Programs Listing

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

Education Programs, Events and Screenings

Featured Event of the Month
Expert to discuss fibromyalgia

To help people better understand what fibromyalgia is and what treatments are available, Backus is hosting a community health talk this month about the painful syndrome.

Sandeep Varma, MD, a rheumatologist at the Backus Arthritis Center, said fibromyalgia can be frustrating for both patients and doctors, because it is a diagnosis of exclusion. In other words, patients are often tested for other diseases before it is determined they have this syndrome.

The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread musculoskeletal pain, severe fatigue, and disturbed sleep. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons — the soft fibrous tissues in the body.

The community health talk will be Nov. 27 from 6:30-8 p.m. in conference rooms 1, 2 and 3.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new drug, Lyrica (pregablin), for the management of fibromyalgia. This is the first time the FDA has approved a drug specifically for treating fibromyalgia. Marketed by Pfizer, Inc., Lyrica was already approved to treat seizures, as well as pain from damaged nerves that can happen from diabetes and in those who develop pain following shingles.

"Treatment is difficult," Dr. Varma said. "It is best to use a team approach and figure out what works best for each patient, and what causes flare-ups. There are no shortcuts and no right strategies for everyone. It is different than other diseases we treat, such as rheumatoid arthritis, because it doesn't cause mortality, but treatment does improve quality of life."

Other treatments include analgesics, anti-inflammatory medications, sleep aids and complementary treatments, such as acupuncture, massage or chiropractic care.

More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, and it shows up in people of all ages. A conservative estimate of its prevalence is 2% of the general population, but it may be as high as three to 5%, with about 6 million people affected.

Dr. Varma said it can either be a primary or a secondary syndrome, which means people may only have fibromyalgia or they may suffer from rheumatoid lupus or another disease and have fibromyalgia as well.

If you want to go

What: Community Health Talk on fibromyalgia
When: Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3.
Registration is required: Call 823-6313

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, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17
• 6-7:15 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $77 (for the seven-week series) 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.

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.
• Wednesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5, 12
• 4:30-5:45 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich
There is a $77 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 for more information. These are the last five classes of a 7-week cycle. $13/class walk-in, fee based on space availability.

Coping with Grief and the Holidays: When the Holidays aren't so Happy
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, in conjunction with Backus Cancer Services, will be hosting a dinner meeting on grief education and support for those coping with loss during the upcoming holiday season. Refreshments will be served. Instructors: Cyndia Shook, LCSW; and Elizabeth Palmieri, MS.
• Wednesday, Dec. 12
• 5 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference rooms
Program is free. For more information or to register, call 823-6379.

"Don't Let Diabetes Get You Down"
The link between diabetes and depression, and how to manage the disease will be discussed at this informative program brought to you by the Backus Diabetes Management team. Speakers include Brian Benton, MD, Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at Backus Hospital; Lori Welcome, Registered Clinical Social Worker; and Carol Klammer, Registered yoga teacher. Part of National Diabetes Education Week. Light refreshments provided.
• Thursday, Nov. 8
• 5-7 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center
Program free but registration required by calling 889-8331, ext. 4092.

Lighten Up! Win At Losing
A dynamic six-week course designed to help you achieve a healthy relationship with food and exercise through hypnotic relaxation. Release, once and for all, old patterns of craving and overeating with hypnosis which activates your deepest reserves of willpower. Discover the foods which satisfy and nourish you best and learn a delightful, quick form of self-hypnosis. All participants receive two hypnosis CDs. Instructor Jane Percy, CH, CIH, Hypnotherapist and teacher, past life regression therapist, empowerment coach, and medical intuitive. Her Lighten Up program was featured in FIRST Magazine and she is author of LIGHTEN UP! WIN AT LOSING, A Dynamic Guide To Weight Health.
• Thursdays, Nov. 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20
• 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.

Mohegan Sun Healthy Habits Showcase
The William W. Backus Hospital will be offering Free Foot Screenings at the Healthy Habits Showcase. Children and adults are encouraged to participate in the Kidz Safety Trail program Backus is offering Ð "Smoking is Not Cool!" Take the smoke-free pledge and receive free giveaways. Also learn about Backus Hospital's early detection program that offers free mammograms or pap smears if you are uninsured or underinsured.
• Saturday, Nov. 17
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Mohegan Sun
Program free; no registration required.

