The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will host the annual Walk MS on March 31 to help individuals and families address the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis. The 5-mile route will start and end at Cashman Park in Newburyport. Check-in opens at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m.
Walk MS is a fundraising event that provides MS education, support, advocacy and services to people affected by multiple sclerosis, while it supports cutting-edge research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function and end MS.
Each walker older than age 12 is required to raise at least $25. Family members and co-workers are encouraged to form teams that walk and fundraise together in support of a loved one with MS. Teams and individual walkers can register online, www.walkMSgne.org, to take advantage of e-fundraising tools.
Registrations are also accepted by phone, 1-800-344-4867, option 2, and in person on the day of the walk. Volunteers are also needed.
Donations in support of walkers and teams may be made online, at walkMSgne.org. Click on "Donate" and select "Massachusetts, Newburyport, Donate/ePledge" and enter the individual or team you want to support.
Alzheimer's caregivers workshop Thursday
The Alzheimer's Association will present a workshop to help family and caregivers understand the behaviors of those with Alzheimer's disease on Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Newburyport Council on Aging.
The workshop will offer education and practical tools on caring for a loved one. For someone with dementia, a safe and supportive home can prevent injury and enhance independence and a sense of security. Learn to adapt your home environment and make it dementia-safe and supportive.
The session is free and open to the public. The Council on Aging is at 40 Water St., Newburyport.
Registration is required. Call 800-272-3900 for more information.
YWCA holding registration for summer programs
The YWCA Greater Newburyport is currently holding registration for its summer programs.
The nine-week programs include Scamper for 3- to 5-year-olds, School's Out Summer for students entering first through fourth grade and the CIT program for 14- to 16-year-olds.
There will be a new program for kids entering first through fourth grade: Vacationpalooza. Also, an afternoon program, Splash 'n' More will offer activities such as swimming and fun runs.
For more information, visit www.ywcanewburyport.org or call 978-465-9922.
Blood drive coming up in Merrimac
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Thursday, April 5, at Merrimac Public Library from 1 to 6 p.m. The library is at 86 West Main St.
Blood donors are needed every day to ensure an adequate blood supply for patients in need. All donors will receive a free pair of socks from New Balance.
To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or log on to redcrossblood.org.
Free ADHD talks next month
Rebecca Shafir, a speech and language pathologist and neurotherapist, will give a free talk titled "Effective Drug-free and Evidence-based Approaches to ADHD" on Wednesday, April 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The forum will be held at 61 Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury. Registration is required. Call Shafir at 978-255-1817.
Also, in a separate program, Peter Williams, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and a specialist in adult and child ADHD, will hold an open discussion group on Wednesday, April 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Anna Jaques Hospital Higgins conference room.
The topic for discussion is "Best Practice Approaches to Understanding and Managing ADHD through the Lifespan."
For more information, call Dr. Williams at 978-465-3366.
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If you have an item for Health Beat, contact Katie Lovett at 978-462-6666 or klovett@newburyportnews.com.
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