DIABETES SUPPORT/PROGRAMS

Outpatient diabetes management program, sponsored by North Shore Medical Center. Approved by the American Diabetes Association, program teaches patients how to better manage diabetes through lifestyle choices, medication and continuous monitoring. Program is reimbursed by many health insurance policies (referrals may be needed.) New sessions start monthly and are held on Tuesdays, 4 to 5:50 p.m., at the Cape Ann Medical Center. To register, call 781-477-3409.

Diabetes Clinic, a free diabetes screening is held the first Monday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. in Fisher Lobby, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Appointments not necessary. Call the Diabetes Care Center at 978-283-4000, ext. 601.

Free diabetes and cardiovascular risk screenings are held every other month on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lifestyle Management Institute, Beverly Hospital Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Clinics include blood sugar screenings (fasting not required) and counseling, and cardiovascular screenings, including blood pressure screenings and assessment of risk factors. Appointments required; call 978-646-7060.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program of recovery from compulsive eating. No dues or membership fees. For more information and meeting location, call 978-407-9909 or 781-641-2303. Visit www.oa.org for more.

Macular Degeneration Support Group. Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Healy Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Use the Washington Street entrance. Monthly guest speakers talk about macular degeneration and other health topics. Family members also welcome. No fee or registration required; call 978-546-2520. Next meeting: Sept. 11.

Smoking cessation program. Meets at the Lifestyle Management Institute, Beverly Hospital Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Progressive relaxation helps smokers stop smoking without stress, weight gain or irritability. Call 978-774-4400, ext. 3011 for fees and class availability.

Melanoma Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Garden Conference Room, first floor, Beverly Hospital. Free. To register, call Beth Greenslet at 978-922-3000, ext. 2710, or the Melanoma Foundation of New England at 617-232-1424.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Cape Ann meets the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the North Shore Health Project, 67 Middle St. NAMI is for people diagnosed with mental illness and their families. Call 978-281-1557. Visit www.nami.org/namisites. E-mail namicapeann@adelphia.net.

Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets the first and third Thursday of each month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Peabody Senior Center. Call Diane Durkee at 978 532-0712 or e-mail 2siddi@verizon.net.

North Shore Neuropathy Support Group meets in the Beverly Hospital Lecture Hall, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. Call group leader Werner Paster at 978-479-4339.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Longan Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Use the Washington Street entrance or the Fisher Lobby for wheelchair-accessiblity. No fee or registration required. Call Marc at 978-546-1355 or Jean at 978-546-2607. The group does not meet in August. Next meeting: Sept. 13.

Early Stages of Memory Loss Support Group meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Center for Healthy Aging, Beverly Hospital Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Free program led by licensed social worker Darcey Adams. To register, call 978-921-5020, ext. 2101.

Gloucester Stroke Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Women's Health Center at Addison Gilbert Hospital. Registration not required. 978-283-2633.



RECOVERY PROGRAMS

Gloucester:

* Sunday - Women's Narcotics Anonymous, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Pine and Church streets; Al-Anon, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., Bowen Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Use Washington Street entrance; AA open speakers, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St.

* Tuesday - AA for young people, 7 to 8 p.m., Trinity Congregational Church, 70 Middle St. Open speaker discussion.

* Wednesday - AA speaker meeting, Fish City Group, St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St., 7 to 8 p.m. 508-957-4690; Alcoholics Victorious, a Christ-centered, nondenominational recovery program for alcohol and drug abusers, 7 p.m., Gloucester Assembly of God, 211 Washington St.

* Thursday - Women's AA, 7 p.m., Women of Plum Cove, OWSDNS, 7 to 8 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington St., Lanesville.

* Friday - AA Gloucester Morning Glories women's AA, 7 to 8 a.m., North Shore Health Project, 67 Middle St.; Al-Anon Cape Ann, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Trinitarian Congregational Church, Route 133, West Gloucester. Families and friends of alcoholics invited; AA meeting, First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Ave., 8 to 9 p.m.

* Saturday - Alcoholics Anonymous "Saturday and Sober," 9:30 to 11 a.m., Trinity Congregational Church, Middle Street. Open speaker, discussion. Nonsmoking; AA discussion group, 10 to 11:15 a.m., Easler Building, 23 Duncan St.; AA meeting, Union Congregational Church, Magnolia, 8 to 9 p.m.; AA Open Big Book/Discussion, nonsmoking, 8 to 9:30 p.m., St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St.