Operating Room Open House
Who takes care of you when you're having a procedure done? Who advocates for you when you can't speak for yourself? How do you become a perioperative nurse? Learn more about new and exciting technology at Backus, and the operating nurses who take care of you, at this behind the scenes look at the operating room.
• Sunday, Nov. 11
• Noon-3 p.m.
• Meet at the conference rooms at the main entrance of Backus Hospital.
The program is free and registration is not required.

Prepare for Surgery- Heal Faster
Using Guided Imagery and relaxation helps people feel calmer before surgery, have less pain after surgery and recover more quickly. The techniques are also helpful for many other procedures to help lessen anxiety. The patient will receive a book and CD or tape and take one 90 minute instructional class. Ideally the class is taken 1-3 weeks prior to surgery. Classes are offered each Monday and Wednesday.
• Mondays, Nov. 5, 12
• 6-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Surgical Services Family Room
• Wednesday, Nov. 7, 14
• 2-3:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke, Norwich
There is a $30 (tape and book) or $35 (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, Nov. 8
• 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conf. rooms 1 & 2
Program free; no registration required.

Reiki Level I and II training
Reiki (Ray key), an energy therapy, is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki is useful for practitioners, caregivers and for self-care. Instructor: Marie Perez, Reiki Master.
• Saturday, Nov. 3
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI), 115 Lafayette St. (across from the hospital)
• Sunday, Nov. 4
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• CHI
There is a $200 /level fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext 2483 for more information. Participants may register for one or both. For Level I and II taken together, fee is $350.

Rose City Senior Center Flu Clinic
The Rose City Senior Center will be hosting a Flu Clinic. It is not too late to get your flu shot! The CDC recommends that seniors obtain their flu shots later in the season in order to have protection until March when flu season is still around. Registration will occur at the Senior Center so please remember to bring your insurance cards.
• Wednesday, Nov. 14
• 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30-3 p.m.
• Rose City Senior Center, Norwich
There is a fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-5960 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, Nov. 2
• 4 - 4:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery waiting area
• Saturday, Nov. 17
• 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, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29
• 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $120 (for the eight-week series) fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 to register and for more information. Walk-ins are welcome for the first and second classes, $15/class based on space availability.

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, Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28
• 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 scheduled for surgery can learn what to expect from spinal fusion surgery -- preparatory measures, the procedure, rehabilitation, and other issues.
• Wednesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28
• 9-11 a.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6376 for more information.

"Understanding Fibromyalgia" Health Education Talk
Sandeep Varma, MD, a rheumatologist on the Backus Hospital staff and Medical Director of the Backus Arthritis Center, will give the presentation "All about Fibromyalgia." Free and open to the public. Call 823-6313 to register.
• Tuesday, Nov. 27
• 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference rooms
Program free but registration required.

Woman to Woman Health Talk series
The Backus Nursing and Community Health Education Department is offering a monthly "Woman to Woman Health Talk," featuring female clinicians at Backus speaking about health issues of interest to women. Held the second Thursday of each month. November's program is "Asthma and COPD: Control that huffing and puffing," presented by Donna Romito, MD, a member of the Backus Medical Staff."
• Thursday, Nov. 8
• 6:30-8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference rooms
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6313 to register or for more information.

Childbirth and Infant Care

Birth Plan Seminar
Do you need a birth plan? Learn how to write a simple and effective plan to communicate your wishes.
• Tuesday, Nov. 14
• 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• The Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Breast-feeding Preparation Class
Learn breast-feeding tips for success. This class is for expectant women.
• Tuesday, Nov. 13
• 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• The Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 or email moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Classes
A four-week series offered on Monday evenings in the Backus Hospital Birthing Center. Includes a tour of the Birthing Center. Register three months prior to due date.
• Nov. 19, 26, Dec 3, 10, 17
• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There is a $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 to register or for more information or email 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.
• Wednesday, Nov. 14
• 7-9 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
There is a $35 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 to register or for more information or email moc@wwbh.org

Childbirth Weekend Preparation Class
A two-day weekend class. Register early. Continental breakfast.
• Saturday, Nov. 17
• 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry-level conference room
• Sunday, Nov. 18
• 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 to register or for more information or email 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.
• Tuesday, Dec. 18
• 6:30- 8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center Conference Room
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 to register or for more information. Online registration available by emailing moc@wwbh.org. Enrollment is limited, please register early.

HypnoBirthing Class
Learn how to break the fear-tension-pain cycle. Complete childbirth education series using hypnosis, relaxation, visualization and education to have a more comfortable, satisfying birth.
• Nov. 3,4, 10
• 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The Backus Hospital Birthing Center
• Thursday, Nov. 8,15, 29, Dec . 6,13
• 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
• The Backus Hospital Birthing Center
There is a $300 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 376-2667 or andrearn@hughes.net for more information.

