Learn the language your providers use and how to prepare for doctor appointments. It is recommended that you visit http://patientsafety.uchc.edu/patients/pain/pain.html before attending the lecture. Then submit any questions you have to www.celebrate.uchc.edu. Dr. Civetta will navigate through the material, including the valuable Pain Resources for Patients and Families, and have an open discussion of the questions submitted. The lecture can also be viewed live at www.celebrate.uchc.edu/webcast.

More than two million poisonings are reported each year with 90 percent occurring in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old, and poisonings among adults in Connecticut are one of the leading causes of death. Learn about the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent accidental poisonings in your home.

When: Monday, Feb. 9 ? noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Henry Low Learning Center
Speaker: Anjanette Ferris, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of cardiology

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, but there are ways to prevent or lower this risk. Ferris will discuss conditions of the heart, risk factors, symptoms, and primary and secondary prevention strategies. She will also share some statistics on gender differences and cardiovascular disease. February is American Heart Month, and awareness is the first step towards maintaining a healthy heart.

Tooth whitening is one of the most common forms of treatment that people use to improve their smiles. Dr. Meiers will clarify some of the mystery and misinformation regarding this topic and present the most common approaches to tooth whitening including self-applied toothpastes and strips, dentist supervised trays, and in-office applications. He will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages so you can become a better informed consumer.

There are many options to consider when having surgery, and minimally invasive surgery is becoming standard. Dr. Brewer will discuss minimally invasive procedures for gynecologic cancers that can help decrease a patient?s hospital stay, post-operative pain, and recovery time with the same clinical outcome as with the more invasive procedures.

During the holiday season it can be difficult for someone with diabetes to stay on track with making healthy choices. Our diabetes nutrition educator will discuss holiday survival tips and lifestyle changes to keep you healthy and happy during this season of festivities. With a little knowledge and a lot dedication, diabetes can be managed during the holidays and throughout the year!

No one thinks ? or wants to admit ? that their child is drinking or using drugs. This program is to enlighten parents who have an impressionable child or teenager about the different kinds of drugs available to kids, how they are attained, what to do if you suspect your child is on something, how to get help, and more. Parents need to be aware so they can speak to their child candidly about the dangers of drugs and act quickly with the first warning signs of addiction.

Do you have headaches or sinus problems and feel worse at home rather than at work? Hear about the top 10 environmental contaminants found in homes, their health effects, and what you can do about it. Kennedy has 18 years experience as a specialist in the use of non-toxic materials and chemicals. He will discuss the latest in testing and correction for common problems associated with lead, arsenic, pesticides, asbestos and mold.

Speakers: Jo-Anne Smith, M.D., clinical director of the Center for Osteoporosis; Pamela Taxel, M.D., associate professor of medicine

One of the best ways for women to prevent or reduce the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers is to understand their risk factors. Stroop?s talk will focus on prevention strategies, the role of genetic testing, and when genetic counseling is recommended. She will also discuss five myths about genetic testing.

Speaker: Phillip P. Smith, M.D., Department of Surgery
Normal life events like childbearing or aging can be stressful on the bladder control systems. Common deviations from ideal body maintenance make it more difficult for the body to repair damage caused by these life events. The end result is the inability to normally store and eliminate urine. Learn about overactive bladder syndrome, its causes and evaluation, and old and new treatments.

Learn how to begin a basic program of aerobic exercise and strength training, and tips on exercising with chronic diseases. Information on good nutrition, losing weight, lowering your blood pressure, and lowering your cholesterol will also be covered. Co-sponsored with the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. With about 180,000 new cases per year, it?s important to know your risk. Dr. Everson will discuss the overall statistics of the disease, how to determine your risk for developing breast cancer, outcomes of the STAR Trial (Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene), and recommendations on reducing your risk. The lecture can be viewed live at www.celebrate.uchc.edu/webcast, where you can also access archived webcasts. Call x8899 to register.

There are gender differences when it comes to addiction. You will hear about addictive behaviors in women, the patterns, and what is unique.

Fibroids are benign tumors in or around the uterus that are most common in women between age 30 and 50. Dr. Johnson-MacAnanny will give a general overview of uterine fibroids, including diagnosis, new treatments and impact on fertility.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the widening or stretching of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Left untreated, it can cause internal bleeding and even death. Learn how AAAs are detected, if you are at risk, and repair options.

Anorexia is a life-threatening illness where people diet constantly because they are obsessed with the fear of gaining weight. The talk will focus on recognizing the signs and symptoms of the disease, medical dangers, treatment and prevention strategies.