Programs Listing

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Education Programs, Events and Screenings

Awakening the Inner Healer: A Fall Oncology Series for People  Living with Cancer

EMBRACING WHOLENESS: A Sound Healing Meditation Using her voice and quartz crystal singing bowls, Pamela Julien, Clinical Psychologist and advanced Holographic Sound Healer will guide you to a place of deep relaxation, where you can release pain and negative energy as your body's self-healing abilities are strengthened and enhanced. Sound vibration helps reduce stress, promotes a deep calm and inner peace, and clears and rebalances the body's energies. The Fall Oncology Series is generously supported by the Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund.

• Thursday, November 13
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Medical Office Building Lobby

Program free but registration required. Call 425-3877 for more information.

Awakening the Inner Healer: A Fall Oncology Series for People Living with Cancer

TAI CHI AND QI GONG for Health and Healing. Tai Chi Master David Chandler will present a demonstration with specific information about Tai Chi as a health practice and a workshop on the practice of Wind-horse Qi Gong, which is used as a treatment for cancer in China. There will be mental and gentle physical exercises involved in the workshop. The series is generously supported by the Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund.

• Thursday, December 11
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Medical Office Building Lobby

Program free but registration required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.

Beginning and Continuing Yoga with Carol Klammer

Classes incorporate stretching, movement, and attention to the breath to relax the body, improve flexibility, calm the mind and enhance inner awareness. Suitable for beginners, those with physical limitations as well as continuing students. Instructor: Carol Klammer. Walk-ins are welcome. $13/class, based on space availability. These are the last three classes in a six-week series. A new series will begin in January.

• Wednesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19
• 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich
• Thursdays, Nov. 6, 13, 20
• 7 - 8:15 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich

There is $66 fee for the six-week series program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.

Beginning and Continuing Yoga with Michele Flowers

Classes incorporate stretching, movement, and attention to the breath to relax the body, improve flexibility, calm the mind and enhance inner awareness. Suitable for beginners, those with physical limitations as well as continuing students. Instructor: Michele Flowers. Walk-ins welcome. $13/class walk-in fee, based on space availability.

• Mondays, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8
• 6 - 7:15 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich

There is $66 fee for this six-week series program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.

Connecticut College Health & Wellness Fair

A staff member from the Backus Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Department will be conducting free osteoporosis screenings.

• Wednesday, November 12
• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Connecticut College: Crozier-Williams Student Center

Program free; no registration required.

Continuing Yoga

Classes incorporate postures and stretches that relax, strengthen and energize. Yoga meditation is included each week. Previous yoga experience is requested. Basics will not be emphasized. Instructor: Carol Klammer. Walk-ins are
welcome. $13/class, based on space availability. These are the last three classes in a six-week series. A new series will begin in January.

• Thursdays, Nov. 6, 13, 20
• 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich

There is $66 fee for this six-week series program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.

Free Community Blood pressure Screening

Free blood pressure screening on the third Wednesday of each month.

• Wednesday, November 19
• 1 - 2 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference room 3

Program free; no registration required.

Healthy Habits Showcase - Mohegan Sun

Free foot screenings will be conducted by one of Backus Hospital's Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Respiratory Department staff member will provide information on the dangers of smoking and urge people to take the "No Smoking" pledge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Physical Therapists from Backus Home Health Care will be performing fall risk screenings and providing fall prevention information from 1-4 p.m. For more information on this event, click here. 

• Saturday, November 22
• Mohegan Sun Uncas Ballroom

Program free; no registration required.

Mammograms and Pap Smear Screenings

This program is free to women with no health insurance or whose insurance does not cover these services. Mammograms are provided through Backus Hospital and their satellite mammography sites. Pap smears and clinical breast exams are offered through a selection of Backus affiliated physician groups or clinics. This is an ongoing free program but eligibility determination and registration is required. To register, call Joyce Kuusela, Case Manager at 823-6318, for more information.

Meditation for Everyone

Meditation can help you deal with stress and pain and can be part of treatment for conditions including hypertension and heart disease. Come quiet your mind and body, release the stress of your day and enter stillness, clarity, and peace. Instructor: Marie Perez. These are the last three classes in a six-week series.

• Wednesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19
• 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI), 115 Lafayette St. (across the street from the hospital).

There is $60 fee for the six week program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.

