Health News

BANGOR – A new session of COPE psychotherapy group, for those who overeat compulsively or have a problem with food, will begin Sept. 3 at the Diabetes, Endocrine and Nutrition Center of Eastern Maine Medical Center, 905 Union St.

Those who want to participate must obtain a referral from a primary health care provider, and also be screened for the program at the Diabetes, Endocrine and Nutrition Center.

The group, which meets weekly for 11/4 hours, is led by Liane Giambalvo, a registered and licensed dietitian with specialized training in eating disorders. She also is a licensed clinical professional counselor, and has a master’s degree from the University of Maine.

COPE is not a weight-control program, but is intended to help people find ways to cope with life other than overeating or binge eating.

Sessions are billed as group psychotherapy at a cost of $26 a week. Insurance may cover a portion of the cost. To obtain information or schedule a screening, call 973-7334.

BANGOR – On Saturday, Sept. 14, thousands of runners and walkers will converge on the waterfront for the sixth annual Komen Maine Race for the Cure.

This year alone more than 203,000 women and 1,500 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Registration for the race is taking place now. Log on www.komenmaine.com to register, or stop by Sam’s Club 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Registration will also take place 2-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 12-13, at the Bangor Mall near Filene’s.

Mail-in registrations must be received by Aug. 22. Teams also must register by Aug. 22.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker in honor of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36.

Today the Komen Foundation is an international organization whose mission is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. The foundation has raised more than $400 million and funded 583 research grants to date.

In 1997, the Komen Maine Affiliate was established by a group of women “to make a difference” in Maine. The success of the affiliate and the Komen Race for the Cure, officials said, is “due to the generosity of individuals and corporations in our great state of Maine and our national sponsors.”

The Maine Affiliate has awarded more than $400,000 for education, screening and outreach programs for the underserved and uninsured population throughout Maine. The Maine Affiliate and Komen Race for the Cure have directed more than $100,000 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Research Program.

Of the funds raised through affiliate efforts, 75 percent of the net remains in Maine for grants. Remaining money is sent to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

BANGOR – From Aug. 1 to Sept. 3, more than 300 Burger King restaurants will ask customers to participate in “A Chance for Kids” and to contribute $1 to the Jimmy Fund to help fight cancer. Each customer will receive a scratch card for a prize. Since 2000, “A Chance for Kids” has raised more than $850,000. This year’s goal is $1 million.

The Jimmy Fund supports cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. For information call (800) 52-JIMMY, or visit www.jimmyfund.org.

BREWER – Children representing the Brewer Parks and Recreation Department arrived at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Child and Adolescent Care Center on Aug. 8 bearing gifts. As part of a community benefit project, the summer campers raised money and bought dozens of toys and games for pediatric patients.

BANGOR – The University of Maine System offers a low-cost dental hygiene clinic to the public from September to May. All dental hygiene services are provided, including oral exams, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, athletic mouth guards and X-rays.

Services are provided by dental hygiene students under the close supervision of faculty. For info, call University College of Bangor Dental Health Programs at 262-7872.