Programs Listing
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Education Programs, Events and Screenings
Advanced Reiki Training
The advanced training will include more advanced Reiki techniques, master attunement and introduction to the master symbol. Prerequisite Reiki levels I and II. Instructor: Marie Perez, Reiki Master.
- Saturday, October 25
- 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI), 115 Lafayette St. (across the street from the hospital).
There is $225 fee for this program and registration is required. For more information call CHI at 889-8331, ext.2483
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.
- Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19
- 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.
- Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich
- Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30, 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.
- Mondays, Oct. 6, 20 (no class 10/13)
- 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.
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.
- Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30, 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.
Creative Journaling
Explore the benefits of keeping a journal, how to engage in the writing process in a healing and inviting way, and learn techniques to get your creative juices flowing. Suitable for both new and seasoned journal keepers. Instructor: Elaine Brooks.
- Thursdays, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30
- 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich
There is $110 fee for the 6-week program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.
Diabetes Walk
Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes
- Sunday, October 5
- 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. walk begins
- Harness Memorial Park, Waterford
To join the Backus Diabetes walk team, call the Backus Diabetes Management Center at 892-6906.
Fall Prevention Talk
A Backus physical therapist will discuss ways to make your home and you safe from falls.
- Tuesday, October 28
- 11-11:45 a.m.
- Sprague Senior Center
Program free; no registration required.
Free Community Blood pressure Screening
Held on the third Wednesday of each month.
- Wednesday, October 15
- 1 - 2 p.m.
- Backus Hospital Medical Office Building (MOB) Conference Room
Program free; no registration required.
Free Community Prostate Screening
Urologists Franklin Friedman, MD and Richard Colman, MD, will perform a digital rectal exam and blood tests (PSA). Participants will need to call the doctor that performs their exam to find out their PSA result one week following the screening. Educational materials will be available.
- Saturday, October 4
- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Backus Ambulatory Medical Care Unit (AMC), off main lobby
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6313 for more information.
Head to Toe Health Talk: "Migraines and Other Pains in the Head"
Anthony Alessi, MD, Chief of Neurology at Backus Hospital, will discuss various symptoms, strategies, and treatment options to deal with migraines. A question and answer session will follow the talk.
- Thursday, October 9
- 6:30- 8 p.m.
- Backus Hospital entry level conference rooms
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6313 for more information.
Healing Touch Level I
A relaxing, nurturing energy therapy that assists in balancing your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Healing Touch works with your energy field to support your natural ability to heal. Earn18 Continuing Education credits. Class will be held in the conference rooms of Backus Hospital on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To register, please call Kathy Noyes, at 886-1960. The registration fee is $275.
Heart Walk
The Mobile Health Resource Center will be on-site during the Heart Walk at Rocky Neck State Park. Free blood pressure screenings will be offered to the community.
- Sunday, October 19
- 9 am.- 12 p.m.
- Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic
Program free; no registration required. To sign up for the Backus Heart Walk team, call Shawn Mawhiney at 889-8331, ext. 2312.
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. Instructor: Marie Perez.
- Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19
- 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI), 115 Lafayette St.
There is $60 fee for the six week program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.
Pinktober Concert at the Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe will hold a Pinktober concert Oct. 9 to benefit the Backus Breast Health Initiatives. The $30 ticket will include dinner and an open bar from 6-8 p.m. For ticket information call the Backus Foundation at 860-823- 6331
Power and Masculinity; A Workshop for Men with Paul Dunion
Men have learned to settle for worldly expressions of power such as a well-paying job, lucrative financial investments and ability to influence decisions makers. In this workshop we will examine forms of personal empowerment which deepen the meaning of men's lives, enhance our capacity to create intimate relationships and allow us to live closer to our life's purpose. We will also explore what it means to move beyond being a gatherer of information and begin to sow the seeds of wisdom.
- Friday, November 7
- 7 - 9 p.m.
- Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is $25 fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.
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. A friend or family member may accompany the patient.
- Mondays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27
- 6 - 7:30 p.m.
- Backus Surgical Services Family Room
- Wednesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- 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, October 23
- 3 - 4:30 p.m.
- Backus Hospital Entry Level Conference Room 3
Program free; no registration required.
Reiki Training, Level I and II
Reiki (Ray key), an energy therapy, is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki is useful for practitioners, caregivers and for self-care. Participants may register for Level I and /or Level II classes. Instructor: Marie Perez, Reiki Master.
- Saturday, October 11
- 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Center for Healthcare Integration, 115 Lafayette St.
- Sunday, October 12
- 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
There is $150/level fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI at 425-3877 for more information.
Remembrance Day
- Sunday, October 12
- 1:00 p.m.
- Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Lobby
Program free; no registration required. For more information call Elynor Carey, 860-889-8331 x 4239.