Operating Room Open House

See the latest advances in surgical technology at Backus Hospital, including the da Vinci surgical robot and OtisKnee replacement procedures. Tours of the operating room and other information will also be available. Event is held in conjunction with National PeriOperative Nurse Week.

• Sunday, November 23
• 12-3 p.m.
• Backus Hospital conference rooms 1, 2, and 3 as well as Same Day Surgery area.

Program free; no registration required.

Prepare for Surgery - Heal Faster

Using Guided Imagery and relaxation helps people feel calmer before surgery, have less pain after surgery and recover more quickly. The techniques are also helpful for many other procedures to help lessen anxiety. The patient will receive a book and CD or tape and take one 90 minute instructional class. Ideally the class is taken 1-3 weeks prior to surgery. Classes are offered each Monday and Wednesday. A friend or family member may accompany the patient.

• Mondays, Nov. 3, 10, 17
• 6 - 7:30 p.m.
• Backus Surgical Services Family Room
• Wednesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19
• 2 - 3:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke, Norwich

There is $30 (tape and book) or $35 (CD and book) fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.

Psychiatric Department Lectures

Monthly lectures on psychiatric trends and topics. Usually held on the fourth Thursday of every month.

• Thursday, November 13
• 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Entry Level Conference Rooms 1 & 2

Program free; no registration required.

Renewing, Restoring, Remembering; A Workshop for Women

A gathering for women to quiet our minds, nurture our bodies and restore our spirits. Come join us for a few hours of fun and relaxation, of stepping back and remembering our true selves. The morning will include movement and breath work, sound healing meditation, writing, creating a Shamanic healing/dream bundle, and Dances of Universal Peace. • Saturday, November 1
• 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich

There is $50 fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.

Sail Through Surgery

A pre-op program for children, ages 18 and under, and their parents, to help prepare for an upcoming surgery.

• Friday, November 7
• 4-4:30 p.m.
• Backus Same Day Surgery waiting area
• Saturday, November 15
• 10-10:30 a.m.
• Backus Same Day Surgery waiting area

Program free but registration required. Call 823-6328 for more information.

Tai Chi

A combination of martial arts and meditation in motion. The many health benefits include increased balance, circulation, coordination, flexibility, and mental clarity. Suitable for beginners, those with physical limitations, as well as continuing students. Instructor: David Chandler. $15/class walk-in fee, based on space availability. These are the last four classes in an eight-week series.

• Tuesday, December 4, 11, 18, 25
• 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich

There is $120 fee for the eight-week series program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.

Thin's In

This acclaimed weight reduction program will give you the tools you need to lose weight and maintain healthy eating habits. Come learn the importance of combining proper portions within the five food groups for nutritious and healthy eating. Thin's In combines balanced eating, exercise and behavior modification, which will leave you feeling satisfied and healthy. Instructor: Dianne Rubin.

• Mondays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26
• 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. (4 - 4:30 weigh in)
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
• Mondays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26
• 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. (6 - 6:30 weigh in)
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich

There is $130 fee for this 10-week program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.

Total Care Program (joint replacement)

Learn what to expect from your joint replacement surgery - preparatory measures, the procedure, rehabilitation, and other issues. Includes demonstrations from physical therapists.

• Wednesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26
• 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.

Program is free but registration required. Call Cheryl Martel at 823-6376 for more information.

Total Care Program (spinal fusion)

Backus patients scheduled for surgery can learn what to expect from spinal fusion surgery - preparatory measures, the procedure, rehabilitation, and other issues.

• Wednesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26
• 9-11 a.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.

Program is free but registration required. Call 823-6376 for more information.

Childbirth and Infant Care

Birth Plan Seminar

Do you need a birth plan? Learn how to write a simple and effective plan to communicate your wishes.

• Thursday, January 29
• 6-8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center

Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Breast-feeding Preparation Class

Learn breast-feeding tips for success. This class is for expectant women.

• Thursday, November 13
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center Conference Room

Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Classes

A four-week series offered on Monday evenings in the Backus Hospital Birthing Center. Includes a tour of the Birthing Center. Register three months prior to due date.

• Mondays, Nov. 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1 (Dec 8-in case of bad weather)
• 7-9 p.m.
• Backus Hospital conference rooms 1 and 2

There is $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Classes (Weekend)

A two-day weekend class. Register early. Continental breakfast.

