SUNDAY, SEP. 4
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s needle-exchange program will be held 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at 650 Newtown Pike starting Sept. 4. The free, anonymous and confidential program is designed to reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis in Lexington. Used needles must be brought in to receive clean needles.
In addition to free needles, the program will offer testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, educational materials and a safe disposal of dirty needles. Referrals and counseling can be made available for those who test positive for HIV or who are seeking drug treatment or other health and social services.
The Bluegrass Region, which covers 17 counties including Fayette County, has seen HIV numbers grow from 75 cases in 2011 to 107 in 2013, the most recent year numbers are available. Additionally, Kentucky has the nation’s highest per capita rate for hepatitis C.
Lexington’s needle-exchange program is possible because the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly enacted legislation allowing health departments to operate exchange programs. Lexington’s needle-exchange has been approved by the Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council.
THURSDAY, SEP. 8
The Eastside Branch of the Lexington Public Library will hold a diabetes workshop on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and will continue every Thursday for four sessions. The workshop will explain how to best care for diabetes and prevent complications. The event is free and open to anyone with diabetes including friends and family,. Snacks and door prizes will be provided. The class is taught by certified diabetes educators. To register, call 288.2446.
The Hearing Loss Association of America Lexington Chapter is a self-help organization dedicated to education, advocacy and support for people who do not hear well. They offer emotional support, camaraderie, tips and techniques for living with hearing loss, and technical information about hearing assistance devices. A HLAALC meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Eastside Branch of the Lexington Public Library. The meetings are free and open to the public. Presentations are made by audiologists, doctors, professors, therapists, trainers, specialists, and others with hearing loss knowledge. Real time captioning is used at the meetings. For more information, go to infolex@hlaa-ky.org or their website at www.hlaa-ky.org/lexington.
Saturday, Sep. 10
Laboring the Natural Way – a series sponsored by Baptist Health Lexington is designed for those who would like to prepare for the option of a non-medicated labor and birth experience. The class prepares you through the practice of relaxation, breathing techniques, position changes, and partner-supported comfort measures. Information on nutrition, discomforts of pregnancy, exercise, Baptist Health Lexington policies and procedures, delivery events, as well as information about what to expect after you deliver will also be covered. The first class will be held Sept. 10 at 9 A.M.
Organizers encourage pregnant women to take this series during your sixth or seventh month of pregnancy to allow time for practicing the techniques. Active participation of your partner is strongly encouraged. This is a free class. You only need to register for the first date in the series. Please bring two pillows and a blanket. Also, be sure to wear comfortable clothes.
You must be delivering your baby at Baptist Health Lexington in order to register for our classes. If you need to change the date of your class, call 859.260.6357.
Pediatric CPR and First Aid Combo Class will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at Baptist Health Lexington, starting at 9 a.m. This class is perfect for those who want a more in-depth focus and wish to learn basic first aid skills. This class is perfect for those parents and caregivers who have toddlers as well. This class is not for certification and cards will not be given. The class is four hours and we encourage you to wear comfortable clothes.
Monday, Sep. 12
Baptist Health Lexington’s Cancer Care Center offers the American Cancer Society program Look Good … Feel Better to women actively receiving cancer treatment. After you register, you will receive a free makeup kit to use during the class. The workshop will be held Monday, Sept. 12, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, SEP. 14
If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the time for legal and financial planning is now. This workshop is for anyone who would like to know more about what legal and financial issues to consider and how to put plans in place. The guest speaker will be attorney Mary Patton. The event is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. The program will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 10 to 11:00 a.m. at the Clark County Public Library, 370 South Burns Ave. Winchester, KY. 40391. Registration is required. Please contact 1.800.272.3900.
Thursday, Sep. 15
Expecting more than one baby can be both exciting and daunting. Plan to come to this very informative class that will help you think ahead as you prepare for this challenging event. This workshop will be held Sept. 15, starting at 6:15 p.m. at Baptist Health Lexington.
Maternal issues, “must-haves” for the nursery as well as what to expect when you deliver at Baptist Health Lexington will be discussed. “Real-life” parents of multiples will be available to share their stories, helpful hints, and support.
TUESDAY, SEP. 27
Understanding your Medicare options is a presentation is designed to help new beneficiaries and their caregivers a better understand of the program. Even those who currently have Medicare coverage could benefit from this detailed overview. Topics will include an introduction to Medicare including what Medicare covers, supplemental Medicare Health plans including Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D prescription drug coverage. The workshop will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 6 until 7 p.m. Registration begins on Sept. 13. This event requires registration through a library staff member. If you would like to attend, call at 859.231.5500 to register.
This article also appears on page 14 of the September 2016 printed edition of the Hamburg Journal. For more Hamburg area news, subscribe to the Hamburg Journal weekly digital newsletter.
