Community Health Classes and Events

health and wellness programs for the community

ALERT

Due to COVID-19 cases in our community, many of our in-person classes, events, support groups and meetings are being held virtually to protect our patients, staff and visitors. We will announce here and on our Facebook page when events will resume as normal.

In the meantime, you can find out if a class or meeting is in-person or virtual by contacting the Community Outreach and Health Improvement Department at 1-800-515-0044 or visit the UM Upper Chesapeake Health Events page.

Thank you for your understanding.

At University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, we are proud to serve northeastern Maryland with advanced health care options and are committed to providing the highest quality of care to every member of our community. And because the wellness of your and your family is very important to us, we want to equip you with in- formation that can help you stay healthy, feel great and live your life to the fullest. From diet to exercise to wellness and other healthy tips we are here for you.

We believe in and support population health and community health improvement in many ways. We provide health services to under- served populations, health education and screenings, financial and in-kind donations, support groups, charitable care and a variety of clinics to name a few.

We work with community partners to eliminate health care disparities by delivering programs that focus on prevention and wellness, leading to better health outcomes for the communities we serve.

Wellness Screenings

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Throughout the year our Medical Mobile Van offers health screenings, educational programs and clinics and participates in community health fairs at locations across the county.

Blood Pressure
BMI and Body Fat Analysis
Cholesterol and Heart Disease Risk Assessment
Stroke Risk Assessment
Cancer Screenings
Diabetes Risk Assessment and Screening (HbA1C)
Osteoporosis
Sleep Disorders
Vascular
Depression
Vision and Hearing

Car Seat Safety Checks

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Car seat safety checks are the best way to be sure parents and caregivers are using child car seats correctly. Twice a month we offer appointments to have infant, child and booster car seats checked to ensure proper installation. Participants must be physically capable of re-installing or making corrections to the car seat themselves. Our safety technicians will provide guidance and direction, but cannot install the seat for you.

Please call 800-515-0044 for more information.

Education

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A variety of educational programs are available and cover such topics as smoking cessation, women's and children's health issues, clinical pastoral education, heart health, weight loss support and much more.

Diabetes Prevention Program

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You can make a change for life!

Have you ever been told you are at risk for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes? If your health care provider has said you are at high risk of developing diabetes, you may be eligible to be part of a free, 12-month class through University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health.

We will teach you lifestyle changes to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. That's a positive change that can add years to your life!

You could be at risk for developing diabetes, if you:

Are 45 years of age or older
Are overweight
Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
Do not exercise
Had diabetes while pregnant or had a baby that weighed more than 9lbs at birth

The University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health is sponsoring this 12-month lifestyle change and prevention program to help you reduce your risk and take charge of your health! The Diabetes Prevention Program or DPP will meet weekly for 4 months, twice monthly for 2 months and then once monthly for 6 months to help you maintain healthy lifestyle changes.

During each session, your lifestyle coaches will facilitate a group discussion on various topics such as eating healthy, adding physical activity, managing stress, and ways to stay on track when eating out. They will also help you learn how to set goals, build relationships with other participants, work as a team to meet challenges and help with ways to stay motivated.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (In-person and Virtual):

This lifestyle change program can help participants make lasting changes to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Developed by the Centers for Disease Control, this 12-month program offers participants the skills they need to lose weight, be more physically active and manage stress. Trained lifestyle coaches guide and encourage participants along with the support from other participants. Must be pre-diabetic or demonstrate a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 20 weekly sessions, 1 hour each session plus 6 monthly sessions, 1 hour each session

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (Online):

This lifestyle change program can help participants make lasting changes to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Based on curriculum developed by the Centers for Disease Control, this free online 12-month program offers participants the skills they need to lose weight, be more physically active and manage stress. Trained lifestyle coaches guide and encourage participants along with the support from other participants. Must be pre-diabetic or demonstrate a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Sixteen weekly sessions, 5 bi-monthly sessions, and 6-monthly sessions using the HALT online and Zoom platforms. Each session is approximately 1 hour.

Living Well Programs

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Living Well with Diabetes Self-Management

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for a number of serious, even life-threatening, complications. Good diabetes control can help reduce the risk of these complications. Topics include nutrition, exercise, stress management, foot care and more. 6 weekly sessions, 2.5 hours each session.

Living Well Chronic Disease Self-Management

Chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and arthritis are leading causes of disability in the U.S. Participants will learn to cope with the fatigue, frustration and pain that accompany chronic conditions, and exercises for improving strength and endurance, all which improve health and decrease hospital stays. 6 weekly sessions, 2.5 hours each session.

Living Well Chronic Pain Self-Management

Chronic pain can be debilitating and may lead to isolation and depression. Better management of chronic pain can help participants feel better, move better and improve quality of life. 6 weekly sessions, 2.5 hours each session.

Falls Prevention Program

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Stepping On (fall prevention program):

One in three Americans age 65 and older falls every year. In addition, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, and are costly in terms of dollars and quality of life. Evidence-based fall prevention classes can help reduce the number of falls among seniors. Stepping On focuses on strength and balancing exercises, medication management, home safety, footwear, vision and mobility to prevent falls. 7 weekly sessions, 2 hours each session

Stepping Up Your Nutrition (session 0 prior to Stepping On):

Malnutrition can cause muscle loss and dizziness increasing your risk of falls. If you have two or more chronic conditions, you may be at risk of malnutrition. Stepping Up Your Nutrition can help participants learn what they can do to eat better and improve their health. 1 session, 2 hours