Learn to live well with heart failure
NILES — Lakeland Health will offer “Living Well with Heart Failure,” a free class for community members about congestive heart failure, a chronic condition characterized by the heart’s inability to meet the blood flow needs of the body.
The program will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the Buchanan Health Resource Library at Lakeland Hospital, 31 N. St. Joseph Ave., Niles.
Participants will learn to identify common causes and symptoms of heart failure, as well as new daily routines that can dramatically improve one’s quality of life. Preregistration for the class is required, by calling (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

Free weight loss seminars offered
NILES/ST. JOSEPH — The Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center is offering a free seminar, “Lose Weight…Find Health.”
The first seminar will be Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the Community Conference Room at the Lakeland Medical Suites, 42 N. St. Joseph Ave., Niles. A second seminar will be Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the Frederick S. Upton Education Center at Lakeland Medical Center, 1234 Napier Ave., St. Joseph. Both seminars will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Bariatric surgeons Jill Gorsuch and Michael Schuhknecht will discuss programs available for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight for years to come. The Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center specializes in working with each person to create a customized lifestyle plan, including medical weight loss management through diet or bariatric surgery, nutrition counseling, individualized exercise programs and monthly support groups.
For more information, or to register for the seminar, call (269) 687-4673 or (877) 467-3858.

Free pre-diabetes class in Niles
NILES — Lakeland Health is offering a program designed to help anyone with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels learn about lifestyle changes which may help them avoid or delay the onset of diabetes.
The class will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, in the meeting room at Lakeland Hospital, 31 N. St. Joseph Ave., Niles.
During the first hour of the program, a registered nurse will guide attendees through the disease process of diabetes and introduce healthy lifestyle changes. The final hour will be spent with a registered dietitian who will suggest meal selections that can help participants maintain health and manage weight.
This program does not require a physician referral. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited. For more information, or to register, call (269) 556-2868.

Bones in balance classes helps individuals with osteoporosis
ST. JOSEPH — Lakeland Orthopedic Physical Therapy is now enrolling participants for “Bones in Balance,” a four-week program designed to teach those diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia how to successfully live with these conditions through self-management.
“Bones in Balance” incorporates education and exercise and is led by specially trained physical therapists. The program includes self-management tips from a pharmacist, registered dietitian, nurse educator and counselor.
Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Center for Outpatient Services, 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. Registration is open for the next set of classes, which will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 5 to 7:30 p.m. from Feb. 2 to 23.
A physician’s order is required to participate. There is a $25 registration fee to cover the cost of materials; the remaining amount is billable to insurance.
For more information, or to register, call (269) 556-7150.

Blood drives set for Feb. 3 and 15
ST. JOSEPH — Michigan Blood will be hosting two blood drives. The first will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in the Frederick S. Upton Education Center at Lakeland Medical Center, 1234 Napier Ave., St. Joseph.
A second blood drive will be from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the meeting room at Lakeland Hospital, 31 N. St. Joseph St., Niles.
Any healthy person age 17 or older (or age 16 with permission from a parent or guardian) and weighing at least 110 pounds is welcome to donate blood. Participants should plan on 45 to 60 minutes for the entire donation process, including a brief pre-donation health screening and a snack/rest period following donation.
To learn more about blood donation, visit miblood.org or call (866) MI-BLOOD.

Lakeland hosts community wellness workshop
BENTON HARBOR — In honor of American Heart Month, Community Health and Wellness at Lakeland Health will host a free community heart health screening, education, and health coaching event.
The workshop will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, Fettig Youth Campus, located at 600 Nate Wells Sr. Drive.
The screening will include a fasting cholesterol lipid panel, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) screening. The cholesterol lipid panel includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and blood sugar.
A 12-hour fast (no food, only water) is required.
Participants must be age 18 or older. Refreshments will be provided.
Pre-registration is requested for this event; walk-ins will be accepted if space is available. For more information and to make an appointment, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

Lakeland offers class series on early heart attack care
ST. JOSEPH — Early Heart Attack Care involves knowing the subtle danger signs of a heart attack and acting upon them immediately – before heart damage occurs. “Because Every Heart Matters” is a free class that provides information about the early symptoms of heart attack for yourself and others, the importance of early treatment and calling 911, and ways to decrease the risk of heart disease.
The first class will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Elite Barbershop, located at 1301 Pipestone Road in Benton Harbor. A second class will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the meeting room at Lakeland Hospital, Niles, located at 31 North St. Joseph St.
Preregistration is required; call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.
Visit lakelandhealth.org or find Lakeland Health on Facebook or Twitter for more classes and events.