Health calendar

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. Appointment preferred. Call (888) 663-3688, Ext. 5603 or (978) 283-2020, Ext. 5603. The schedule as follows:

Gloucester: McPherson Park, 31 Prospect St., 1 to 3 p.m., second Monday of the month, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11; Rose Baker Senior Center, 6 Manuel Lewis St., 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., first four Wednesdays of the month, Aug. 18 and 25, Sept. 1, 8, 15 and 22, and Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27; Senior Housing, Poplar Park, 1 to 2 p.m., second Thursday of the month, Sept. 9 and Oct. 14; and Lincoln Park, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., third Thursday of month, Aug. 19, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21. Call (888) 663-3688, Ext. 5603 or (978) 283-2020, Ext. 5603.

Manchester: Congregational Chapel, Chapel Lane, 10 a.m. to noon, first and third Thursdays of the month, Aug. 19, Sept. 2 and 16, and Oct. 7 and 21. Call (888) 663-3688, Ext. 5603 or (978) 283-2020, Ext. 5603.

Rockport: Senior Drop-In Center, 4 Broadway, 9:30 a.m. to noon, second Thursday of the month, Sept. 9 and Oct. 14; and Senior Housing, Millbrook Park, 9:30 a.m. to noon, fourth Thursday of the month, Aug. 26, Sept. 23 and Oct. 28.

Free bereavement support groups for adults coping with the loss of a loved one due to death, offered by VNA Care Hospice. Danvers group meets, 6 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays at the VNA Care Network, 5 Federal St., Danvers. Upcoming meetings are Aug. 24, Sept. 14 and 28, and Oct. 12 and 26. Group also meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Upcoming meetings are Aug. 23, Sept. 13 and 27, and Oct. 11 and 25. Contact Robert Purdy at (978) 777-6100, Ext. 1401 or (888) 663-3688, Ext. 1401 or visit www.vncarenetwork.org.

Bone density screenings for men and women 30 and older, Aug. 24, 1 to 3 p.m., Longan Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Appointments required; call (888) 253-0800. Fee is $5. The test takes approximately 10 minutes and is not recommended for those already determined to have bone loss.

Prescription Advantage plan for seniors and disabled individuals will hold open enrollment Sept. 1 to 30. Applications must be received by Sept. 30. Financial counselors will answer questions and enroll seniors on a walk-in basis Sept. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lecture Hall, Beverly Hospital. Appointments are not needed. Applicants should bring income verification and last year's income tax return, if applicable, to expedite the process. Those who cannot attend the session may stop by or call Addison Gilbert, 298 Washington St., Gloucester, (978) 283-4000, Ext. 623.

"Eating for a Healthy Life," free seminar led by registered dietitian Christina Baker, Sept. 8, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Manchester Public Library, 15 Union St. Baker will discuss good nutrition throughout all stages of life, how to maintain a healthy diet and what a healthy diet consists of. A question-and-answer session will follow. Pre-registration requested; call (978) 236-1650.

The 55 Alive Mature Driving Program: Refresher program for drivers over age 50 developed by AARP, Sept. 13 and 20, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the first floor Conference Room of the Women's Health and Medical Arts Center, Beverly Hospital campus. Review the rules and regulations of safe driving. Cost is $10, payable to AARP on the first day of class. Attendance mandatory on both days. Reservations required; call (978) 922-3000, Ext. 2710.

Widowed persons' support group resumes meeting on Sept. 15 meets every other Wednesday in the Longan Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St., Gloucester, from 7 to 9 p.m. Call (978) 283-7102.

Free skin cancer clinic by Dr. Susan Karol, Sept. 15, 2 to 4 p.m., Addison Gilbert Hospital oncology clinic. For an appointment, call (978) 283-4000 or (978) 236-1650. Those individuals who are concerned about a mole or other skin abnormality are welcome to attend the clinic. This is not a dermatology clinic and surgical procedures will not be performed. The clinic's purpose will be to determine whether any treatment is necessary.

North Shore Neuropathy Support Group meets monthly at Beverly Hospital. Upcoming meetings: Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11 in the Lecture Hall, 10 a.m. to noon. Contact the group's leader at (978) 282-7311.

"Fixing Behaviors that Drive You Nuts," presented by pediatrician Brian G. Orr, Sept. 21, 7 p.m., Rockport United Methodist Church, 36 Broadway. Orr will present a philosophy that will help parents get out of the traps that children set to "push our buttons." For parents, grandparents, child care providers of preschool age children to teenagers. A question-and-answer segment will follow. Refreshments served. Pre-registration requested; call (978) 546-2093.

Diabetes support group: Sept. 21, 6 to 7 p.m., board room at the Beverly Hospital Hunt Center, Danvers. No fee. Pre-registration requested. Call (978) 236-1650.

