Each month, Sun Health Wellness presents health education and fitness classes designed to help participants learn about health conditions, discover new trends in prevention and treatment, improve strength and flexibility, prevent physical disability, delay cognitive decline, and more. They also provide support groups and resources pertaining to a variety of health concerns.
Many classes are offered at low or no cost thanks to the generous support of donors to the Sun Health Foundation. Registration is required for most classes, regardless of costs. Register online at SunHealthWellness.org or call 623-207-1703. Class locations (whether on Zoom or in-person) are available on the website as well. Below is just a sample of the classes offered this month; see the website for full details.
NUTRITION
Nutrition and Lifestyle for Weight Loss, Tuesday, May 10; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
A lifestyle approach to weight loss that can help you make simple changes to maintain a healthy weight for life. Banner Health Registered Dietitian, Lauren Pellizzon, MS, RD, will discuss nutrition and lifestyle changes to help with weight loss.
Keep Your Food Safe: Food Prep and Cooking Basics, Friday, May 13; 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Food safety means knowing how to buy, prepare, and store food to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, like salmonella and E. coli. Join Sun Health Registered Dietitian Tiffany Tutt, EP-C to learn cooking and preparation techniques that preserve nutrients and avoid an upset stomach.
BRAIN & MEMORY HEALTH
Dementia Friends Info Session, Tuesday, May 17; 1-2 p.m.
Arizona will experience the largest increase in people developing Alzheimer’s and related dementias over the next five years. People with dementia need to be understood and supported in their communities. You can help by becoming a Dementia Friend. Join Janice Greeno from Banner Sun Health Research Institute for this discussion and walk away with the tools to implement your dementia friendly community.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Hemorrhoids, Rectal Bleeding and Other Common Anorectal Problems, Tuesday, May 17; 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Anorectal disorders can be caused by many things, including diet, lifestyle, body structure and bacteria present in body waste. The most common of these are: fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids, anorectal abscesses, fistula, and anal fissures. The risk of developing colorectal cancer is equal for men and women and increases with age. Join Dr. Sushil Pandey, colorectal surgeon from Abrazo, to discuss the most common causes for anorectal symptoms and complaints.
Common Changes in Female Anatomy As You Age, Thursday, May 26; 9:30-11 a.m.
As a woman enters her 60s and 70s, there is more concern about the vulva – the outside of the vagina. Aging changes can cause irritating or painful symptoms. One such condition, lichen sclerosis, causes skin changes related to decreased estrogen production. The condition can cause a lot of itching and irritation and can be pre-cancerous. The vulva should be examined closely during the annual visit, particularly after age 55, to treat and manage skin conditions and potentially detect early-stage cancer.
RESOURCES & SUPPORT GROUPS
Dementia Caregiver Support Group, Wednesday, May 4, 11, 18, 25; 3-4 p.m.
This telephone support group is led by Sun Health Wellness’s Memory Care Navigator, Marty Finley. Call 623- 471-9571 and enter PIN number 9571. The line will only be active at the scheduled time.
Memory Cafés, Tuesday, May 10 and 24; 10-11:30 a.m.
Memory Cafés provide social opportunities and resources for people living with memory loss and their care partners. Caregivers participate in an educational and/or support session while people with memory loss actively participate in a cognitive engagement program. Registration is not required. Held virtually and telephonically. Call 623-832-6637 for details.
Diabetes Connection Support Group, Monday, May 16; 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Whether you are new to diabetes or dealing with a new set of challenges, the Diabetes Connections Support Group is here to help ease the burden of diabetes. Connecting with other people living with diabetes can be relieving, encouraging, and empowering. Support can offer a sense of being understood and provides opportunities to share wisdom and practical information. Join us this month to learn from educators and others just like you who are encountering and overcoming similar situations.
