Health Briefs

Labor Day Soiree

Expectant moms are invited to Parkridge East Hospital's "Labor Day Soiree" (941 Spring Creek Road) at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28. This event features door prizes, expert information on newborn photography, breastfeeding and nursery decorating. All moms-to-be may tour The Birth Place and be guests at a "Labor Day" baby shower. The cost is $10 and is limited to expectant moms plus one guest. For more information or to register by Aug. 20, call MedLine at 800-242-5662

Gastric Band giveaway

The Gastric Band Institute and Dr. Jaime Ponce will have a Gastric Band giveaway contest. Obesity is a painful disease for millions of people - both physically and emotionally. Dr. Ponce and his team want to give back to the community by giving away a Gastric Band procedure, 12-months of aftercare and lifetime support. To enter, log on to www.gastricbandinstitute.com and fill out the questionnaire.

Weight loss surgery

The Gastric Band Institute will hold a free seminar on gastric banding (Lap-Band and Realize Band) and the new "sleeve" procedure for people who are 100 pounds overweight. The session will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St. in the Roosevelt Room. Call 580-0830 to reserve a seat. Free insurance verification.

Beginner tai chi

The Chattanooga tai ji community and St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church have formed a tai chi class in Ooltewah for people 16 and up. The class will be held 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Katie Hall Activity Center, next to St. Francis Episcopal Church (7555 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road). There will be a demonstration and information session tonight. The class starts Aug. 26. Cost for the 12-week session is $75. For more information visit either www.taijicommunity.com or www.sfaec.org or call the church 423-238-7708.

Childbirth (Lamaze)

Class from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday at Erlanger Baroness (downtown). The usual five-week Lamaze class is condensed into a one-day, eight-hour training session providing the expectant mother and support person factual information, coping skills and realistic expectations of the labor/delivery process. Discussions include analgesia, anesthesia, breathing and relaxation techniques and medical intervention. A $125 fee also includes breastfeeding and baby care and safety sessions that require separate registration. Call Erlanger's HealthLink at 778-5465 to register.

AARP driver safety

AARP Driver Safety Program for those 55 and over will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday at Memorial's Home Health Office. Upon completion, drivers are eligible for a discount on auto insurance premiums. There is a nominal charge for materials. Call 495-2273 to register.

Obesity walk

The 2010 Walk From Obesity is open to anyone who supports the fight against obesity. Visit www.walkfromobesity.com to register today and learn more. Event held 9 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Memorial Atrium off Gunbarrel Road. Call Jennifer at 580-0830 for details.

Items for this column are due the Friday before Thursday's publication date. Write to Linda Weaver, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447; fax 668-5071; e-mail lweaver@timesfreepress.com.

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