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Programs Listing

Educational Programs, Events and Screenings | Childbirth and Infant Care
Clinics and Services | Support Groups

Education Programs, Events and Screenings

Beginning and Continuing Yoga With Michele Flowers
Classes incorporate stretching, movement, and attention to the breath to relax the body, improve flexibility, calm the mind and enhance inner awareness. Suitable for beginners, those with physical limitations as well as continuing students. Instructor: Michele Flowers
• Mondays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• 6-7:15 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $66 fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI at 889-8331, ext. 2483 for more information.
$13/class walk-in fee, based on space availability. These are the last five weeks of a six week series. A new series will begin May 14.

Beginning and Continuing Yoga With Carol Klammer
Classes incorporate stretching, movement, and attention to the breath to relax the body, improve flexibility, calm the mind and enhance inner awareness. Suitable for beginners, those with physical limitations as well as continuing students. Instructor: Carol Klammer.
• Tuesdays, April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• 4:30-5:45 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike., Norwich
There is a $66 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 for more information. $13/class walk-in, fee based on space availability.

Community Blood Pressure Screening
Free, open to the public, third Wednesday of every month.
• Wednesday, April 18
• 1-2 p.m.
• Backus entry level conference room 1
Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2495 for more information.

Gentle Yoga
The classes focus on very gentle movement, stretching, breathing and relaxation. They are designed to support and enhance recovery from cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, and many other medical conditions. Postures can be done seated and standing often with the support of chairs. Accommodations will be made to meet individual needs. Instructor: Carol Klammer.
• Thursdays, April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• 3:15-4:15 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $66 fee for this program and registration is required. Call Carol Klammer at 887-3388 to register or for more information.
Partial scholarships for oncology patients are provided by The ECHO Cancer Foundation.

Meditation
Come learn to quiet your mind and body, release the stress of your day and enter stillness, clarity, and peace. This class will introduce several ways to reach a meditative state and will provide time to practice. Instructor: Marie Perez.
• Wednesdays, April 4, 11
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI), 115 Lafayette St. (across the street from the hospital).
There is a $45 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 for more information. These are the last two classes in a five week series. Walk-ins are welcome, $10/class based on space availability.

Lighten Up! A dynamic weight loss program
This six-week series will help you to end yo-yo dieting, cravings, and exercise resistance using a unique blend of hypnosis and coaching, a process that directs your mind, body, and spirit to achieve your optimal weight. Instructor: Jane Percy, certified therapeutic hypnotherapist, past life regression therapist, empowerment coach, and medical intuitive.
• Thursdays, April 5, 12, 19
• 4:30-6 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Conference Room
There is a $300 fee for this program and registration is required. Call the Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI) at 889-8331, ext. 2483 for more information.

Look Good....Feel Better
A monthly program offered by the American Cancer Society to help current cancer patients look their best throughout chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatment. For schedule, call 887-2547, press 3. Program free but registration required.

Mammograms and Pap Smear Screenings
Free to women with no health insurance or insurance that does not cover these services. Enrollment and registration required. Program free but registration required. Call 823-6318 for more information.

Prepare for Surgery-Heal Faster
Using Guided Imagery and relaxation helps people feel calmer before surgery, have less pain after and recover more quickly. The techniques are also helpful for many other procedures to help lessen anxiety. The patient will receive a book and tape and a one-hour instructional class. Ideally the class is taken 1-3 weeks prior to surgery.
• Mondays, April 2, 9, 16
• 6-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI), 115 Lafayette St., Norwich.
• Wednesday, April 4, 11, 18
• 2-3:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $25 (tape and book) or $32 (CD and book) fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI, 889-8331 ext. 2483 for more information. A friend or family member may accompany the patient.

Psychiatric Services Department Lectures
Monthly lectures on psychiatric trends and topics.
• Thursday, April 26
• 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Backus entry level conference rooms 1 & 2
Program free; no registration required.

Reiki Level II
Students will be attuned to the Reiki II energy and will learn the symbols that address mental/emotional conditions and distant healing. Manuals will be included. Prerequisite: Reiki I.
• Saturday, April 15
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI), 115 Lafayette St., Norwich.
There is a $200 fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI at 889-8331, ext. 2483 for more information.

