Feline feeding, nutrition focus of lecture
Dr. Anne Richards will discuss feline feeding and nutrition as part of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society's Lecture Series on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St.
Richards, a veterinarian, will cover cats' natural diets in the wild, their metabolic adaptations to being carnivorous, appropriate diets for cats, appropriate feeding schedules and the proper amounts of food to prevent obesity. She will also talk about how to use food to prevent boredom and encourage play behavior in indoor cats.
The lecture series features local experts sharing their knowledge of the animal world. Admission is free. Reservations are requested by calling the feline rescue society headquarters in Salisbury at 978-462-0760 or e-mailing podcast@mrfrs.org. Visit www.mrfrs.org for more information.
Asperger Syndrome Support Group meeting
The Newburyport Asperger Syndrome Support Group meets Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Higgins Conference Room of Anna Jaques Hospital, 25 Highland Ave., Newburyport. A general discussion is planned.
The monthly support group addresses the concerns of parents of school-aged children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, high-functioning autism or related challenges.
Contact Carol Keating at 978-372-2799 or carolkeating@verizon.net or Suzanne Phillips at 978-356-1775 or suzanne.phillips@gordon.edu.
YWCA hosting free informational seminars
The YWCA of Newburyport, 13 Market St., Newburyport, is hosting a series of free informational seminars to start the new year. Here's a look at what's planned:
Fran Larkin presents "Alzheimer's Lessons Learned" on Monday at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will cover such topics as power of attorney, health care proxy and wills, caring for your loved one at home, the nursing home decision, the impact of diet, health and exercise, and more. Registration is required.
Ruth Kerr offers "Women Heart — Get Smart About Your Heart" on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. Participants will learn about heart disease prevention, early detection and how to advocate for themselves. Registration is required by Jan. 15.
Fran Larkin presents "The Emotional Side of Retirement" on Mondays, Feb. 2 and 9, at 6:30 p.m. He will offer tips on planning to live a productive and meaningful life after retirement. Topics will include physical and mental health, financial checkup, travel, education and volunteering. Registration is required by Jan. 25.
Call 978-465-9922 or visit www.ywcanewburyport.org.
Peer-led support for mental illness
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill presents a free monthly support group for people who have loved ones dealing with mental illness. The next meeting takes place Thursday, Jan. 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the downstairs conference room at Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, 63 State St., Newburyport.
Organizers of the peer-led support group, which has been meeting for five years, say they are neither experts nor professionals and do not have all the answers, but hope to offer insight, empathy and understanding to others dealing with mental illness. Participants share experiences and suggest resources.
The group regularly meets the third Thursday of the month. Admission is free. Contact Ruth or Charlie Lambert at 978-462-2471 or ruthlambert194@comcast.net or Joyce Cejka 978-463-7835.
Elder Services seeks volunteers
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley is offering training for people who want to volunteer to help area elderly as part of the "Friends-in-Deed" program.
The program strives to increase the socialization of older residents who are trying to retain their independence and remain at home by providing them with helpmates to offer companionship and transportation and do food shopping and other errands.
Training for drivers, who primarily transport elders to doctor appointments, takes place Wednesday, Jan. 28, and Wednesday, Feb. 4. Training for medical advocates, who champion issues for elders in nursing homes, is being offered Wednesday, Feb. 4. All trainings begin at 10 a.m. at the Elder Services offices, 360 Merrimack St., Building 5, Lawrence.
Elder Services helps aging adults throughout the Merrimack Valley with a host of services, programs and basic necessities from prescription medications and eyeglasses to fuel assistance and groceries in support of their choice to remain self-sufficient. For more, call Gerry Proulx of Elder Services at 978-946-1445.
Dyslexia group offers introductory session
New England Dyslexia Solutions is offering an informational seminar for adults or parents of children who have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, decoding, handwriting, math or attention deficits and other visual-spatial learners on Monday, Feb 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Boston North Technology Park, 110 Haverhill Road, Amesbury.
Admission is free, but registration is required. Call Karen LoGiudice at 978-337-7753 or visit www.ne-dyslexia.com.
Mental illness focus of family program
The National Alliance on Mental Illness presents a free 12-week Family-to-Family Education Program starting Feb. 24 in Newburyport.
The course is for family and friends of individuals with serious mental illness. It is taught by family members trained by NAMI. It will meet on Tuesday nights from 7 to 9.
Seats are limited; registration is required. Contact Joyce Cejka at 978-463-7835 or cejoy@msn.com or Ruth or Charlie Lambert at 978-462-2471 or ruthlambert194@comcast.net to sign up or for more information.
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If you have an item for Health Beat, contact Sonya Vartabedian at 978-462-6666 or svartabedian@newburyportnews.com.
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