Calendar
50+EXPO : The Howard County Department on Aging will sponsor a 50+ EXPO from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia. The expo features more than 140 exhibitors, workshops, a health fair, food, entertainment and free shuttle service from The Mall in Columbia. A live benefit auction will start at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free. For information, go to the Office on Aging Web site at howardcountyaging.org or call 410-313-6410 or TTY: 410-313-5927.
Senior yoga : Classes will be held 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursdays at Slayton House in the Village of Wilde Lake. Sign up for a full session or drop in. Classes are slower-paced, emphasizing breathing and stress reduction. Limited space; preregistration recommended. This program is sponsored by the Wilde Lake Community Association. Call 410-730-3987 or e-mail wlevents@columbiavillages.org.
Blood donations : The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region of the American Red Cross is requesting blood donations. Eligible donors can call 800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. Platelet donors should call 800-272-2123.
Wellness programs : Offered through the month of October at Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, Medical Pavilion, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia. Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held in the center. Registration is required. Call 410-740-7602 or register online at hcgh.org.
* Adult, child and infant CPR: Earn a two-year heart saver certification card upon completion of this class, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Oct. 27. This is not a health care provider course. Cost $48.
* Moving through anger: Three-week interactive class will teach how to channel anger into a positive force, help to identify what triggers anger and provide techniques to manage those triggers. Classes will be held 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Oct. 21 and 28. $40 per person.
* Choosing your pediatrician: Preparing for your new baby should include finding a pediatrician before you deliver. Learn factors to consider and ways to promote health for your newborn. Presented by Dr. Michael May, this free program will be held 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Support groups
Parkinson's support group : Howard County General Hospital's Parkinson's disease support group will meet from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the hospital's Bolduc Family Outpatient Center, 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia. Designed for patients diagnosed with the disease and their families and caregivers, the group discusses speech and swallowing, voice therapy, nutrition and exercise. Information or to register: Call 443-718-3135 or e-mail cklein@hcgh.org.
NAMI : The National Alliance on Mental Illness sponsors a family support group at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the day room at Harmony Hall Retirement Community, 6336 Cedar Lane, Columbia. NAMI also offers a support group for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with serious mental health issues from noon to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow at First Presbyterian Church, 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia. Call 410-772-9300 or go to nami.org/sites/howardcounty.
