Back pain seminar
Parkridge Medical Center is hosting a free Back Pain Seminar with Dr. Jay Jolley 5-6:30 p.m. July 15 in the Fowler classroom. Refreshments will be provided. To sign up, call 800-242-5662.
Blood drive
Blood Assurance will hold a blood drive 10:20 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Teriyaki of Japan, 4142 Ringgold Road, East Ridge. Donors receive certificates for a free teriyaki chicken meal and drink from Teriyaki of Japan (good that day only); and a free meal from Jenkins Buffet, 4122 Ringgold Road. The first 35 donors receive a certificate for a free two-piece meal from Bojangles. Donors should eat a good breakfast, drink water and bring ID.
Deaf Chat
Deaf Chat meets for coffee and signed conversation at Starbucks, 2217 Hamilton Place Blvd., from 10 a.m. to noon every third Saturday (July 19 through Dec. 18). The casual gathering is open to those with any level of hearing loss or students of ASL and sign language. www.sayitinsign.info
Veteran benefits
The Veterans Administration Tennessee Valley Healthcare System will hold a health care and benefits information fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, at the National Guard Armory, 1801 Holtzclaw Ave. Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom troops, veterans and families can get information on health care and other military benefits. For information, call 800-228-4973, ext. 67764 or 800-876-7093, ext. 24778.
Senior Neighbors
* Flexibility and balance classes at 11 a.m. today and July 22. Improve posture and balance. Free for Senior Neighbors members; $3 for nonmembers.
* Beginning yoga class 2 p.m. every Wednesday. Bring your own mat. Chair yoga positions also demonstrated. Free to Senior Neighbors members; $3 for nonmembers
The above classes will be held at Senior Neighbors building, 250 E. 10th St. RSVP to 755-6100
* Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors Soddy-Daisy Senior Center will offer free cardiovascular health workshop and blood pressure screening 10:45 a.m. today at 190 Depot St., Soddy-Daisy. Call 332-1702 for information.
Health/wellness
Free weekly tai ji classes taught by Chris Campbell: 8-9 a.m. Sundays at Coolidge Park; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays near the stage at Eastgate Town Center; 9-9:45 a.m. Fridays at Chattanooga Community Kitchen. Contact Chris Campbell for information, 821-8947 or timefortaiji@mac.com
Low-impact exercise classes
Free low-impact exercise class led by an exercise physiologist from the fitness center at Siskin Hospital, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday at Northgate Mall. No registration necessary. Call Erlanger’s HealthLink at 778-5465 for information.
Basic diabetes
This is a two-session program to be held at Diabetes and Nutrition Center at Memorial Hospital. First session, at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, provides an overview of diabetes and treatment/prevention of complications. The second session is July 21. Registration is required. Call 495-7970.
Breastfeeding
Parkridge East’s breastfeeding class, 9:30 a.m.-noon, July 17, is designed for first-time moms or veterans. Breastfeeding physiology, advantages and successful techniques will be discussed. Products will be available for sale. Fee is $15. To register, call TriStar MedLine at 800-242-5662 or visit www.parkridgeeasthospital.com
Seated tai ji
Seated tai ji, a form of the traditional martial art that requires minimum body resistance and reduces the fear of falling or losing one’s balance, meets 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at BlueCross BlueShield Silver Life Center, Golden Gateway, 401 W. M.L. King Blvd. Tai ji increases core strength, flexibility, improves balance and overall physical and mental strength. It will be followed by a healthy cooking demonstration 11 a.m.-noon. RSVP to 1-800-814-8936.
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.