Sun-smart kits
The Learn to Live program of the Department of Health offers sun-smart kits to county residents. The kit contains a guidebook, ideas for sun accessories and information about skin cancer detection. To order a kit, call the Learn To Live Line, 410-222-7979, or go to LearnToLiveHealthy.org.
Healthy living
The Baltimore Washington Medical Center will present a discussion of diabetes prevention, exercise to achieve weight loss and how to lower blood pressure and cholesterol from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, and from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. June 14. Cost: $25. Reservations: 410-787-4940.
Free cookbook
The Learn to Live program of the Department of Health has a new healthful eating kit that features a free cookbook and tips that will help you select foods high in fiber and low in fat and sodium. Recipes are also quick, easy and economical. Information: http://www.LearntoLiveHealthy.org or 410-222-7979.
Tobacco laws
The Health Department's Learn to Live program offers to retailers a tobacco sales compliance kit. The kit includes a training guide that explains Maryland's tobacco laws. It's illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 in Maryland. The free kit is available by calling the Learn to Live Line at 410-222-7979 or visiting http://www.aahealth.org/ltl_pdf/compliancekit.pdf.
Free flu vaccine
The Department of Health provides free seasonal flu vaccine at walk-in clinics in Annapolis and Glen Burnie. Both the injectable and nasal spray vaccines are available. Information: 410-222-7343 or http://www.aahealth.org.
Health report card
The Department of Health has announced its annual report card of community health indicators. The report highlights progress in lowering death rates from stroke, diabetes and breast cancer. County residents have met nationally set goals for getting screened for cholesterol levels, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Lung cancer and melanoma mortality rates were higher in Anne Arundel County than in Maryland as a whole. Information: aahealth.org or 410-222-7202.
Health email alerts
The Department of Health has a community health email alert system to provide timely notices about department services and community health issues. Also, a recreational water-quality email alert system has been in effect since 2006. It alerts subscribers when a closure or advisory is issued for a county waterway. For information about the alert services, visit http://www.aahealth.org. Click on "sign-up" to receive health alerts; or call the public information office at 410-222-4508.
Patient disability pamphlet
The county Commission on Disability Issues offers a pamphlet, "Doctors' Offices and Patients with Disabilities Working Together," that offers suggestions for doctors to make visits go more smoothly, including information on training staff, obtaining equipment for the disabled and accommodating service animals. To obtain a copy, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act Office at 410-222-4464, ext. 3056; or http://www.aacounty.org/Aging/disabledAdults/CommDis.cfm and click on "Doctor's Office Brochure."
Gastrointestinal health
Dr. George Kurian, a Baltimore Washington Medical Center gastroenterologist, will discuss the symptoms of common digestive disorders, including acid reflux and ulcers, at 6:30 p.m. June 13 at the center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie.
Weight Management
The University of Maryland Center for Weight Management and Wellness and the Baltimore Washington Medical Center will sponsor a free weight loss seminar at 6 p.m. June 20. Registration is required: 410-328-8940. Information: visit http://www.umm.edu/weightloss.
Support groups
The Joslin Circle A diabetes support group discusses issues regarding management of the disease. The group meets 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month in the Joslin Diabetes Center, Suite 223, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4940.
Man-to-Man prostate cancer Offers information about diagnosis, treatment and management. The group meets 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in the Tate Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 305 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4367.
Stroke A support group meets to discuss stroke recovery and prevention from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month in the Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4457.
Caregivers support group provides information, respite and support to people who give care to family and friends. The group meets 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Heritage Office Complex in the Department of Aging and Disabilities office, fourth floor, 2666 Riva Road, Annapolis.