"Look Good ... Feel Better," offered by the American Cancer Society, Oct. 22. Guided by volunteer cosmetologists, female cancer patients will learn to use make-up and skin-care techniques to overcome the appearance-related effects of cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation. The class will run from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Lecture Hall, Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. The program is free; registration required. Call Mary Ellen at (978) 922-3000, Ext. 2991.

Multiple sclerosis support group will not meet in August. Regularly scheduled monthly meetings will resume in September. Call Marc at (978) 546-1355 or Jean at (978) 546-2607.

Prostate Cancer support group: Fourth Thursday of the month, 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Beverly Hospital campus. The group does not meet in August. No fee or pre-registration required.

Family-to-Family meetings provide support for family members and caretakers of those diagnosed with brain disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, OCD and anxiety. Peer support groups are for those with brain disorders looking to give and receive peer support. The meetings and locations are as follows: On the first Thursday of every month, 7:30 p.m. in the board room and cafeteria, Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Route 62, Danvers; on the third Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. in the library and doctors' conference room, Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. Gloucester, Lynn and Beverly meetings have merged and will be held at the above locations. Sponsored by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Greater North Shore. Call NAMI GNS at (877) 221-6264.

Support group for those with a loss because of death, separation or divorce meets Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., St. Mary of the Annunciation Church rectory, 24 Conant St., Danvers. The nondenominational group offers structured topics, professional speakers and social events. Call (978) 282-7676 to register.

Hepatitis C Health Services, Mondays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 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 are offered at 67 Middle St., (978) 283-0101. Ask for Kerri Connelly, client services representative, or call Sunny Robinson at the health department at (978) 281-9771.

Free blood pressure screening:

* Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m. in the Fisher Lobby, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Appointments are not necessary. All are welcome. Not held on holidays that fall on Mondays; 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.

Seniors and beginners exercise classes: Pilates mat classes meet Tuesday mornings; low-impact aerobics classes meet Wednesday and Thursday morning; led by Juliana McGovern at St. Joachim's Church (in the Parish Hall). Bring a towel or mat. $5 donation. Beginners and drop-ins invited. Call (978) 546-7533.

Gentle yoga stretches and exercises for seniors, Mondays, 10 to 11 a.m., Rose Baker Senior Center. To sign up, call Lisa at the Council on Aging, (978) 281-9765.

Transmission Meditation Group: The Great Invocation is followed by an hour of silence, group sharing and group dharma talk. A sacred space in a beautiful, natural setting. The group meets Monday mornings. Call Susannah at (978) 283-4479 for directions.

Chair Yoga, Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.at Rose Baker Senior Center. To sign up, call Lisa at the Council on Aging, (978) 281-9765.

Exercises for prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis, Wednesdays, 2 to 3 p.m. at the Rose Baker Senior Center. To sign up, call Lisa at the Council on Aging, (978) 281-9765.

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. The program will be held at the Beverly Hospital Lifestyle Management Institute, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Cost is $70. Call (978) 774-4400, Ext. 3011.

Volunteers sought at Addison Gilbert Hospital: Adult applicants are sought for the hospital's team of volunteers. Opportunities for gift shop sales positions are available for morning, afternoon and evening shifts. Call (978) 922-3000, Ext. 2307.

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

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

Health insurance program offered at Addison Gilbert Hospital and Beverly Hospital for those in need. Financial counselors are available to assist. Contact 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. Call (978) 283-4001, Ext. 607.

Health Connection, for information regarding clinics, lectures, physician referral, etc. Call (888) 253-0800.

Smoking Cessation Workshop, one-on-one sessions, designed for all people who want to stop smoking forever. Progressive relaxation helps to stop smoking without stress, weight gain or irritability. Price for an individual is $70 for a 60 to 90-minute session, $30 for 30-minute follow-up session. At the Lifestyle Management Institute located at the Beverly Hospital Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Call (978) 774-4400, Ext. 3011.

Diabetes clinic: Free screening on the first Monday of the month, Fisher Lobby, Addison Gilbert Hospital, 1 to 3 p.m. Appointments are not necessary. Call (978) 283-4000, Ext. 601.

Gloucester Stroke Club meeting: First Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., Nelson Dining Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital. Registration is not required. Call (978) 283-2370 or (978) 283-2633.

Multiple Sclerosis support group meets in the Longan Room, Addison Gilbert Hospital on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. No fee or registration required. Use the Washington Street entrance or the Fisher Lobby for wheelchair accessibility. Call Marc Schwartz at (978) 546-1355 or Jean at (978) 546-2607.

North Shore Crohn's & Colitis Support Group meets on the third Thursday of each month in the Doctors' Conference Room, Beverly Hospital, 7 p.m. There is no fee or pre-registration. Call (781) 245-2978.

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.

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, Mass., 01930. Submissions may also be faxed to (978) 281-5748 or e-mailed to gdt@ecnnews.com.