The Breast Cancer Support Group, “Rebound,” of St. Margaret’s Hospital, is open to all persons affected by breast cancer.  Interested parties may call (815) 339-6480 for details.

Mom’s Special Helper Sibling Class To Be Held At St. Margaret’s

St. Margaret’s will hold a Mom’s Special Helper Sibling Class for soon-to-be big brothers and sisters on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. in room 309 on the third floor of the Hospital.  The class will be conducted through the use of a video, demonstrations, and storybook readings.  A tour of the Family Birthing Centre will be provided, and participants will receive refreshments, certificates, a gift bag and souvenir handouts.  Parents are encouraged to sign up their 3-10 year olds for this free class.  To register, call St. Margaret’s Family Birthing Centre at (815) 664-1345 or (815) 223-5346, ext. 345.

Parkinson’s Support Group Schedules Meeting

St. Margaret’s support group for persons affected by Parkinson’s disease will meet Monday, Feb. 6, at 1:30 p.m. in the Hospital’s First Floor Presentation Room.  Family and friends are invited to attend. 

The support group offers emotional support, socialization and an opportunity to share information with others who are affected by Parkinson’s Disease.  The group meets regularly every first Monday of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room.  Free Valet Parking is provided, and wheelchairs are available in the hospital.  For more information, please contact St. Margaret’s Patient Support Services at (815) 664-1613 or (815) 223-5346, ext. 1613.

St. Margaret’s To Host The ABC’s Of Prenatal Care

St. Margaret’s Hospital will host the ABC’s of Prenatal Care class on Monday, Feb. 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the First Floor Presentation Room.  The free class is designed for pregnant women in their first and second trimesters.

Participants will receive information on fetal growth and development, prenatal testing, fitness and nutrition, and signs and symptoms of preterm labor.  Additional topics will include how to palpate contractions and perform the fetal kick count as well as examining the minor discomforts of pregnancy and tips on how to relieve them.

The class is helpful in assisting mothers-to-be with what kind of questions to ask their doctor if they observe a possible problem during their pregnancy.   

The ABC’s of Prenatal Care class is one component of the family birthing services offered at St. Margaret’s, which include Lamaze training and a take-home instructional video, which is given to all new mothers.  For more information, or to register, contact St. Margaret’s Family Birthing Centre at (815) 664-1345 or 223-5346, ext. 1345.

St. Margaret's Offers CPR Course

St. Margaret's Hospital and the American Heart Association will offer a CPR class on Tuesday, February 7, at 6:00 p.m., in the First Floor Presentation Room.  The Family and Friends course is an adult and infant community CPR course and does not meet CPR certification requirements of employment or required professional credentials.  The class cost is $20.

Pre-registration is required by calling St. Margaret’s Hospital Occupational Health Department, at 815-220-0075.

Rainbows Support Group Schedules Meeting

“Rainbows,” a children’s support group through life’s difficult changes of death, divorce and loss, will meet from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, at St. Margaret’s Hospital, Room 129.

For more information, call (815) 664-1639 or (815) 223- 5346, ext. 1639.

St. Margaret’s Health Offers Lipid Profile and Glucose Screening

St. Margaret’s Hospital will offer a Lipid Profile and Glucose Screening on Wed., February 8, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the first floor Presentation Room of the hospital.  The $20 fee includes a check of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL.  A twelve-hour food and beverage fast is recommended for more accurate results.  Registration is requested by calling St. Margaret’s at (815) 664-1486 or (815) 223-5346, ext. 1486.

St. Margaret's Presents a Night of Music with THREE Bands

St. Margaret’s Hospital Foundation presents a Tribute to Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, a night featuring THREE bands: The Sliver Pickers, The Hillbilly Rock Band and Phil 'N' The Blanks. The dance will be held on Saturday, February 18, from 7-11 p.m. at the Eagle’s Lodge in Peru. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and food and drink are available for purchase. Proceeds to benefit St. Margaret’s Care for Diabetes (both Jennings and Cash suffered from diabetes).

The tickets cost $10 each and can be purchased at the following businesses: St. Margaret’s Gift Shop, Spring Valley City Bank, Hackman Insurance Office, Dr. Lee Ceresa’s Office, HyVee Grocery and Studio 718.For more information, please call Diane at 815-664-7260.

Diabetic Education Classes

A Free Diabetes Education Class Series will be held at St. Margaret’s Hospital beginning on Monday, February 13 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the First Floor Presentation Room.  The class will continue on the following two consecutive Mondays. 

The class will cover an overview of diabetes, complications and monitoring, nutrition and diet, medications, stress management and social assistance, exercise and activity, and foot, skin and oral care.  Participants will also receive a free glucometer. 

The class is coordinated by Pat Schummer, RN, Patient Education Nurse and Certified Diabetic Educator at St. Margaret’s Hospital. 

To register, call St. Margaret’s Patient Education at (815) 664-1616 or 223-5346, ext. 1616.

Visions Support Group Schedules Meeting

“Visions,” a support group for the blind and visually impaired, will meet from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, in St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room.

“Visions” meets regularly on the first and third Thursday of each month from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.  For more information, call (815) 664-1440.