St. Mary Medical Center Support Groups
Alzheimer's Support Group
Tue, Feb 17, Mar 17, Apr 21, May 19
6-7:30 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Auditorium
For those dealing with Alzheimer's.
Register: 219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
Share Your Grief Support Group
Thu, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7
4-5:30 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 4
For parents who have lost adult children.
Register: 219-947-6187.
Hope Network Cancer Support Group
Wed, Feb 25, Mar 25, Apr 29, May 27
6-7:30 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center Education Center
Education, thoughts, feelings, ideas are shared.
Register: 219-945-4560 or 219-945-4657.
Stroke Support Group
Wed, Feb 18; Thu, May 7
6-7 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3
For those living with the effects of a stroke.
Register: 219-947-6574.
Cardiopulmonary Rehab “Breathless” Support Group
Thu, Apr 2
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Spectrum of St. Mary Medical Center
For patients looking for someone to listen.
Register: 219-947-6574.
Lupus Support Group
Wed, Feb 25, Mar 25, Apr 29, May 27
6-7 p.m.
Valparaiso Health Center
Main Entrance, Community Room
The Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter is part of a national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. For more information, visit www.lupusindiana.org or call 800-948-8806.
Other Resources
New Beginnings Transplant Network
Provides educational information and maintains contact with donor families, transplant recipients and patients waiting.
Wed, Feb 18, Mar 18, Apr 15, May 20
6-9 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Auditorium
For questions, contact Linda Ramos at 219-775-2189 or Jason Delgado at 219-663-3747.
Weight No More Support Group
Mon, Feb 23 - Low Carb Snack Ideas
Mon, Mar 23 - Stop Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Efforts
Mon, Apr 27 - Don’t Be Fooled by Food Labels
Mon, May 18 - Picnic Foods Recipe Swap
6-7 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3 & 3A
Provides support to those considering treatment options for obesity and more. Register:
219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
St. Mary Medical Center Classes
Family Matters
Choices in Childbirth
Six-week course meets Tuesdays,
Feb 24 – Mar 31
Apr 14-May 19
6:30-9 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3 & 3A
Weekend Warrior Childbirth Classes:
Sat, Mar 21 & Sun, Mar 22
Sat, May 16 & Sun, May 17
Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, 1-5 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3 & 3A
(Teens also welcome.)
The Choices in Childbirth series is intended for all expectant families and should be attended during the second or third trimester. Participants will receive information on what to expect during labor, birth and post-partum recovery. Breathing techniques and comfort measures, including information about pain medications, will be discussed. Couples who need a refresher class are invited to attend sessions 2, 3, and 4. Infant care and life with baby during the post-partum period will be discussed during session 6.
Fee $60/couple; $25 for refresher course. Registration is required. 219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
Breastfeeding Class
Thur., Feb 19, Mar 19, Apr 16, May 21
7-9 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3
Class provides education and support for women who want to breastfeed. Partners and grandparents welcome.
Free. Register: 219-947-6084.
Birthing Suite Tours
Call 219-947-6462 to schedule tour.
St. Mary Medical Center. Free.
Early Pregnancy Class
7-9 p.m.
Wed, Feb 25, Mar 25, Apr 22, May 27
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3
Innovative Women’s Health and St. Mary Medical Center offer an Early Pregnancy Class for their pregnant families. The class is designed to answer expectant families frequently asked questions about what to expect while they are expecting. It is a 2 hour class, the first hour dedicated to pregnancy and the second hour covers recommendations for successful breastfeeding.
Free. For more information call Diane Gora at 219-947-6084.
Nutrition
Nutrition Counseling
Call 219-947-6063 for appointment and fees.
Dietary evaluation and counseling by a registered dietitian. Physician referral required.
Cooking Demonstration
Wed, Feb 11, Apr 8
2:30 - 3 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Waterfall Café
Chef Ryan C. Smith demonstrates delectable appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts and more in these fun and interactive demonstrations.
Free. Register: 219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
Senior Series
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Call 1-800-452-4800 for consultation.
St. Mary Medical Center
Assisting seniors in getting more value from their health insurance.
Free. Registration not required.
Diabetes Management
Diabetes Classes
February 2, 4, 5
6-8 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3
March 3, 4, 5
9-11 a.m.
Valparaiso Health Center
Main Entrance, Community Room
March 30, April 1, 2
6-8 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
Main Entrance, Conference Room 3
May 4, 6, 7
6-8 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3A
This three-day long course is geared toward newly diagnosed patients seeking education or anyone who needs a refresher regarding the basics of diabetes care. Patients with pre-diabetes or people at high risk for diabetes are also welcome. Lisa Poradzisz, RN, Diabetes Educator of St. Mary Medical Center will discuss the different types of diabetes and treatment options. Free. For more information or to register, please call 219-947-6234.
