Monongahela Valley Hospital is sponsoring a variety of informative programs this month. Many of the events will be held in the hospital’s Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center (ECC) unless otherwise noted.

Friday, Oct. 2 – Apple/Fall Festival

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Outdoor Central Plaza and ECC. This annual event offers a variety of delicious foods including pizza, an autumn salad, German potato salad, pepperoni rolls and apple dumplings in the comfort of the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center. Also for sale at the festival will be specialty ice cream, apple cider, baked goods and a variety of fall mums and decorations. Sponsored by the Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc., proceeds will be used to enhance services for MVH patients and visitors. For more information, call 724-258-1167.

Monday, Oct. 5 – Look Good Feel Better^®

1 – 3 p.m., ECC. The American Cancer Society designed this program for women dealing with hair loss and skin changes from chemotherapy and radiation. Presenters will provide specific treatment techniques to help ladies look their best while undergoing treatment. All who register more than five days prior to the event will receive a makeup package valued at $200. Parking is free. To register, call

1-800-227-2345.

 Monday, Oct. 5 – Breast Cancer Support Group

2 – 4 p.m., Hospital, 7-East Family Room. This support group is free and open to all breast cancer patients and their families. The group meets the first Monday of each month. For more information, call 724-258-1704.

 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 and 8 – Managing Your Diabetes

8:30 – 11:30 a.m., ECC. This education program is designed to help you with diabetes self-management. You will learn, “What is diabetes?” Other topics include the importance of controlling your blood sugars, diabetes medications, lifestyle changes, meal planning and methods to reduce your risk of complications. The program is three consecutive days with either morning or evening classes available each month. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start date of class by calling 724-258-1483.

 Thursday, Oct. 8 and Friday, Oct. 9 – AARP 55 Alive Beginners Driving Course

9 a.m. – 1 p.m., ECC. The nation's first and largest classroom driver improvement course specially designed for motorists age 50 and older. It is intended to help improve skills while teaching accident and traffic violation avoidance. Some insurance companies offer discounts for course completion. The cost is $15 per person for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, call 724-258-1333.

 Saturday, Oct. 10 – 12^th Annual MVH Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk  

10 a.m., Charleroi Market House, 423 McKean Avenue, Charleroi. Join friends and neighbors as they walk to support the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer in our community at Monongahela Valley Hospital. Registration begins at 9 a.m. the day of the event or register early at www.monvalleyhospital.com. Pre-registration is not required. A $10 minimum donation is suggested for anyone over the age of 6. The first 300 walkers raising or donating a minimum of $25 will receive a commemorative bag. The first 400 participants receive a goody bag and a pink power towel. For more information, call 724-258-1657.

 Monday, Oct. 12 and 26 – Suicide Bereavement Support Group

6 p.m., ECC. This support group is a four-month program that meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month. This program is led by a licensed psychologist and is free and open to all those touched by suicide. Registration is required. To register, call 724-268-1144.

 Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Better Breathers Club

2 – 3 p.m., ECC. Jim DeLattre, of JED Heating, will discuss heat and furnace safety during the winter. All attendees will be entered for a chance to win a free furnace inspection. This club is free and open to all adults and their families, friends or caregivers who want to learn or share information about living well with breathing issues. This group meets the second Tuesday of every month. For more information, call 724-258-1932.

 Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Alzheimer’s Support Group

6 p.m., ECC. This free support group meets the second Tuesday of each month. It is designed to help the family members, friends and caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Discussion topics include the challenges of coping with this disorder as well as techniques for managing stress and methods of encouraging social engagement. Reservations are requested by calling 724-258-1333.

 Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Advanced Carbohydrate Counting

6 – 8 p.m., ECC. This program is a diabetes self-management class designed to educate you on how to count carbohydrate content of food to improve blood sugar control. Topics include how to track effects of carbohydrates and blood sugar, your glycemic index and how to read food nutrition labels. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start date of class by calling 724-258-1483.

 Wednesday, Oct. 14 – Community CPR Instruction

11 a.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX. Adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes are offered by Monongahela Valley Hospital in conjunction with Rostraver EMS. The fee for the class is $35 to cover the class and required materials. To register, call 724-872-9200.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 – Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Support Group

1 – 3 p.m., ECC. The Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Support Group is free and open to all persons with arthritis, fibromyalgia or related illnesses and their families. For more information, call 724-258-1321.

