By: Robert Remler
Every year, more than 35 million Americans suffer anxiety and depression. These behavioral illnesses do not discriminate, and affect people of all races, ages and economic backgrounds. To help individuals learn about anxiety and depressive disorders, their symptoms and effective treatments, South Nassau Communities Hospital's Mental Health Counseling Center is the host site of National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day on Wednesday, May 1, 6 to 8 p.m. As part of this free awareness and prevention program, the Center will provide anxiety and depression screenings, conduct confidential assessments and recommend follow-up referrals if necessary. It also will present an educational videotape lecture about anxiety disorders and depression and distribute free information.The Mental Health Counseling Center is located at 2277 Grand Avenue in Baldwin. The Center offers quality and effective behavioral health services that are tailored to meet the needs of the individual, family and community. The Center links the community to more than 45 professionals representing the disciplines of psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, marriage and family, and activities therapy. Services available at the Center include screenings for depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse. Also offered is a comprehensive program of support groups and numerous workshops on topics such as personal stress management, parenting and depression. For more information, call 1-877-SouthNassau.
Free skin cancer screening
More than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, when detected early, these cancers can have a cure rate of about 90%. In an effort to maintain the health and well-being of the community, Winthrop-University Hospital will conduct its 10th annual free skin cancer screening on Thursday, May 9. The screenings, which will be held at 222 Station Plaza North in Mineola from 5 to 9 p.m. are free, but appointments are required. The screening consists of a full-body examination conducted by a Winthrop-University Hospital dermatologist. It is intended to provide early detection of skin cancers. The Division of Dermatology, part of Winthrop-University Hospital's Institute, sponsors the Skin Cancer Screening for Family Care, in cooperation with the American Academy of Dermatology. Call (516) 663-8301 weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon for an appointment.
Project Liberty
Mercy Medical Center has been selected as a Project Liberty Service Provider to offer support to individuals and families in crisis, including those affected by the events of September 11 or related tragic incidents. Project Liberty at Mercy is a program that offers free, supportive counseling to individuals, families and groups. Mercy can help you cope with the after-effects of tragic events, by offering the following:
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Caring and confidential individual and family counseling
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Support groups to help you share your feelings and regain control of your life
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Specialized bereavement groups
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Informational/Educational groups for civic, community and corporate organizationsIf you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of anxiety, sadness, despair and/or guilt in response to a recent trauma or loss, speaking with a trained professional is often quite helpful in easing the burden.Anyone who has been affected by the September 11 disaster or related tragic events is eligible for cost-free help. Call (516) 705-3400 or after business hours at (516) 705-2248.
Chinese health and healing
Franklin Hospital Medical Center's community education program called "Healthy Mind...Healthy Body," will have its next presentation on Thursday, May 2, 7:30 p.m.Guest speaker will be an expert in the ancient art of Qigong...Sifu Bill Wong Chin. He will discuss and illustrate how this traditional Chinese healing art of gentle, slow-moving exercises can be used for health and healing. The group will meet in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium, 900 Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream.The speaker will also address how the use of Qigong, which means life force or energy exercise, can help conditions such as high blood pressure and back problems. It can also help improve blood circulation and decrease stress. Coordinator Kathy Bradfield notes, "The best yet is that Qigong can be done by anyone of any age or health condition."To register or for additional information about this series of community education programs, call Bradfield, at (516) 256-6442.
Other events and activities
Facing the Future Together is a Healthy Mind...Healthy Body topic on Wednesday, May 15, at Franklin Medical Center, 900 Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream. This is a free symposium for seniors, their families and friends. For additional information or to register call (516) 256-6397...Free skin cancer screening at Mercy Medical Center, St. Anne's Center, 1000 North Village Avenue, on Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to noon. Pre-register before May 8. Call (516) 705-1021...Free dinner and educational program on melanoma awareness at Mercy Medical Center, Catholic Health Services Management Center, 1000 North Village Avenue, on Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m. Call (516) 705-1021 to register...Community CPR Day at South Nassau Communities Hospital, One Healthy Way, Oceanside on Saturday, April 27, 8:30 to 11 a.m. For information, call (516) 777-8447...Coping with Side Effects After Prostrate Cancer Treatment will be the topic at South Nassau's Conference Room #2, One Healthy Way, Oceanside on Thursday, May 2, 8 p.m. Call (516) 632-3980.Making Healthy Food Choices During the Summer Months will be the topic in South Nassau's Conference Room #2, One Healthy Way, Oceanside, on Monday, May 6, 8:15 p.m. Call (516) 632-3980...New Techniques for Treatment of Long-Term Stroke will be the topic in South Nassau's Albert Conference Room, One Healthy Way, Oceanside, on Tuesday, May 14, 8 p.m. For information, call (516) 632-3980.
