Updates in Renal Disease, Electrolyte Disorders and Hypertension will be the focus of Monongahela Valley Hospital’s 27^th Annual Medical Staff Symposium, Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hospital's Anthony M. Lombardi Education and Conference Center.

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.

Monday, October 3 — 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 724-258-1700.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 4, 5, and 6 — Managing Your Diabetes

8:30 – 11:30 a.m., HealthPLEX. 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. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start date of class by calling 724-258-1483.

Thursdays and Tuesday, October 6, 13, 20, 25, and 27 — Smoking Cessation Program

6 - 8 p.m., Holiday Inn, Bentleyville. Classes are offered at no charge to Primary Care Resource Center (PCRC) patients, MVH employees and anyone with a referral from an MVH-affiliated primary care physician. For all others, the cost for the complete program is $20. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, call 724-258-1932.

 Thursday, October 6 — 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.

Friday, October 7 — 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 visit redcrosslife.org.

Saturday, Oct. 8 — 13^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 724-258-1855.

 Monday, October 10 — Suicide Bereavement Support Group

6 – 8 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, October 11 — RSDS Support Group

6 - 8 p.m., ECC. The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) Support Group is free and open to all persons with RSDS or related illnesses. For more information, call 724-929-9492.

 Tuesday, October 11 — Alzheimer’s Support Group

6 - 8 p.m., ECC. This free support group meets once a 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.

Wednesday, October 12 — Community CPR Instruction Heartsaver AED Course

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, October 12 — 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 of class by calling 724-258-1483.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 18, 19 and 20 — Managing Your Diabetes

6 – 9 p.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. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start date of class by calling 724-258-1483.

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

12:30 - 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, October 20 - Ostomy Support Group

2 – 3:30 p.m., ECC. This support group is free and open to all persons with ostomies and their families and friends. The group meets the third Thursday of each month. For more information, call

724-258-1773.

 Friday, October 21 - Nar-Anon Family Group

6 - 7 p.m. Nar-Anon Family Groups is a worldwide fellowship for the family and friends of those suffering from the disease of addiction. As a Twelve-Step program, we offer our help by sharing our experience, strength and hope. The Nar-Anon program is based on a set of spiritual principles and has no affiliation with any particular denomination. The only requirement for membership is a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. Meetings will be held the first Wednesday of the month starting October 21 and the third Friday of the month. For more information, call 724-288-8403.

Monday, October 24 — Suicide Bereavement Support Group

6 – 8 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 724-258-1144.

  Monday, October 24 – Diabetes Support Group

6 - 8 p.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX, Room 120. This support program is free for people with diabetes, their families and caregivers. Advance registration is required by calling 724-258-1483.

Wednesday, October 26 – 27^th Annual Medical Staff Symposium

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

724-258-1145.

 Thursday, October 27 — 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, October 27 - 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.

A health festival benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is taking place on October 15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza South. The event is presented by Drs. Steve and Lani Mustin of Mustin Chiropractic Clinic, who are celebrating 25 years of service to the South Hills community. Read more...

Naomi's Children, a cancer support group, will hold their monthly meeting on Friday, October 28, 2016 at the Hidden Treasures Store, Samaritan Room from 6:30 - 7:30p.m.