Rockport:

* Sunday - Alcoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m., 1 Bearskin Neck.

* Monday - Alcoholics Anonymous at Rockport Baptist Church, noon to 1 p.m., speaker followed by discussion. Alcoholics Anonymous open meeting, 7:30 to 9 p.m. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 24 Broadway.

* Tuesday - Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, School Street.

* Wednesday - Al-Anon open step and discussion, 7:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rockport, 2 High St., for friends and relatives of people with alcoholism.

* Thursday - Alcoholics Anonymous closed book meeting, noon to 1 p.m., Rockport Baptist Church, 2 High St. Alcoholics Anonymous "Men in Recovery" men's speaker discussion meeting, 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church.

* Friday - Alcoholics Anonymous, noon to 1 p.m., Rockport Baptist Church, 2 High St., speaker followed by discussion.

* Saturday - Alcoholics Anonymous, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., First Congregational Church.

Manchester:

* Thursday - AA open speaker meeting, 8 to 9 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 69 School St.

* Friday - Men's AA meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Manchester Community Center.

SENIOR SUPPORT/PROGRAMS

Exercise programs at the Rose Baker Senior Center:

* Mondays, 10 to 11 a.m., Tai chi with Meredith Morgan.

* Tuesdays, 9:45 to 11 a.m., Yoga with Mary Ann Wenniger.

* Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Chair Yoga with Nana Dunn.

* Thursdays, 9:45 to 11 a.m., Intermediate Yoga with Sue Ann Willis.

To register, call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765.

Free Keep Well Clinics, open to residents 60 and older. Community health nurses from VNA Care Network conduct blood-pressure screenings and provide education about medications, diet, disease management and other health concerns. Blood sugar, weight-monitoring and other health assessments also available. Visit www.vnacarenetwork.org. Appointments preferred; call 888-663-3688, ext. 5603 or 978-283-2020, ext. 5603. Schedule as follows:

* Gloucester: McPherson Park, 31 Prospect St., second Monday of the month, 1 to 3 p.m. Rose Baker Senior Center, 6 Manuel Lewis St., first four Wednesdays of the month, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Lincoln Park, third Thursday of the month, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. 888-663-3688, ext. 5603 or 978-283-2020, ext. 5603.

* Manchester: Congregational Chapel, Chapel Lane, first and third Thursdays of the month, 10 a.m. to noon. 888-663-3688, ext. 5603 or 978-283-2020, ext. 5603.

* Rockport: Senior Drop-In Center, 4 Broadway, second Thursday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Senior Housing, Millbrook Park, fourth Thursday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Free blood pressure screening:

* Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m. in the Women's Health Center, Addison Gilbert Hospital, Gloucester. Appointments not necessary. Not held on Monday holidays.

* Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Rose Baker Senior Center, Gloucester.

* Wednesdays, 2 to 4 p.m. at Connors Pharmacy, 76 Prospect St.

* Thursdays, Brooks Pharmacy, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., 127 Eastern Ave.

Meals for seniors: Hot and cold meals offered through the food and nutrition services of Addison Gilbert and Beverly hospitals may be purchased for $6 or less from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily in the Nelson Dining Room, Addison Gilbert, or the third-floor cafeteria of Beverly Hospital's Service Building. Both facilities are handicapped-accessible. Free parking available.

Brown Bag food distribution program is held on the last Friday of each month, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center, Gloucester.

Medications review: Registered nurses Mary Aliosio and Bonnie Marshall, coordinator of Ambulatory Services at Addison Gilbert Hospital, assist members of the public with cards listing all medications taken by participants and answer questions regarding medications, possible drug interactions, etc. Free service is the first Friday of each month, 9 to 11 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center, Gloucester. No registration required.

SERVICES/CLASSES

Free LASIK eye screenings are offered every Tuesday at Cutler Eye Center, 9A Osman Babson Road, Gloucester. Screenings are conducted by one of the center's eye surgeons. Screenings determine a person's refractive vision and if someone is a candidate for refractive surgery. Call 978-281-8809 for an appointment.

