Wellness
Students from University of Massachusetts Medical and Nursing School (Rural Health Rotation) will be surveying Islanders who attend the Friday Conversation meeting today, Oct. 3, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center. Their topic is the need for accident prevention plans for elders in a rural or Island setting. Their project is sponsored by the Elder Services Committee of the Dukes County Health Council. Bring your friends and neighbors.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services on Wednesday unveiled a strategic plan to grow in services, size and funding over the next five years, but within a year the organization expects to have better services in place for Islanders with drug and alcohol problems.
Talks already are underway between community services and the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, with help from the department of public health, to coordinate care for Islanders with substance abuse or mental health concerns.
With tick-borne diseases at epidemic levels on the Vineyard and the cause of growing concern as a public health threat here, the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has launched a controlled study of Lyme disease and tularemia in the Island Wampanoag population.
The study is phase one in a three-year environmental health program for the tribe, made possible by a $360,000 grant from the CDC, based in Atlanta, Ga.
Friday Conversation
Friday Conversations at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center continue from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
On Friday Sept. 12, the speaker will be Nancy Francis of Life-Line Screening. She will talk about stroke prevention. She will be accompanied by Nicole Barlett, Vineyard Nursing Association public health nurse for five Island towns.
The American Red Cross, Cape Cod and Islands Chapter is organizing a number of CPR, AED and First Aid classes in September for residents of Martha’s Vineyard. All classes will be held at the YMCA, 57 Pequot avenue in Oak Bluffs.
An adult CPR/AED class will be held on Sept. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or Sept. 29 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost for the course is $50.
An Adult CPR/AED and First Aid class will be held on Sept. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost for the class is $60.
Techno-Personal Training
Curves for Women fitness club has introduced the technical version of a personal trainer. Called the Curves-Smart personal coaching system, the new technology offers a precision designed workout with moment-to-moment feedback. See it at open houses on August 26 and 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. with healthy snacks and door prizes. Curves is located off State Road in Vineyard Haven at the Woodland Center, lower level. For details, call 508-696-3030.