Infant-Child CPR
A Backus Birthing Center program for parents and parents-to-be in the instruction of CPR infants and children. Instructor is certified in CPR.
• Monday, Nov. 5
• 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center conference room
There is a $35 per couple or $20 per person fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 to register or for more information or email moc@wwbh.org. Classes are limited to eight people per session.

Nurturing Your Newborn- An Infant Care Class
This two-hour class teaches about normal newborn behavior, tests and procedures in the hospital, and how to care for your baby in the first few days at home. Topics include: safe sleep, swaddling, bath demonstration, feeding, newborn appearance and behaviors and when to call the doctor.
• Monday, Nov. 6
• 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 for more information.

Labor Comforts
A 3-hour class to learn labor support techniques to maximize your comfort and relaxation in labor.
• Thursday, Nov. 1
• 6:30-9 p.m.
• The Backus Hospital Birthing Center
There is a $65 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 376-2667 or andrearn@hughes.net for more information.

New Moms Support Group
For new moms, come in and talk to other moms like you, discuss postpartum issues, breastfeeding, and infant care. Facilitated by the Lactation Consultant/Educator. Discuss your questions and concerns in a supportive, breast feeding friendly environment. Held every Tuesday and Thursday.
• Tuesdays, Nov. 6,13, 20, 27
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
• Thursday, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free; no registration required. Call 425-3863 at moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Prenatal Yoga Class
Nurture yourself and prepare for the changes ahead with a gentle stretching and meditation-focused practice.
• Wednesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 28, Dec 5, 12
• 6-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, Norwich
There is a $77 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, Nov. 14
• 10 a.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 to register or for more information or email moc@wwbh.org

Teen Birthing
A two-evening childbirth preparation class to prepare adolescent couples for labor and delivery. Call for confirmation.
• Tuesday, Nov. 13 and 20
• 4:30 -7 p.m.
• Backus Birthing Center
• Dec. 4 and 11
• 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Backus Birthing Center
There is a $10 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 to register or for more information or email moc@wwbh.org

Clinics and Services

Amputee Clinic
For new amputees or amputees considering a new prosthesis. Usually held the first Tuesday of the month. Individualized sessions.
• Tuesday, Nov. 6
• 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, Nov. 2, 9
• 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. The clinic will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12th, due to the Veteran's Day holiday.

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. The clinic will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12, due to the Veteran's Day holiday.

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.

Brain Injury Support Group
For persons who have experienced a brain injury, and for their families and friends. Usually held on the first Thursday of the month.
• Thursday, Nov. 1
• 1 - 2:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy conference room in the Medical Office Building.
Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331, ext. 4060 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
For breast cancer patients and their families, sponsored by Backus Hospital and ECHO. Usually held on the third Tuesday of each month.
• Tuesday, Nov. 20
• 7 - 8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy Waiting Room, Medical Office Building
Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331, ext. 4239 or ext. 2777 for more information.

Cancer Support Group
Cancer patients and survivors, are invited to discuss how cancer has changed their lives. Usually held on the second Thursday the month. Reservations are requested as lunch will be provided.
• Thursday, Nov. 8
• noon-1 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy Conference Room in the Medical Office Building
Program free but registration required. Call 889-8331, ext. 4239 or 823-8362, ext. 293 for more information.

Celiac Support Group
For people unable to tolerate gluten in their diet, held the last Thursday of the month.
• Thursday, Nov. 29
• 6:30 p.m.
• Backus Medical Office Building room 130
Program free; no registration required. Call Janice Jurczyk, 889-7776 for more information.

Congestive Heart Failure Support Group
Patients with congestive heart failure can learn more about the disease and meet others going through treatment. Aimee Stefanski, APRN, facilitates the CHF support group for patients and families, held the second Wednesday of each month.
• Wednesday, Nov. 7
• 6-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital auditorium
Program free; no registration required. Call 823-6577 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.
• Tuesday, Nov. 6
• 10 - 11 a.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.

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, Dec. 5
• 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conf. room 1
Program free; no registration required. Call Suzanne Plante at 823-6317 for more information.

Mended Hearts
Cardiac support group that meets the third Tuesday of the month.
• Tuesday, Nov. 20
• 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, Nov. 13
• 7-8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Conference Room
Program free; no registration required. Call Elynor Carey, 889-8331, ext. 4239 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, Nov. 11
• 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.