Risk Management Seminar
Colonial Cooperative Care in conjunction with Backus Hospital, ConnectiCare and Morrison Mahoney, LLP, is sponsoring a free medical malpractice and risk management seminar for physicians and medical office staff. CME credit will be provided and this seminar meets the new state licensure requirement for one CME credit in the area of risk management.
• Monday, April 16
• 6 p.m.
• Norwich Holiday Inn
Program free but registration required. Call Stacy Grillo at 885-0630 ext. 115 or smgrillo@cxcare.com for more information.

Safety Camp (Read Story)
A fun way for families to learn about summer safety.
• Saturdays, May 5 (rain date, May 12)
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Backus Hospital parking lot, across from the Medical Office Building.
Program free; no registration required. Call Gillian Mosier at 889-8331 ext. 3220 for more information.

Sail Through Surgery
A pre-op program for children, ages 18 and under, and their parents, to help prepare for an upcoming surgery.
• Friday, April 6
• 4 - 4:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery waiting area
• Saturday, April 21
• 10 - 10:30 a.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery waiting area
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6376 for more information.

Tai Chi
A combination of martial arts and meditation in motion. The many health benefits include increased balance, circulation, coordination, flexibility, and mental clarity. Suitable for beginners, those with physical limitations, as well as continuing students. Instructor: David Chandler.
• Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1
• 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $120 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 to register and for more information. These are the last five classes in an eight week series. A new series will begin May 8.

Total Care Program (joint replacement)
Learn what to expect from your joint replacement surgery -- preparatory measures, the procedure, rehabilitation, and other issues. Includes demonstrations from physical therapists.
• Wednesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25
• 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call Cheryl Martel at 823-6376 to register or for more information.

Total Care Program (spinal fusion)
Backus patients can learn what to expect from spinal fusion surgery -- preparatory measures, the procedure, rehabilitation, and other issues. Includes demonstrations from physical therapists.
• Wednesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25
• 9-11 a.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6376 for more information.

Wee Wheezers (Read Story)
An asthma awareness program for parents and children.
• Mondays, May 10, 17, 24, 31
• 6-8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference room 3
Program free but registration required. Call 448-4882, ext. 308 to register or for more information.

Childbirth and Infant Care

Breast-feeding Preparation Class
Learn breast-feeding tips for success. Women should attend at least 34 weeks into pregnancy.
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Or, email moc@wwbh.org

Childbirth Preparation Classes
A five-week series offered on Monday or Wednesday evenings in the Backus Hospital Birthing Center. Includes a tour of the Birthing Center. Register three months prior to due date.
There is a $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 for more information.
Online registration available by emailing moc@wwbh.org

Childbirth Refresher Class
A one-evening class taught by a certified instructor for couples who have had an infant less than three years ago. Offered the second Wednesday of March, May, July, Sept. and Nov.
• Wednesday, May 9
• 7-9 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
There is a $35 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Online registration available at moc@wwbh.org

Childbirth Weekend Preparation Class
A two-day weekend class. Register early. Continental breakfast.
• Saturday, April 21
• 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry-level conference room
• Sunday, April 22
• 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry-level conference room
There is a $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Online registration available at moc@wwbh.org

Expectant Grandparent Seminar
Designed to bring expectant grandparents up to date with: Roles of grandparents; current information about pregnancy and childbirth; breastfeeding and bottle feeding; home safety for babies and toddlers; variations in the newborn; baby care; and questions and answers.
• Thursday, April 12
• 6:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 for more information.
Online registration available by emailing moc@wwbh.org. Enrollment is limited, please register early.

Infant Massage
Five-week sessions offering techniques for infant massage and relaxation.
There is a $66.50 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-564-4753 for more information. Pro-rated for those who join mid-session.

Nurturing Program for Prenatal Families (Read Story)
To help you learn more about realistic expectations and positive parenting techniques, Backus Hospital and the Madonna Place are offering this new 10-week program. Free and includes dinner.
• Thursday, May 17 through July 19
• 5-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Birthing Center Teaching room
Program free but registration required. Call Ali Coley at 889-8331, ext. 2598 to register or for more information.

Prenatal Yoga Class
Nurture yourself and prepare for the changes ahead with a gentle stretching and meditation-focused practice.
• Wednesday, April 25 to May 30
• 6-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, Salem Tpke., Norwich-Dermatology entrance
There is a $66 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 887-3388 or email hathayoga@snet.net for more information. Please register one week ahead, space is limited. Ongoing enrollment on a space available basis.