Active Healing Inc. offers free screenings for children and adults struggling with learning disabilities, diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, behavioral problems, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Asperger's syndrome, or any other brain-related problem. To schedule a screening, call 978-525-3608.

VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Loss) provides free services for victims of crimes including assault, robbery, domestic violence, adult sexual abuse/assault, child physical abuse, disabled and elder abuse, violation of a protective order, crimes related to driving while intoxicated, hate-motivated crimes, and political trauma. Services include individual and group counseling, community crisis response, critical incident stress debriefing, and training and education. VOCAL Children's Program provides community outreach and clinical services to children and their non-offending family members who have been victims of trauma and experience physical and sexual abuse or who witness domestic violence. Sponsored by Health and Education Services Inc., 156 Cabot St., Beverly. Call Karen Tompkins at 978-927-4506, ext. 202 or ext. 203, or the Rape Crisis Intervention Hotline at 978-922-0000.

Speakers' Bureau, Addison Gilbert Hospital's Speaker's Bureau will arrange to bring health care professionals to clubs, support groups or organizational meetings for free. Speakers include physicians, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists and others who provide information about healthy living and illness prevention. Talks focus on addictions, aging, breast health and mammography, cancer, depression, anxiety, cardiology, public policy issues, mental health issues, men's health Issues and women's health issues. To request a brochure or to arrange for a speaker, call 978-236-1650.

Hepatitis C Health Services, Mondays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gloucester Health Department and the North Shore AIDS Health Project offer weekly information and support services for those concerned about hepatitis C. Regular drop-in services include private consultation with a nurse, health educator, support group and information sessions, case management assistance and referrals for holistic services. Free, confidential services offered at 67 Middle St. Call Kerri Connelly, client services representative, at 978-283-0101, or Sunny Robinson at the health department at 978-281-9771.

Free, anonymous HIV counseling and testing, for Cape Ann and North Shore residents. Non-invasive oral tests offered at the following locations: Addison Gilbert Hospital, third floor, Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and at 156 Cabot St., Beverly, Wednesdays, 2 to 6:30 p.m. To make an appointment, call Mayra Rivera at 978-853-8633.

Baby/child-saver classes, for parents, expectant parents and caregivers to recognize and cope with emergency situations involving babies and small children. Accident prevention and techniques reviewed. American Heart Association standards used for CPR and obstructed-airway skills, teaching and hands-on practice. Classes are held two nights a week for six hours at Beverly Hospital. Call the Parent Education Department at 978-927-9103.

CPR classes, conducted by the Education Department at Northeast Health System. Adult and pediatric classes offered on alternating months on the first Wednesday of the month. American Heart Association health care provider classes also offered. Certification and pre-certification classes held each month. Call Sally Kiesling at 978-922-3000, ext. 2236.

Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster, a workshop designed by Peggy Huddleston for use prior to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, dental procedures and challenging life transitions is designed to decrease anxiety and heal better using mind/body techniques. Program held at the Beverly Hospital Lifestyle Management Institute, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Cost is $70. 978-774-4400, ext. 3011.

Health insurance program offered at Addison Gilbert and Beverly hospitals for those in need. Financial counselors available. Call Addison Gilbert Hospital at 978-283-4000, ext. 623 or Beverly Hospital at 978-283-4000, ext. 2124, 2045 or 2046.

Healthlink Information Resource Center, daily at Addison Gilbert Hospital. 978-283-4001, ext. 607.

CAB Health & Recovery Services offers a free pamphlet, "The College Search: Is this a Party School?" From the recruitment materials to that final campus visit, the pamphlet offers a list of signs to predict the safety and on-campus services around binge drinking. Call CAB Health & Recovery Services at 800-323-2224, ext. 685, e-mail info@cabhealth.org, or order a copy through the agency's Web site, www.cabhealth.org.



ABUSE SUPPORT

Support group for older women who have been abused by a spouse or partner. Greater Lynn Senior Service (GLSS) has partnered with Help for Abused Women and their Children (HAWC) in Gloucester to provide a specialized support group for women 50 and older who live in the Cape Ann area and who have experienced physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual abuse either now or in the past. Additional services also available. Free and confidential. Call GLSS at 781-599-0110 or HAWC at 978-283-8642.

