All about osteoporosis

BANGOR – A free session called “Osteoporosis 101” will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Bangor Y, Second Street. The session is open to those interested in bone health and osteoporosis, as well as those who would like to learn more about the monthly Bone Health Information and Discussion Group, offered by Caring Connections.

The presentation will provide a clear definition of osteoporosis, risk factors, lifestyle recommendations, testing and available treatment.

“Bone healthy” snacks will be served. The Bone Health Information and Discussion Group has been meeting since 1999 and is open to those with osteoporosis or osteopenia or those who simply have an interest in keeping their bones strong.

Each meeting features a speaker on some aspect of bone health. Past meetings have featured dietitians, pharmacists, physical therapists and exercise specialists.

Handouts from past meetings will be available at this invitational session – an opportunity to find out about available resources.

Those who would like to attend the Feb. 23 session should call 941-2808, ext. 338.

Caring Connections is a cooperative program of the Bangor Y and Eastern Maine Medical Center, supported through the fundraising efforts of Eastern Maine Charities.

Physical therapy practice

BREWER – Jay Dugal has founded Peak Performance Physical Therapy, which will open Monday, Feb. 13, at 401 South Main St.

Peak Performance specializes in orthopedics, work-related injuries, post-surgical treatment, exercise-related injuries and back rehabilitation.

Dugal grew up in Maine and has a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of New England in Biddeford. His more than 10 years of experience as a physical therapist include outpatient programs and home health.

Clients obtain referrals from doctors for physical therapy, Dugal explained, and most insurances will be accepted.

For information, call 989-PEAK (989-7325). The fax number is 989-7326.

Wellness event

HAMPDEN – Hampden, Winterport and Newburgh, the communities of SAD 22, will work together to make healthy lifestyle changes and have fun along the way. The goal is to “lose a ton” in 10 weeks.

The kick-off is 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Bouchard Sport Center, Route 9. The event will feature refreshments, activities and a group weigh-in on the H.O. Bouchard truck scales. Participants may join as an individual, a work place team, or a family or neighborhood team. Incentives and activities will be provided along the way. For information and a registration form, visit www.sad22.us.

Award nominations

BANGOR – The Acadia Hospital is seeking nominations for the seventh annual Dorothea Dix Mental Health Advocacy Award, named in honor of the Hampden woman who in the 1800s was a pioneer in promoting better conditions for people with mental illness.

Acadia is looking for individuals or groups that have demonstrated a tireless commitment to advocating for individuals with mental illness through education, public policy initiatives or program development. Nominees must have demonstrated resourcefulness through collaboration and reaching out to diverse groups.

This year’s award will recognize work performed Jan.1 2005, to Jan. 2, 2006.

To receive a copy of the nomination application, call 973-6166, or visit www.acadiahospital.org. Application deadline is Wednesday, March 8.

CPR class

VEAZIE – The Veazie Fire Department will sponsor an adult, child and infant CPR class 6-9 p.m. beginning Wednesday, March 15, and concluding 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Veazie Municipal Building. The cost is $32. In order to be certified, participants must attend both classes.

“Cardiovascular disease is the single greatest cause of death in the United States,” said Nicholas Sirois, a firefighter and EMT with the Veazie Fire Department. “Many Americans die each year due to heart attack or complications due to heart attack.” One of those complications is cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest could occur within seconds of a heart attack.

During the classes, participants will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart attack, cardiac arrest, choking and when to call 911. “Performing CPR on a patient within the first few moments of cardiac arrest greatly increases the survival rate,” Sirois said.

To register for the class, call the Veazie Fire Department at 945-5627 by March 1.

Blood drive

ORLAND – The Orland Fire Department will hold a blood drive 2-7 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at the fire station. Donors will partake of the fire department’s Famous Cowboy Baked Beans and steamed hot dogs, and other goodies. ID is required of blood donors. Call Kathie at 469-2870 to obtain more information.

Daffodil Days

Since 1973, the American Cancer Society has marked the beginning of spring with Daffodil Days, which are coming to Penobscot County March 22-25. The society is seeking volunteers to assist in the packing, delivering and selling of the flowers.

Penobscot County residents have until March 9 to place orders for daffodils. Daffodils are available in bouquets of 10 flowers for a donation of $7.

Or for a donation of $20, The Gift of Hope is a bouquet of 10 daffodils arranged in a glass vase, given as an anonymous gift to cancer patients or others in need.

This year also marks the addition of Flowers R. Hope, a special Boyd’s Bear designed exclusively for the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days. Bear and a Bunch may be ordered for a donation of $25 and includes a limited edition 12-inch tall plush bear and a bouquet of daffodils.

Funds raised by the sale of the yellow flowers – the first flowers of spring – help bring patient services and educational programs to help support cancer patients and their family, friends, co-workers and neighbors in Penobscot County.

To obtain more information on how to volunteer to help with Daffodil Days in your community or to place an order, call Mike Hart at 989-0332.

For cancer information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.