You and Your Health and Safety

Health Awareness Fills April With Fitness

Fill your April days wisely with fitness activities sponsored by the Health Awareness Program.

Unless otherwise noted, you can register for all classes at the Health Awareness Program offices, Suite 100, 1015 Chestnut Street, or call 5-6319 to reserve your seat.

Fitness Classes

Registration for new 12-week fitness classes takes place Monday, April 1, through Friday, April 12, at the Health Awareness Office or Activities Office, B100 JAH.

"Preview week," Monday through Friday, April 8 through 12: sample a free class such as aqua exercise, yoga and conditioning. Classes begin Monday, April 15.

Walk Around Town

Registration for Jefferson's employee walking program is Monday through Friday, April 1 through 5, at the Health Awareness Program offices. The program, which costs $2, begins Monday, April 8, and runs until Friday, June 28, at both Center City and Ford Road campuses. Prizes will be awarded based on participation.

The March of Dimes annual "Walk America" will take place at various locations in the Delaware Valley on Sundays, April 21 and 28.

Eat and Learn at Carolina's Restaurant

Carolina's Restaurant, one of Jefferson's "Dining With Heart" restaurants, is sponsoring a monthly speaker's series from 7 to 9 p.m. at Carolina's suburban location, 333 Belrose Lane, Radnor. Preregistration is required, and there is a fee for the meal. The series includes:

• "The New Lasers"­p; Hear Eric F. Bernstein, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Jefferson Medical College (JMC) and director of laser surgery and cosmetic dermatology, explain how breakthroughs in today's lasers can enhance your appearance, on Tuesday, April 2.
• "SleepWell!" Program ­p; Allow Karl Doghramji, MD, director of the Sleep Disorders Center and associate professor, department of psychiatry and human behavior, JMC, help you learn what "normal" sleep is, determine whether you have a sleep problem, give you simple self-care techniques and tell you when to seek professional help, on Tuesday, April 16.

For more information or to register, call Carolina Restaurant's Denise Bennett at 1-610-293-1000 or the Health Awareness Program at 5-6319.

"The Weigh to Go"SM Weight Management Program

The program is taught by registered dietitians who will work closely with your personal physician.

The focus is on gradually changing your eating habits and attitudes and on making healthier choices with more lasting results. Classes meet weekly for 10 weeks and, in addition, include two one-on-one sessions with a dietitian.

A free information session takes place Wednesday, April 3, from noon to 1 p.m., in M100 (Mezzanine), 1015 Chestnut Street.

The class meets Wednesdays April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19 and 26.

The fee for employees and students is $70. Employees who attend 9 of the 10 sessions and one session with a dietitian receive a $35 rebate. Community members' fee is $140.

"Heart-Healthy Eating and You ­p; Eating to Your Heart's Content"

Dietitians from Jefferson's Dining With Heart Program show you how to eat properly wherever you are.

The class will meet three Tuesdays, April 23 and 30, and May 7 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Boardroom at Ford Road Campus, 3905 Ford Road. The fee for employees and students is $25; for community members, $35. The program will also be offered in center City in May.

"What Every Older Adult Should Know" ­p; free seminar

Learn the latest treatments for three conditions that often affect the mental health of older adults: depression, delirium and dementia. The seminar, presented by Emily Massara, PhD, director of community relations at the Wills Geriatric Psychiatry Program, meets Thursday, April 11, from noon to 1 p.m., 203 JMC.

"The Anti-Cancer Diet" ­p; free seminar

Come learn the latest facts about antioxidants, fiber and fat and their role in cancer prevention. Maureen Boccella, RD, outpatient nutrition services, department of nutrition and dietetics, will present this seminar Tuesday, April 16, from noon to 1 p.m. at 203 JMC.

"Common Sports Injuries" ­p; free seminar

This lecture will give you an overview of the prevention and treatment of the most common sports injuries. The speaker, John McShane, MD, clinical assistant professor of family medicine, JMC, and team physician for the Philadelphia Eagles, will discuss this topic on Tuesday, April 30, from noon to 1 p.m., in 203 JMC. Call 6319 to reserve your seat.

Visit Ford Road Health Fair

Come to a free health fair on Wednesday, April 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Park Plaza Medical Offices, located at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital-Ford Road Campus. Physicians and other health professionals will be available to provide information on a variety of health topics. For information or to pre-register, contact the Healthy Neighbors/Health Awareness Program at 5-6319.

Loss of Bowel Control Is Common and Treatable

Jefferson's Program for Bowel Dysfunction provides sophisticated diagnostic testing and treatments for men and women who are experiencing bowel incontinence and sphincter disruption. For men, the condition generally occurs from previous surgery or from nerve damage. In women, it's a common consequence of childbirth, says Deborah Nagle, MD, division of colorectal surgery.

Dr. Nagle notes that most bowel dysfunction patients do not need surgery. Many patients can have improved function with dietary education and modification and bowel training biofeedback.

In cases where sphincter disruption is a result of childbirth, there is an 85 to 90 percent success rate, even if the woman delivered her last child decades ago. For patients with neurological incontinence in which traditional surgery offers no improvement, Jefferson offers treatments that use artificial sphincter implants and muscle transfers to create new sphincters.