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Give yourself the gifts of knowledge and health during the holiday season by attending one of the many health education events at Blount Memorial Hospital this week. On Tuesday, mark your calendar to attend a free Lunch and Learn session from noon-1 p.m. on "Understanding Clinical Trials as They Relate to Cancer Treatment" in the Blount Memorial Cancer Center's conference rooms 1 and 2, located on the second floor of the center. Oncologist Dr. Matthew McCarty will talk about how clinical trials work and why they are useful. For more information or to register, call 980-5038.

Today, the Senior Health Circle has another lunchtime opportunity from noon-1 p.m. in the Blount Memorial Hospital auditorium. Clayton Center for the Arts marketing director John Cherry will present "The Unfolding of an Explosion of Arts in Blount County." In the spring of 2010, the Clayton Center for the Arts on the campus of Maryville College will open its doors to bring an opportunity to the citizens of Blount and neighboring counties to attend and enjoy quality performances on a state-of-the-art stage in an acoustically designed theater. Learn about the construction and the schedule for the 2010 season as it is unfolding. For more information, call Blount Memorial Senior Services at 977-5744.

There is an opportunity to receive education on Surgical Weight Loss Options at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Airport Hilton, located at 2001 Alcoa Highway, in Alcoa. As part of the Surgical Weight Loss Lecture Series, surgeons Dr. Mark Colquitt and Dr. Jonathan Ray will talk about the surgical and laparoscopic treatments of obesity including gastric banding, sleeve and bypass procedures. To register, call 977-4673 or 866-300-8644.

Also on Thursday, stick around to take a look at the possible outcomes of surgical weight loss by attending the Annual Bariatric Surgery Fashion Show at 7:30 p.m. at the Airport Hilton. The Blount Memorial Weight Management Center is celebrating seven years of bariatric surgery. Post-weight loss surgery patients will share their successes and achievements at the event.

If you suffer from diabetes, Blount Memorial provides diabetes education classes that teach the knowledge and skills for managing the condition. Sign up for the two-part morning class, which takes place on Tuesday and Thursday, from 8 a.m.-oon in the Blount Memorial Cancer Center's conference room 1, located on the second floor of the center. Classes are recognized by the American Diabetes Association and are covered by most insurance carriers. Each participant may bring a guest. Physician referral and an initial evaluation are required prior to attending a class. For more information or to register, call 977-5767.

Three support groups meet this week including Moms Remembered, which meets today from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Blount Memorial Home Services and Hospice building, located at 1095 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, in Maryville. The group is for women who have lost their mothers through death. To register, call 981-2291. The Parents of Adult Children Support Group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, in the Blount Memorial Hospital auditorium. The group is designed to help parents set limits and create opportunities for independence for their adult children. For more information, call 984-4223. On Wednesday, the Caregivers Support Group will meet from 7-8 p.m. on the 3-east floor of Blount Memorial Hospital.