Male Survivor Group, for men who have been sexually abused as adults or children, meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 131 Rantoul St., Beverly. Free. Registration not required. A program of North Shore Rape Crisis Center and Victims of Crime and Loss. Call Bill Hirschaut at 978-922-8182.

CANCER SUPPORT

"Look Good ... Feel Better," offered by the American Cancer Society, on Friday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to noon, in Kauders Conference Room, Beverly Hospital. Guided by volunteer cosmetologists, female cancer patients will learn makeup and skin care techniques to overcome the appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Free. Registration required; call 978-922-3000, ext. 2405.

Prostate Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Terrace Dining Room of the Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Beverly Hospital campus. Guest speaker Dr. Mauri Cohen discusses the emotional side of dealing with prostate cancer following treatment. No fee or registration required. 978-236-1650.

Cancer support group meets at Addison Gilbert Hospital on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except August, at 4:30 p.m. in the Longan Room. No fee or registration required.

Breast Cancer Survivor's Group meets in the Longan Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital every third Tuesday of the month, except August, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. No fee or registration required.



CAREGIVER'S SUPPORT

Alzheimer's Caregiver's Support Group, for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, meets the first and third Wednesday of every month, 2:30 to 4 p.m., at the Spectrum Center, 600 Cummings Center, Suite 176X, Beverly. Free. 978-921-5020.

Caregiver's Support and Information Group meets the third Wednesday of each month, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester. 978-281-9765.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the Cape Ann Way Room, Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester. Call Barbara Jaworski at 978-283-0300, ext. 127.

LOSS SUPPORT

Bereavement support groups for adults coping with the death of a loved one meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the VNA Care Network, 5 Federal St., Danvers. Call Robert Purdy at 978-777-6100, ext. 1401 or 888-663-3688, ext. 1401.

Infant Loss Support Group, for parents who have lost an infant at any time during pregnancy through early infancy, meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Kauders Conference Room, Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. No fee or registration required.

Support group for those with a loss because of death, separation or divorce meets Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. in the St. Mary of the Annunciation Church rectory, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Nondenominational group offers structured topics, professional speakers and social events. 978-774-1967.

Widowed persons' support group meets every other Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Longan Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital. 978-283-7102.

WOMEN'S SUPPORT/PROGRAMS

Connecting Young Moms Education/Support Group, conducted by the Social Work Department at Beverly Hospital, meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Women's Health and Medical Arts Building, Beverly Hospital campus. Registration required; call 978-922-3000, ext. 2720.

Free prenatal yoga classes meet every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Prana Health and Yoga Center, 7A Colonial Road, Salem. Classes focus on safety, breathing exercises, reducing common pregnancy discomforts, improving circulation and easing back pain. Doctor's approval recommended for those who are new to yoga. Visit www.pranahealthcenter.com.

Free women's health services: The Women's Health Network, part of VNA Care Network, links uninsured and underinsured, income-eligible women to free mammograms, pap tests and cardiovascular screenings at participating doctors' offices and area hospitals. Program open to women ages 40 to 64, but women of other ages may also qualify. For details in English, Portuguese or Spanish, call 888-663-3688, ext. 1340 or e-mail kwebber@vnacarenetwork.org. All inquiries and services confidential. Immigration status not considered. Social Security number not required.

Healthy pregnancy workshop, sponsored by the Connecting Young Moms Support Group, a two-hour class to be attended in the first or second trimester. Childbirth series offered to assist young women and their support people to prepare for birth. Class meets one evening a week for seven weeks. Free. To register, call 978-922-3000, ext. 2720.

MotherTime Support Group meets Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the North Shore Birth Center, Beverly Hospital. No fee or registration required.

Postpartum Adjustment Group meets on the first and third Friday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. in the first-floor doctor's conference room at Beverly Hospital. It is led by licensed social worker Carnie Hansen. No fee or registration is required. Refreshments will be served. Mothers welcome to bring their babies. Call 978-922-3000, ext. 2716.

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Individuals and organizations offering free or low-cost health and fitness classes, workshops and seminars may send brief submissions (with phone numbers) to Health Calendar, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930. Submissions may also be e-mailed to gdt@ecnnews.com or faxed to 978-281-5748.