Sibling Class
This one day class helps big brother or sister, ages 3-6, prepare for the new addition. Tours of the Birthing Center are included and participants have the chance to see a newborn.
• Wednesday, April 11
• 9:30 a.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
• Saturday, April 21
• 2:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Electronic registration by emailing moc@wwbh.org

Teen Birthing
A three-evening childbirth preparation class to prepare adolescent couples for labor and delivery. Call for confirmation. There is a $10 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Electronic registration available by emailing moc@wwbh.org

Clinics and Services

Amputee Clinic
For new amputees or amputees considering a new prosthesis. Individualized sessions.
• Tuesday, April 3
• 1 - 3 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6317 for more information.

Backus Car Seat clinic
Backus Hospital, the Norwich Safe Communities Coalition and Safe Kids New London County offer car seat checks and installation on the first and third Friday of every month.
• Fridays, April 6, 13
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Norwich Fire Department
Program free but registration required. Call 442-0733 for more information.

HIV Education and Testing Site
Offers free, anonymous and confidential HIV education, counseling and testing. Ongoing Mondays and Wednesdays 5 - 8 p.m. and Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 107 Lafayette Street.
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6343 for more information.

Relaxation and Restoration
The Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI)offers Acupuncture, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Massage (Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Hot Stone Therapy), Reflexology and Reiki sessions to the community by hospital-credentialed therapists. No referral is needed. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 to make an appointment or for more information. Appointments are available 7 days a week, early morning until mid-evening. Massage, Healing Touch, Reflexology and Reiki sessions: $60 for one hour and $80 for 1 1/2 hours. Acupuncture sessions are $70. Gift certificates are also available in the Hospital Gift Shop and at the CHI center.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinic
Diagnosis and treatment of most sexually transmitted diseases; HIV testing is available. Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at 107 Lafayette Street, Norwich. No appointment needed. No new registrations accepted after 7 p.m. Program free; no registration required. Call 823-6344 for more information.

Support Groups

Bereavement Support Group
Sponsored by The Compassionate Friends (TCF) to offer friendship, understanding, and hope to families following the death of a child. Usually held on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Backus Hospital Medical Office Building conference room. Program free; no registration required. Call 468-0018 for more information.

Diabetes Support Group
The Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism offers a Day Diabetes Support Group the first Tuesday of every other month. The Evening Diabetes Support Group is usually offered every other month on the first Thursday.
• 7 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call 892-6906 for more information.
When registering, leave a message on the Living With Diabetes Outpatient Patient Education Classes option.

Bereavement Support Group, Hospice Southeastern Connecticut
Open to anyone in the community who may have lost a loved one, regardless of when the loss occurred. These discussions occur in a supportive and non-threatening atmosphere in a variety of locations throughout southeastern Connecticut. Program free but registration required. Call 848-5699 for more information.

Lymphedema Support Group
Offers an opportunity to share experiences and learn about risk reduction and treatment of lymphedema. Meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of the month.
• Wednesday, June 6
• 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Backus entry level conference room 1
Program free; no registration required. Call Becky Congdon at 823-6317 for more information.

Mended Hearts
Cardiac support group that meets the third Tuesday of the month.
• Tuesday, April 17
• 6:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital auditorium
Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331 ext. 2554 for more information.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
"Angels Remembered" is a support group for parents who have experienced pregnancy or early infancy loss. Held the second Tuesday of each month.
• Tuesday, April 10
• 7-8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Conference Room
Program free; no registration required. Call Michelle Sanford at 822-1155 or Suzanne Smith, Backus Hospital Social Worker, at 889-8331 ext. 4239 for more information.

Stepping Stones
A Hospice Southeastern Connecticut bereavement program that provides extended support to people who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner in the past three years. The program empowers participants to move forward in their lives. Held the second Wednesday of each month, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, 179 Gallivan Lane, Uncasville.
Program free but registration required. Call 848-5699 to register or for more information.

Laryngectomy Support Group
Tri-County New Voice Club for laryngectomy patients and family meets on the second Sunday of the month.
• Sunday, April 8
• 2 - 4 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy conference room in the Medical Office Building
Program free; no registration required. Call Speech Therapy at 889-8331 ext. 3480 for more information.