• Saturday, Nov. 15, Sunday, Nov. 16
• 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference rooms 1&2

There is $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Childbirth Refresher Class

A one-evening class taught by a certified instructor for couples who have had an infant less than three years ago.

• Wednesday, November 12
• 7 - 9 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center

There is $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Expectant Grandparent Seminar

Designed to bring expectant grandparents up to date with: roles of grandparents; current information about pregnancy and childbirth; breastfeeding and bottle feeding; home safety for babies and toddlers; variations in the newborn; baby care; and questions and answers.

• Wednesday, December 10
• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Happiest Baby on the Block

Would you like to learn how to calm your new baby's cries...in minutes? Learn why your baby is crying and how to turn on the calming reflex so that you baby can be happy and sleep longer. This 2-hour class includes the information you need to help your baby and a parent kit for use at home. May be taken while pregnant or in the first weeks at home. Held in the Backus Hospital Birthing Center.

There is $50 per couple fee for this program and registration is required. Call Andrea at 860-917-9110 or email andrea@naturallovingembrace.com for more information.

HypnoBirthing Class

Learn how to break the fear-tension-pain cycle. Complete childbirth education series using hypnosis, relaxation, visualization and education to have a more comfortable, satisfying birth.

• Mondays, Nov. 3,10,17,24, Dec. 1
• 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
• Weekends-Nov. 15, 16, 22, 23
• 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center

There is $300 fee for this program and registration is required. For more information call Andrea at 860-917-9110 or email andrea@naturallovingembrace.com

Infant-Child CPR

A Backus Birthing Center program for parents and parents-to-be in the instruction of CPR infants and children. Instructor is certified in CPR. Classes are limited to eight people per session.

• Thursday, November 6
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center

There is $35 per couple or $20 per person fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Infant Massage

Five-week sessions offering techniques for infant massage and relaxation at Backus Hospital. Pro-rated for those who join mid-session. There is $70 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-564-4753 for more information.

Labor Comforts

A 3-hour class to learn labor support techniques to maximize your comfort and relaxation in labor.

• Monday, December 8
• 6-8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center

There is $65 fee for this program and registration is required. Call Andrea at 860-917-9110 or email andrea@naturallovingembrace.com for more information.

New Moms' Support Group

Open to mom's of babies up to 6 months. It's a place to ask questions in a supportive environment, talk to other new moms about concerns, like postpartum issues, breastfeeding, feeding issues and infant care. Group is facilitated by the Lactation Consultant/educator.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Backus Same Day Surgery Family Room

Program free; no registration required. Call 425-3863 or email MOC@wwbh.org for more information.

Nurturing Your Newborn - An Infant Care Class

This two-hour class teaches about normal newborn behavior, tests and procedures in the hospital, and how to care for your baby in the first few days at home. Topics include: safe sleep, swaddling, bath demonstration, feeding,newborn appearance and behaviors and when to call the doctor.

• Thursday, November 20
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center Conference Room

Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 or email MOC@wwbh.org for more information.

Sibling Class

This one-day class helps big brother or sister, ages 3-6, prepare for the new addition. Tours of the Birthing Center are included and participants have the chance to see a newborn.

• Wednesday, November 12
• 10 -11a.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center

Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Signing Safari Parent Workshops

Learn the benefits of using American Sign Language with your hearing baby. Decrease fussiness while improving communication and have fun at the same time. This 2-hour class teaches common signs that you will use with your baby or toddler. Also includes DVD and Pictionary of over 100 signs. Held in the Backus Hospital Birthing Center.

There is $40 per couple fee for this program and registration is required. For more information call Andrea at 860-917-9110 or email andrea@naturallovingembrace.com

Teen Birthing

A two-evening childbirth preparation class to prepare adolescent couples for labor and delivery. Call for confirmation.

• Tuesdays, November 11, 18
• 4:30 - 7 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center

There is $10 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org for more information.

Clinics and Services

Amputee Clinic

For new amputees or amputees considering a new prosthesis. Usually held the first Tuesday of the month. Individualized sessions.

• Tuesday, November 4
• 1-3 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich

Program free but registration required. Call 823-6317 for more information.

Backus Car Seat Clinic

Backus Hospital and Safe Kids New London County offer car seat checks and installation on the first and third Friday of every month.

