'Feel Better, Live Better Now' workshop
Catherine Russell, who specializes in mind-body wellness, presents a free, interactive workshop on "Feel Better, Live Better Now" on Monday, Nov. 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Program Room at Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St.
Russell, who is based at Newburyport Medical Associates, will offer advice for how people can slow down, learn to relax their mind and restore their energy in a fast-paced world. Tips on relieving stress and revitalizing one's life will also be provided.
For more, call Russell at 978-771-8448 or e-mail catherine@catherine-russell.com,
Students leading benefit for genetic syndrome
Hollie Abrahams and Taylor Schneider, senior seminar students at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, N.H., are holding a benefit to raise funds and awareness for the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation on Friday, Nov. 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Seabrook American Legion, 169 Walton Road, Seabrook.
The night will feature dinner, dancing and raffles. Admission is $5. Proceeds will support the foundation and its work aiding patients and supporting research on Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, a genetic syndrome present from birth for which there is no cure. It affects one in 10,000 babies. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and patients suffer from physical and cognitive development delays, health problems, and speech and language delays.
The students are also seeking donations for the event. Contact Hollie at 603-953-5602 to make a donation or for more information.
Add a star to Anna Jaques Tree of Light
The Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association is making plans for its annual Tree of Light ceremony on Monday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m.
The tree, originally donated to the hospital by the Burr family, will be set up on the front lawn near the Highland Avenue entrance to the Newburyport hospital. Each donation in memory of or in honor of a loved one or for world peace adds a light to the tree. Submitted donations will be listed on the Tree of Light Scroll displayed at in the hospital lobby as well as published in the paper.
The tree will be lit at the ceremony following carols and a welcome from Delia O'Connor, CEO of the hospital, and Peg McClure, president of the Aid Association. The Newburyport High School Varsity Chorus will provide seasonal music. Refreshments will follow in Higgins Conference Room.
Donations to the Tree of Light benefit the hospital. To light a star on the tree, contact Amanda in Anna Jaques; volunteer office at 978-463-1150.
Yoga workshop for patients diagnosed with cancer
A yoga workshop for those living with cancer takes place Sunday, Nov. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Yoga Center of Newburyport, 12 Maple St., Newburyport. The workshop is designed for individuals who have been newly diagnosed with cancer, are in treatment or in recovery.
According to workshop leaders Joanne Rowley and Rose Russo, studies show yoga is helpful and healing for people dealing with cancer and cancer treatment. Participants will learn yoga-based practices designed for symptom reduction and creating physical and mental ease with relaxation breathing, gentle movement, and imagery and meditation. No prior yoga experience is required.
Rowley is a registered nurse and mindfulness instructor for bone marrow transplant patients at Dana-Farber's National Institutes of Health research site and counselor/stress management educator at North Shore Medical Center's Salem Heart Center. She is certified as a holistic nurse, kripalu yoga teacher and adult mental health clinical specialist with a private practice in Newburyport.
Russo teaches at the Yoga Center of Newburyport and is a Reiki master. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor and teaches from personal understanding of the healing power of the body.
The workshops are held monthly. The next ones are scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 12, both from 1 to 3 p.m.
A suggested donation of $10 is requested. Class size is limited, and registration is required. Contact Rowley at 978-463-9318 or e-mail ritamb@comcast.net or Russo at 978-465-2998 or e-mail pathways-rose@comcast.net.
Elder Services holding volunteer training
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley is holding training for volunteers seeking to be companions, shoppers or medical advocates to area elders on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. at its offices at 360 Merrimack St., Building 5, Lawrence.
Medical advocates accompany and assist elders during medical appointments. All volunteers receive training and mileage reimbursement. Flexible schedules and ongoing support are available.
For more, call Eileen Giordano at 978-946-1463 or Gerry Proulx at 978-946-1445.
Compassion retreat at meditation center
The Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport located at 443 Middle St. in West Newbury is leading a retreat on compassion on Sunday, Nov. 8.
Led by Kate Wheeler, the retreat will focus on how participants can learn to befriend themselves and others, imperfections and all. Simple, traditional compassion meditation phrases will be mixed with awareness practices in helping individuals to approach themselves and others in an authentically caring way.
Registration is requested. Visit www.IMCNewburyport.org or call Maria Van Dusen, director of the Insight Meditation Center, at 978-499-0325.
Samaritans training hot line volunteers
The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is holding its next volunteer training on Saturdays, Nov. 7 and 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Volunteers reach out to people who are lonely, despairing or suicidal and call the Samaritans' confidential crisis help lines. People from all walks of life are trained to offer support and caring.
Interested volunteers must attend both training sessions. Call Debbie at 978-327-6671 to register or for more information.
New dentist joins Port practice
Dr. Brendon Chiou recently joined the dental practice of Dr. David Reczek at Newburyport Family Dental on Inn Street in Newburyport.
Chiou was raised in Connecticut and attended Tufts Dental School. He completed his residency in general dentistry with the U.S. Veterans Association of Northern California. He subsequently worked in private practice in New York City and also was a dentist for the New York Police Department for the past four years.
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If you have an item for Health Beat, contact Sonya Vartabedian at 978-462-6666 or svartabedian@newburyportnews.com.
