Alzheimer's conference
Since November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, the Alzheimer's Association is offering a free conference to help raise awareness and provide education and support to caregivers on Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at Ooltewah United Methodist Church, 6131 Relocation Way, Ooltewah. Featured speakers are Dr. Nell Mohney and Lee Wilson. Lunch provided. Registration required. For information or to register, call 265-3600. Complimentary respite available with preregistration.
AARP driver safety
A class is scheduled 9 a.m., Monday at The Garden Plaza of Greenbriar Cove, Ooltewah-Ringgold Road near Apison Pike, Collegedale. Drivers who complete the course are eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Cost: $12 for AARP members, $14 for non-members. There is no charge for military veterans or their family with proof of ID during November. Call 396-5100 to register
Alzheimer's free
driving assessments
The Alzheimer's Association has driving assessment grant money available for Georgia residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to assist families in paying for the driving assessment by a driver rehabilitation specialist at Siskin Hospital. Money awarded on a first- come, first-served basis. Registration to receive grant money extended through Dec. 31. Contact Kim Franklin at 404-728-6064 or kim.franklin@alz.org for information or listings of additional assessment centers.
Diabetes
Diabetes basics and diet class. This program provides an overview of diabetes and treatment/prevention of complications, diabetes meal planning and carbohydrate counting. Classes 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday at Memorial Hospital and 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. at Memorial Hospital Hixson. Memorial's Diabetes and Nutrition Center can help obtain physician's referral and provide cost information. Registration required. Call 495-7970.
Myeloma meeting
The Multiple Myeloma Networking Group meets tonight at 6 at the Memorial Center for Cancer Support, Memorial Plaza Building, Suite 307, 605 Glenwood Drive (next to Memorial Hospital). There will be a roundtable discussion. Complimentary dinner will be served. For information, contact Jack or Linda Huguelet at 886-3554.
Childbirth education
This class, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday at Erlanger East (Gunbarrel Road), is designed for expectant parents and is taught by experienced OB nurses. Classes includes stages of labor, relaxation and labor-support techniques, hospital procedures, pain-management options, after birth/home care for moms and in-hospital care for newborns. Q&A session. Registration fee: $75. Call Erlanger's HealthLink at 778-5465 to register.
Weight loss
n Overweight and considering surgical options? Free insurance verification offered through December. Call 423-899-1000 or email jennifer@gastricbandinstitute.com
n 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.
Cancer: Look
good, feel better
Free service by American Cancer Society teaching female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Held Thursday, Dec. 1, 1-2:30 p.m. at Memorial North Park Hospital, 2015 Hamill Road, Hixson. Call 267-8613 or 800-227-2345.
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; email lweaver@timesfreepress.com.