Cancer support groups to meet

Cancer support groups to meet

salem

Free support groups for cancer patients and their families and caregivers are offered by the Salem Regional Medical Center Behavioral Medicine & Wellness Center.

“Coping With Cancer” is designed for cancer patients; “Families Coping With Cancer” is for families and caregivers. Beginning today, the support groups will meet from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Behavioral Medicine & Wellness Center, 2020 E. State St., Suite J.

The support groups will have discussions facilitated by BMWC counselors who will address topics such as identifying emotions and needs, self-care, reactivating life, and coping with change.

Meetings are free and open to people facing cancer and their family members or caregivers. Light refreshments are provided. For information and to register for the support group, call the BMWC at 330-337-4935.

Health insurance

YOUNGSTOWN

Consumers who have not yet signed up for health insurance through the government’s Health Insurance Marketplace still have time. For coverage effective March 1, a plan must be secured by Sunday. ValleyCare Health System of Ohio offers free help to evaluate insurance options on the Marketplace and complete application forms. To schedule an appointment with an application counselor at Northside Medical Center, Youngstown, call 330-884-2710; and at Trumbull Memorial Hospital, Warren, call 330-841-9335.

Increased penalties for 2016 are driving many newcomers to the Marketplace, as most individuals must choose between purchasing insurance and paying a fine.

Yoga workshop

HOWLAND

A Moment for Me Yoga Center, 8309 High St., Howland, is offering a mini workshop, “Guided Imagery for Wellness and Personal Growth,” from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday conducted by Steve Tackett, a certified hypnotist and meditation teacher.

There will be a discussion of what guided imagery is and how it works followed by three guided-imagery sessions on relaxation and regeneration, healing and wellness, and how to experience inner guidance. To register, call 330-647-0399. The cost is $30.

Tackett also offers a group hypnosis session at 6 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday each month for weight loss and smoking cessation. The $50 fee includes a CD for use at home.

Zika virus in U.S.

ATLANTA

The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne pathogen that has been linked to a rise of birth defects in Brazil, has been found in at least five people this month in the United States, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to release guidelines for pregnant women, including advising them to consider postponing travel to any country where the virus is being transmitted or to take extra precautions against mosquito bites if they are in that area.

The CDC also advises doctors to ask all pregnant women if they recently have traveled to a country where there is a Zika virus outbreak; and advises pregnant women who have traveled to countries with the Zika virus to get tested for the virus if they have two or more symptoms of the virus, which include fever, joint pain and rash.

Two pregnant women in Illinois and three in Florida have been diagnosed with the disease. They were infected while out of the country. There is no treatment or vaccine for the virus.