Healthy Living Expo

BANGOR – The 2008 Healthy Living Expo, sponsored by Health Connections, will take place 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Bangor Mall.

The expo is free and will offer educational, informational and demonstration displays. The expo provides an opportunity for those of all ages to meet qualified health professionals and ask questions.

Information will be available about health insurance, exercise, vitamins, diabetic testing supplies and shoes, elder services, nursing centers, foods, juices, medical supplies, relaxation, martial arts for adults and children, interior and exterior paints, sun rooms, retirement villas, physical therapy, chiropractic services, the armed forces, electrolysis, cosmetic procedures, plastic surgery, migraine headaches, hearing difficulties, children’s services, children’s exercise, the Border Patrol, weight loss, weight management, skin care, green cleaning products, women’s self-defense for all ages, natural candles, natural soaps, home health, mental health, light and laser treatments, and more.

The event will include a demonstration by Maine Traditional Karate; samples of juices from the Himalayas; healthful food recipes from The Pampered Chef; career opportunities with the U.S. Border Patrol; information about health care occupations in the U.S. Army; information on becoming a licensed massage therapist; free estimates from Reardon’s Home Painting and free screenings from Brewer Chiropractic.

Attendees will have the opportunity to order merchandise, book appointments, sign up for educational classes, apply for employment and enter drawings for gifts from the exhibitors.

Some exhibitors will not attend all three days of the expo. Call ahead to find out when a particular exhibitor is scheduled.

The Bangor Mall will sponsor its annual Simons Kidgits Club Safe Summer Event at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Macy’s Court in the mall.

Health Connections provides the community with resources for well-being and happiness. The expo is designed to provide health-based resources to those of all ages.

For information or to participate as an exhibitor, contact Tammy Collins at 852-3860 or visit www.healthconnectionsexpo.com.

Living Well Program

BUCKSPORT – Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities Coalition is starting a new program to assist local residents living with chronic illness. The Living Well Program is a six-week program set for 5:30-8 p.m. Mondays beginning June 2 at Jewett Community Center, Bridge Street and Broadway. Participants must preregister by calling 469-6682.

The cost is $25 for six sessions, including the “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” book and “Time for Healing” CD. Scholarships are available.

People with different chronic health conditions attend weekly workshops facilitated by Susan Davis and Marjorie Nightingale. Topics are: disease-related problem solving, communication skills, managing emotions, exercise, patient-physician partnership, community resources, nutrition, managing medications, advanced directives and cognitive symptom management such as relaxation, distraction, self-talk and visualization.

Classes are highly participatory, where mutual support and success build participants’ confidence in managing health and maintaining active.

The Division of Family and Community Medicine in the School of Medicine at Stamford University developed, tested and evaluated the program.

The program is made possible through a collaboration with Eastern Area Agency on Aging. For information, call Mary Jane Bush at 469-6682.

Talk on memory loss

BANGOR – Many older people worry about becoming more forgetful. Those who have had chemotherapy or other treatments may find they have difficulty concentrating, retaining new information or organizing thoughts. This phenomenon has been called “chemobrain” by those who experience it.

Dr. Robert J. Ferguson will speak about memory loss and other cognitive problems at the next Caring Connections Bone Health Information and Discussion Group at 5:30p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at the Bangor Y on Second Street.

Ferguson is a psychologist at Maine Rehabilitation Outpatient Center at Eastern Maine Healthcare Mall. He has conducted research on cognitive-behavioral methods to help some people regain thinking skills and develop tools to help organize daily tasks or activities. He has investigated the cognitive effects of chemotherapy in depth.

The session is free and open to the public. A calcium-rich snack and recipe will be provided. To sign up, call Robin Long at 941-2808. Caring Connections is a cooperative program of the Bangor Y and Eastern Maine Medical Center, supported by the fundraising efforts of Healthcare Charities.

Preparing for future

BANGOR – Westgate Manor will sponsor “Learn and Laugh about Generational Differences” and “How to Prepare for your Future” 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Westgate Manor, 750 Union St.

Featured speakers will be Carroll Harper of Carroll Harper and Associates Inc.; Gary Brewster, financial consultant, Brewster Financial; and Jan Byard, senior staff developer, Eastern Maine Medical Center. For information, call Kristie Miner at 942-7336.

Respite provider information

BANGOR – Those interested in providing relief for families who care for children with disabilities are invited to attended a free informational meeting on how to become a certified respite provider 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, June 6, in the Piscataquis Room, Suite 3, Bangor Career Center, 45 Oak St.

For information, call Alicia Allen, UCP Respite Services, at 941-2952, ext. 257, or 800-686-9649.

Doula Awareness Month

May is Doula Awareness Month and in celebration the Maine Association of Independent Doulas will hold a Mother’s Day Tea, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at the St. Joseph’s Parish Hall in Ellsworth.

MAID invites moms-to-be, new moms and those interested in becoming a doula to attend the free event.

Information on community resources, pregnancy and birth information, birth planning will be available. New moms and moms-to-be will be pampered with hand and shoulder massages. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For information, call Nancy at 288-1122 or Evelyn at 945-9804.