• Friday, November 7, 21
• 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Norwich Fire Department

Program free but registration required. Call 442-0733 for more information.

HIV Education and Testing Site

Offers free, anonymous and confidential HIV education, counseling and testing. Ongoing Mondays and Wednesdays 5 - 8 p.m. and Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 107 Lafayette Street. Clinic is closed on Tuesday, November 11 for the Veteran's Day Holiday.

Program free, but appointments are required. Call 823-6343 for more information.

Relaxation and Restoration

The Backus Hospital's Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI) offers Acupuncture, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Massage (Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Hot Stone Therapy), Reflexology and Reiki sessions to the community by hospital-credentialed therapists. No referral is needed.

There is a fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3877 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic

Diagnosis and treatment of most sexually transmitted diseases; HIV and Hepatitis C testing is available. Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at 107 Lafayette Street, Norwich. No appointment needed. No new registrations accepted after 7 p.m. Program free. Call 823-6344 for more information.

Support Groups

Brain Injury Support Group

For persons who have experienced a brain injury, and for their families and friends. Usually held on the first Thursday of the month.
• Thursday, November 6
• 1-2:30 p.m.
• Backus Radiation Therapy conference room in the Medical Office Building.

Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331, ext. 4060 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group

For breast cancer patients and their families, sponsored by Backus Hospital and ECHO. Usually held on the third Tuesday of each month.

• Tuesday, November 18
• 7- 8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy Waiting Room

Program free; no registration required. Call 860-892-2777 for more information.

Cancer Support Group

Cancer patients and survivors,are invited to discuss how cancer has changed their lives. Usually held on the second Thursday of the month. Reservations are requested as lunch will be provided.

• Thursday, November 13
• noon - 1 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Conference Room

Program free but registration required. Call 860-892-2777 for more information.

Celiac Support Group

For people unable to tolerate gluten in their diet, held the fourth Thursday of the month.

• Thursday, March 27
• 6:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital conference room E-260

Program is free; no registration required. Call Janice Jurczyk, 889-7776 for more information.

Diabetes Support Group

The Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism offers a Day Diabetes Support Group usually on the first Tuesday of every other month. The Evening Diabetes Support Group is usually offered every other month on the first Wednesday. This offering is perfect for individuals who would like to share information and learn from others with Diabetes. When registering, please leave a message on the Diabetes Patient Education line.

• Tuesday, November 4
• 10 -11 a.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.

Program free but registration required. Call 892-6906 for more information.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

For cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Education and support group during treatment and afterwards. Held the third Thursday of the month.

• Thursday, November 20
• noon - 1 p.m.
• Backus Hospital conference rooms 1, 2, 3

Program free; no registration required. Call 860-892-2777 for more information.

Laryngectomy Support Group

Tri-County New Voice Club for laryngectomy patients and family meets on the second Sunday of the month.

• Sunday, November 9
• 2-4 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy conference room in the Medical Office Building

Program free; no registration required. Call Speech Therapy at 889-8331 ext. 4490 for more information.

Lyme Disease Support Group

Talk with others about how Lyme disease has impacted your life and learn the latest on diagnosis and treatments. Meets the first Thursday of the month.

• Thursday, November 6
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Library

Program free; no registration required. Call Kimberlee Pappa at 860-303-9020 for more information.

Lymphedema Support Group

Offers an opportunity to share experiences and learn about risk reduction and treatment of lymphedema. Meets quarterly.

• Tuesday, December 9
• 12-1 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, Conference Room 1

Program free; no registration required. Call Suzanne Plante at 823-6317 for more information.

Mended Hearts

Support group for patients with cardiac problems. Facilitated by Sue Rahn, RN, of the Backus Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.

• Tuesday, November 18
• 6:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference room 1

Program free; no registration required.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group

"Angels Remembered" is a support group for parents who have experienced pregnancy or early infancy loss. Held the second Tuesday of each month.

• Tuesday, November 11
• 7-8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Conference Room

Program free; no registration required. Call Elynor Carey, 889-8331, ext. 4239 for more information.

Stroke Support Group

For persons who have sustained a stroke and for their families/caregivers. Usually held on the second Thursday of the month.

• Thursday, November 13
• 1-2 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center (BOCC) Conference Room 1

Program is free; no registration required; open to the public.

Call (860) 889-8331 x3480 for more information.