Renewing the Spirit for Women
A gathering of women to nurture the body and restore the spirit. Come join us for a few hours of fun and relaxation; a morning of stepping back and luxuriating in just being. We will use silence and sound, stillness and movement, quiet and laughter to balance interactive and reflective time.
- Saturday, November 1
- 8:30 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, October 3
- 4-4:30 p.m.
- Backus Same Day Surgery waiting area
- Saturday, October 18
- 10-10:30 a.m.
- Backus Same Day Surgery waiting area
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6328 for more information.
Scotland Wellness Fair
Come take the Backus Pledge, a no smoking pledge aimed at all age groups. The "Smoking Stinks" program provides educational printed and visual information on the consequences and damage to the body that smoking provides.
- Saturday, October 25
- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Scotland Elementary School
Program free; no registration required.
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.
- Tuesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 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.
- Mondays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10
- 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. (4 - 4:30 weigh in)
- Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
- Mondays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10
- 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)
- Wednesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., 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, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- 9-11 a.m.
- Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich.
Program is free but registration required. Call 823-6376 for more information.
Treating Psoriatic and Anklylosing Spondylitis
Sandeep Varma, MD, Medical Director of the Backus Arthritis Center, will discuss the latest treatment options for these arthritic conditions. Refreshments will be served.
- Tuesday, October 14
- 5-6:30 p.m.
- Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6313 for more information.
Childbirth and Infant Care
Breast-feeding Preparation Class
Learn breast-feeding tips for success. This class is for expectant women.
• Thursday, October 16
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center Conference Room
Program free but registration required. For more information call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org
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.
• Monday, Nov. 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1 (Dec 8-in case of bad weather)
• 7-9 p.m.
• Backus Hospital conf. rooms 1 and 2
There is $55 fee for this program and registration is required. For more information call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org
Childbirth Preparation Classes (Weekend)
A two-day weekend class. Register early. Continental breakfast.
• Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct.19
• 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.
Dr. Dad
Designed for the expectant or new father. Information on how to be a great dad and steps to prepare your home for your new baby.
• Tuesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28
• 5 - 7:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital E-2 conference room
Program free but registration 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, October 15
• 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
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. For more information call Andrea at 860-917-9110 or email
andrea@naturallovingembrace.com
HypnoBirthing Class
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 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, Oct. 20
• 6-8:30p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
There is $65 fee for this program and registration is required. For more information call Andrea at 860-917-9110 or email andrea@naturallovingembrace.com
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.
• 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, October 23
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center Conference Room
Program free but registration required. For more information call 425-3863 or email moc@wwbh.org
Parents To Be Open House
Informational session and a tour of the Birthing Center. Speakers include OB doctor and/or midwife, pediatrician, breast feeding consultant, visiting nurses, birthing class instructor, birth registry/paternity coordinator and various other educational materials available. Tours start at 6:15 p.m. Speakers will start at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
• Wednesday, October 8
• 6:15-9 p.m.
• Backus Hospital conference rooms 1 & 2
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6517 for more information.
Prenatal Yoga Class
Release your stress and tension. Build more energy and strength. Minimize your discomfort. Learn safe and effective ways to feel good and revitalize yourself to enjoy your pregnancy and motherhood.
• Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29 Nov. 5, 12, 19
• 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, Norwich
There is $66 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 887-3388 or email hathayoga@snet.net for more information.
Prepare for Your Scheduled Cesarean Section
Learn what will happen when you come to the hospital for your c-section before, during and after. Learn ways to decrease discomfort and take care of your newborn while recovering from surgery.
• Thursday, Oct. 2
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. For more information call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org
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, October 8
• 10 -11a.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. For more information call 425-3863 or moc@wwbh.org
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 call 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. Call Andrea at 860-917-9110 or email andrea@naturallovingembrace.com 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, October 7
• 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. Program free but registration required. Call 442-0733 for more information.
• Friday, October 3, 17
• 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Norwich Fire Department
Program free; no registration required.
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. Program free, but appointments are required. Call 823-6343 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, October 2
• 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, October 21
• 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, October 9
• noon - 1 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Conference Room
Program free but registration required. Call 860-892-2777 for more information.
Diabetes Support Group
The Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism offers an Evening Diabetes Support Group every other month. When registering, please leave a message on the Diabetes Patient Education line.
• Wednesday, October 1
• 7 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call 892-6906 for more information.
Eastern CT Celiac Support Group
Have you or a family member been diagnosed with Celiac Disease? Are you unable to tolerate gluten in your diet?
• Thursday, October 23
• 6:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference room 3
Program free but registration required. For more information call 860-889-7776 email jjurczyk@wwbh.org
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, October 16
• 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, October 12
• 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, October 2
• 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.
Mended Hearts
Support group for patients with cardiac problems. Facilitated by Sue Rahn, RN, of the Backus Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.
• Tuesday, October 21
• 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, October 14
• 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.