BRMC Offers Wellness Programs

Several public wellness programs focusing on osteoporosis, smoke cessation, eating better, learning relaxation techniques, and diabetes awareness will be held in the coming weeks at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC).

Also, personal nutrition counseling is offered throughout the year at BRMC.

“We’re excited to again offer these helpful programs to the community,” says Mariann Kahle, who’s BRMC’s worksite wellness coordinator. “I encourage everyone to sign up. The programs are fast-moving, fun and extremely informative.”

The first program, “Highmark Osteoporosis Prevention Education” (HOPE), is a wellness and lifestyle improvement program. It focuses on health choices to improve bone health and prevent or manage osteoporosis. HOPE will be held every Tuesday, Sept. 15 through Oct. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in BRMC’s Ground Floor Assembly Room with instructor Tim Stark, coordinator for cardiac rehabilitation at BRMC’s Upbeat Wellness/Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. There is no fee for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield members but a $100 cost for non-members.

“Clear The Air” is a one-session, two-hour class that participants can attend on either Wednesday, Sept. 16, or Monday, Oct. 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Human Resource Center’s Room B with instructor Ron Tanner, a certified smoke cessation specialist at BRMC’s Bradford Recovery Systems. There is no fee for Highmark members but a $30 cost for non-members.

“Eating Well For Life” is held Wednesdays from Oct. 7 to 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Ground Floor Assembly Room with Mrs. Kahle, a registered dietitian. It will show how to adopt practices necessary to achieve a balanced lifestyle, long-term weight management, and optimal health and wellness. There is no fee for Highmark members but a $65 fee for non-members.

“Discover Relaxation Within” is held Thursdays from Oct. 22 to Nov. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Ground Floor Assembly Room with instructor Stacy Williams, a certified Reiki practitioner. It will identify and reduce personal stress through practical relaxation techniques, plus offer stress-management strategies. There is no fee for Highmark members but a $65 fee for non-members.

“Diabetes Prevention And Awareness” is held Thursdays from Oct. 1 to 22 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at BRMC’s Center for Diabetes & Nutrition Education, 222 W. Washington St. with instructor Stacia Nolder, RN, CDE, CPT, the program coordinator for the Center for Diabetes. It is designed to increase participants’ awareness about diabetes and help prevent or better manage diabetes and its complications. There is no fee for Highmark members but a $65 fee for non-members.

Finally, “Personal Nutrition Coaching” is offered by appointment on a one-on-one-basis to Highmark members with Mrs. Kahle in her first-floor office near the Interstate Parkway entrance. Highmark members are eligible for seven free sessions annually. For non-members, there is a $60 cost for the initial one-hour session and a $30 fee for each 30-minute, follow-up session.

For more information or to register for any of these classes, please call Mrs. Kahle at BRMC at 362-8383.