Zumba
Zumba is an exhilarating, effective, easy to follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance and fitness party. The cost is $48 for the eight-week session on Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Erlanger Chattanooga Lifestyle Center. For more information or to register, call 778-9400.
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. Monday 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.
Colon cancer walk
The second annual "Get Your Rear in Gear" Chattanooga 5K Run/Walk to raise awareness for early colon cancer screenings and provide support to those affected by the nation's No. 2 cancer killer. Held Saturday, March 24, at Coolidge Park. Register online in advance of race day at www.getyourrearingear.com or on race day beginning at 7:30 a.m. The 5K race begins at 9 a.m., Kiddie Run at 10:45 a.m. and 5K Fun Walk at 11:15 a.m. Volunteers are needed. Call 757-0716 to sign up to assist on race day.
Blood Assurance
Blood Assurance will host a "What's Your Type" event. The first 20 visitors can have their blood typed with a finger stick and learn their blood type within minutes, and donate blood afterward if they wish at Blood Assurance, Fort Oglethorpe, Friday, 10 a.m.-12 noon. For information, visit www.bloodassurance.org/locations or call 800-962-0628.
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, on Wednesday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m., at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Roosevelt Room, 1400 Market St. Call 899-1000 for reservations. Free insurance verification.
* 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.
* Overweight and considering surgical options? Free insurance verification offered through March. Call 423-899-1000 or e-mail jennifer@gastricbandinstitute.com
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.