Have you found yourself worrying about situations that others find to be mundane, reliving moments from your past?For most people, figuring out the line between unrealistic holiday expectations, "I've been moody lately" or "I have depression" is difficult. National Mental Health Screening Day has been helping people make that distinction for 15 years. This year, St. John's Episcopal Hospital will hold National Mental Health Screening Day on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, just in time for the holidays. The screenings will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Mental Health Center at 521 Beach 20th, Far Rockaway.As part of the screening, you are invited to fill out a one-page questionnaire assessing the likelihood that you may be suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder,post-traumatic stress disorder or other disorder. You will also have the opportunity to receive informational pamphlets and brochures, and follow up privately with a mental health professional, if necessary. The program is free for all those who attend and is completely confidential. Refreshments will also be served."The stigma associated with depression and related disorders has decreased in recent years, but many people still aren't able to recognize a mood or anxiety disorder in themselves and others," says Nat Etrog, Director of the Community Mental Health Center. "This is an easy first step for anyone who's concerned about their own mental health or the mental health of someone close to them."For more information or to schedule a free mental health screening on an alternate day, please call the Community Mental Health Center at 718-869-8822.
Bust those germs
Franklin Hospital Medical Center will host a wellness program entitled "Germ Busting: How to Prevent and Treat Influenza," at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5. The program lasts until 3:30 p.m., and will be preceded by refreshments and a blood pressure screening at 1:30 p.m. The director of the hospital's intensive care unit, Dr. Rajesh Sriraman, will be the guest speaker. The talk will be held on the eighth-floor conference room of Forest Hills Hospital.Pre-registration is required. Call 465-2500.
Weight-loss surgery
Mercy Medical Center in Bethpage will hold an education session about bariatric weight loss surgery on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Mercy League Lounge at the CHS Management Center. Call 1-877-LOSE WGT (578-3948) or 705-2702 for more information.
Cancer walk
The Adelphi N.Y. Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program has been named one of the beneficiaries of the Long Island 2-Day Walk To Fight Breast Cancer. In the past, donations have assisted the breast cancer program in providing support through its toll free hotline (800)-877-8077, support groups and informational seminars to New Yorkers coping with breast cancer.The 2006 walk will take place on June 3 and 4 and registration has already begun. Interested walkers, volunteers and sponsors can learn more about information sessions, training sessions and registration online at www.libreastcancerwalk.org or by phone (631) 863-2329.All of the money raised from the Long Island 2-Day Walk is donated directly back to Long Island community-based, grassroots organizations. The 2006 beneficiaries also include: Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition; Brentwood Bay Shore Breast Cancer Coalition; Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Women's Center; Cold Spring Harbor Labs; Cure Mommy's Breast Cancer; Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition; Islip Breast Cancer Coalition; Manhasset WCABC; The Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education; North Shore Neighbors Breast Cancer Coalition; Sister's Network Suffolk County; WALK for Women Breast Cancer Fund; and West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition.The Long Island 2-Day Walk to Fight Breast Cancer Inc. is a New York State-registered, not-for-profit corporation. The journey through picturesque Suffolk County challenges walkers' physical endurance as well as their emotional stamina and resolve. The two-day, 35-mile walk begins Saturday morning at Smith Point County Park at the Fire Island barrier beach in Shirley and continues along safe and scenic Suffolk County roads with continuous support from the Suffolk County Police Department, a qualified medical team, and local ambulance personnel. After 20 miles, participants camp overnight at Cathedral Pines County Park in Middle Island. Walkers complete a 15-mile route back to Smith Point County Park the following day. One hundred percent of all proceeds are donated to Long Island organizations and institutions. For further information, call (631) 863-2DAY(2329) or visit www.libreastcancerwalk.org.