Diabetic Management
Free. Call 219-947-6234 for dates and location.
Diabetic Complications & Glucose Monitoring
Free. Call 219-947-6234 for dates and location.
Diabetic Diet & Meal Planning
Free. Call 219-947-6234 for dates and location.
Matters of the Heart: Coronary Health Appraisal
Sat, Apr 4; 8-10:30 a.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
Outpatient Lab, 1st floor
Determines your risk for heart disease and other related medical conditions. Screening includes: cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), hemoglobin A1C (for diabetes), blood pressure, body mass index, metabolic syndrome assessment, and a Heart Health Profile. 10-12 hour fast required. Fee: $30/person. Register: 219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
Coronary Scan
Call 219-947-6436 to schedule an appointment.
Uses the most advanced CT imaging to take x-ray pictures of your heart that detect calcium deposits. These deposits are a sign of heart disease. This non-invasive test is fast, painless and recommended for individuals with one or more risk factors for heart disease. A doctor's order is required. Fee: $200/person.
Moving Forward-Stroke Education
Every other week Mon-Fri;
4-5 p.m.
Call 219-947-6345 for start dates.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Acute Rehab Unit
Learn to prevent future strokes through risk detection and management. Five-part series. Free.
Coumadin: A Delicate Balance
Thu, Feb 19
1-2 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3
Thu, May 21
1-2 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 3A
A pharmacist and dietitian discuss appropriate diet and medications to avoid while taking Coumadin.
Free. Register: 219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
Health Fairs and Screenings
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Screening
Wednesdays
Spectrum of St. Mary Medical Center
This simple, 15-minute test screening for blockages in arteries of the legs. Fee: $10/person.
Call to schedule your appointment: 219-947-6085.
Blood Profile Screening
Wed, Mar 11
8-10:30 a.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
East Entrance, Outpatient Laboratory, 5th Floor
Check your cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides or glucose. No physician order needed. 10-12 hour fast required. Pure water and medication can still be taken.
Fee: $5 per test or $20 for panel.
Register: 219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
Blood Pressure Screening
Dr. Ehresman's office
Mondays; 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Tuesdays; 11:30-3 p.m.
Wednesdays; 12-5 p.m.
Thursdays; 11:30-3 p.m.
Fridays; 12:30-2 p.m.
109 E. 89th Avenue, Merrillville
Free. Register: 219-769-6055.
Skin Cancer Screenings
Physician will examine any questionable areas of the body to look for indications of cancer or precancerous conditions.
Dr. Ehresman's office
Wed, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1, May 6
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
109 E. 89th Avenue, Merrillville
Free. Register: 219-769-6055.
Diabetic Screenings
Dr. Ehresman's office
Wed, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1, May 6
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
109 E. 89th Avenue, Merrillville
Free. Register: 219-769-6055.
Portage Township YMCA Screenings
Portage Township YMCA
3100 Willowcreek, Portage
Blood Pressure, Random Blood Sugar, and BMI.
Free: Register: 219-764-7217.
Healthy Living
Weight-loss Surgery: Is it Right for Me?
Mon, Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 20
6-8 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Rooms 3 & 3A
Mon, Feb 23, Mar 23, Apr 27
6-8 p.m.
Valparaiso Health Center
Main Entrance, Community Room
General and Bariatric Surgeons Paul Stanish, M.D. and Hung Dang, D.O. discuss new options for treatment of obesity. Free. Register:
219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
I Quit! Smoking Cessation
Tue, Apr 14-Jun 9
6-8 p.m.
St. Mary Medical Center
West Entrance, Conference Room 4
Program includes instruction, counseling and behavior modification.
Fee: $50 with a $30 refund at completion of class. Register:
219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
Something Extra
Free Mammograms Available
Uninsured or low-income? Free mammograms are available to those who qualify. St. Mary Medical Center was awarded a grant from the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust, Inc. which funds 47 mammograms for the Women’s Diagnostic Center in Hobart and Valparaiso. A physician’s order for screening is required. To find out if you qualify, contact the Financial Counselors at St. Mary Medical Center by calling 219-947-6359 or 219-947-6528.
Colon Cancer Prevention
Thur, Mar 26, 2015
6-7 pm
St. Mary Medical Center
1500 S. Lake Park Ave • Hobart
West Entrance, Auditorium
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month! Learn what you can do to prevent colon cancer, and how to recognize the early warning signs. Join Gastroenterologist Mark Fesenmyer, MD, as he discusses symptoms, causes and treatment options in this interactive seminar and Q&A session. This program is Free. Please register at 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477.