e-mail lweaver@timesfreepress.com.