 Friday, Oct. 16 – Auxiliary Fudge Sale

9 a.m., Hospital, Main Lobby. Curb your chocolate cravings with fresh fudge. Sponsored by the Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc. Proceeds will be used to enhance services for MVH patients and visitors. For information, call 724-258-1167.

 Monday, Oct. 19 – Cancer Support Group

6 p.m., ECC. This support group is free and open to all cancer patients and their families. The group meets the third Monday of each month. For additional information, contact leicher@monvalleyhospital.com or call 724-258-1475.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 20, 21 and 22 – Managing Your Diabetes

6 – 9 p.m., ECC. This program is designed to provide tools for daily diabetes self-management. Those attending will learn how to monitor blood sugar, understand diabetes medications and insulin, manage low and high blood sugars, improve his or her lifestyle, better understand carbohydrates and plan meals. The program runs for three consecutive days with either morning or evening classes available each month. Advance registration is required at least one week prior to the start of the scheduled class. For more information or to register, call 724-258-1483.

 Wednesday, Oct. 21 – 26^th Annual Medical Staff Symposium

7:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., ECC. This annual event, featuring renowned speakers from across the country, is designed for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to learn abou the latest advancements in cancer management. Cost is $25 for non-MVH physicians and nurses. For more information call, 724-258-1145.

 Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Living Well Through the Seasons

1 – 3 p.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX. The Nutrition and Food Service staff from Monongahela Valley Hospital and staff from the Center for Fitness and Health in Rostraver have teamed up to discuss simple ways to achieve fitness and better health through low-fat nutrition tips, stress management and healthy holiday eating. Cooking demonstrations will also be included as part of the presentations. To register, call 724-258-1320 or 724-258-1126.

Friday, Oct. 23 – MVH Blood Drive

9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., ECC. Monongahela Valley Hospital, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is sponsoring a blood drive to benefit local patients. Free parking is available. For more information or to register, call 724-494-4090 or register online at redcrosslife.org.

Monday, Oct. 26 – Diabetes Support Group

6 - 8 p.m., ECC. This support program is free for people with diabetes, their families and caregivers. The topic will be “Follow-up: Review of Diabetes Self-Management.” Advance registration is required by calling 724-258-1483.

Tuesday, Oct. 27 – Innovations in Medicine: Do You Have Knee Pain?

6 p.m., ECC. Richard Mitchell, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, will discuss why knee pain is such a common problem as well as its symptoms and treatments. Refreshments will be served and parking is free. To register, call 724-258-1333.

 Tuesday, Oct. 27 – Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?

6 p.m., ECC. Bariatric surgery is an option for people wanting to lose 100 pounds or more. This free information session is designed to give those individuals struggling with weight loss the facts to choose their best option. To learn if you are a candidate for this surgery, join

Hiram Gonzalez, M.D., as he discusses this topic in detail. To register, call 724-258-1333.

 Tuesday, Oct. 27 – Talk With a Doc: Knee Pain

7 p.m., Mt. Lebanon Public Library, 16 Castle Shannon Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15228.Richard Mitchell, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, will present a free program to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain. Light refreshments will be served and parking is free. To register, call 724-258-1333.

Wednesday, Oct. 28 – Breast Cancer Luncheon, Education and Screening

1 - 3 p.m., ECC.  Learn how early detection and diagnosis can protect you and those you love from breast cancer. Physicians will present the program and offer informational displays. Participants may also receive a free breast exam. Registration is required by calling 724-258-1333.

 Thursday, Oct. 29 – Emergency Preparedness: Help Yourself, Help a Neighbor

7:15 – 11 a.m., ECC. This continuing education program will provide planning guidance to agencies and professionals who may experience extreme disasters and emergency conditions. This program offers CEU credits to PCAs, social workers, NHAs and RNs. Registration is required by Monday, Oct. 19. For questions or to register, call 724-258-1321.

 Thursday, Oct. 29 – Stroke Support Group

1 – 2:30 p.m., ECC.  The Stroke Support Group is designed for patients and caregivers to share, learn and grow with people who can personally relate to the daily challenges and struggles they face dealing with strokes and their after-effects. The group meets the last Thursday of each month. For more information, call 724-258-1455.

 Thursday, Oct. 29 — Infant and Child CPR Class

6 - 9 p.m., ECC. Learn how to help a choking baby or small child. Sign up to learn emergency life-saving techniques of clearing airway obstructions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The $40 fee is payable to VHSTC and advance registration is required by calling the Valley Health and Safety Training Center at 724-684-9536.