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The holidays are a time to think of loved ones — especially those who are chronically ill, and that leads us to think of the health care professionals who aid in end-of-life care. Through hospice care, which involves a core interdisciplinary team of professionals and volunteers who provide medical, psychological and spiritual support to the terminally ill, as well as support for the patient’s family, many patients’ lives are enhanced, as are their loved ones’ lives.
Before this month closes, and the observance of National Hospice Month ends, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization recognizes the more than 3,200 hospice providers, including many at Blount Memorial, who advocate for high-quality care at end-of-life stages in patients’ lives.
And, to help do that is one of Blount Memorial’s own — physician extender Betsy Xiques. She’ll present a free informational program, Hospice Care, on Wednesday, from noon–1 p.m. in the Blount Memorial Medical Fitness classroom on the hospital’s 2-east floor. For information about hospice services or to learn how you can become a hospice volunteer here locally, call Blount Memorial Palliative Care at 977-5702.
— The sun’s shining, but you can’t tell by the temperatures, so it’s still important to lather up — with lotion that is. During this month’s observance of National Healthy Skin Month, supported by the American Academy of Dermatology, the importance of good skin care habits comes to the surface, and the AAD focuses attention on new treatment options that aid children, teens and adults who want to look — and feel — good. Skin-safe tips are available by visiting www.aad.org.
— If the holiday weekend has you feeling a little tight in the waist, considering if weight loss surgery might be for you, then join Blount Memorial Weight Management Center surgeons Dr. Mark Colquitt and Dr. Jonathan Ray at the Thursday, Nov. 29 Bariatric Lecture Series presentation that takes place at 7 p.m. in the Blount Memorial Hospital auditorium. Those interested will hear about the surgical and laparoscopic treatments of obesity. Register by calling 866-300-8644.
— If you’ve lost a child to death at any point in life, you’re invited to attend tonight’s monthly meeting of the Compassionate Friends Foothills Chapter. The group meets the fourth Monday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Blount Memorial Hospital auditorium. For more information, call 984-4223.
— And, if you’re just kicking off your holiday season, not to worry — so is Blount Memorial Hospital. Celebrate the season with the lighting of the Blount Memorial Foundation Holiday Tree of Lights on Tuesday, at 6 p.m. in the Garden of Life. Each light on the tree is donated by a community member in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one. For more information about adding a light to the tree in honor of your family member or loved one, call 977-5727.