If you’re not careful, lean times can hurt your health. Whether it’s cutting the gym membership in an effort to scrimp or reaching for comfort foods to help deal with stress, the ongoing recession can lead to decisions that aren’t so good for your well-being. Luckily, this summer brings a wealth of opportunities to take care of yourself – all with minimal strain on your wallet. From exercise classes to disease management seminars to learning opportunities for kids, local hospitals and health care systems offer a wide range of courses to help community members take their well-being into their own hands. Information is subject to change, so confirm class details in advance. |
Meds for Less
Save on prescription drugs with these helpful tips. by Samantha Hernandez
The cost of prescription drugs can be alarming. Yet there are many ways to cut your costs if you educate yourself about the options. Simply asking your doctors and pharmacists for inexpensive options can often make a world of difference. And savvy consumers can also find deals through state, county and private programs.
The state of Wisconsin’s online Prescription Drug Resource Center (drugsavings.wi.gov) is a great place to start. Through the site, consumers can order lower-price prescription drugs directly from approved pharmacies in Canada. Or order through ISaveRx.com, which finds the lowest price among a network of foreign pharmacies.
If you’ve lost your job, there are a variety of state aid programs for which you might qualify. All Wisconsin children can enroll in BadgerCare Plus if they don’t have access to health insurance. For women ages 15 to 44 with annual incomes of less than $20,000, Wisconsin’s Medicaid Family Planning Waiver Program covers the cost of birth control, most family planning services and sexually transmitted disease medications. And eligible Wisconsin seniors 65 and up can use the SeniorCare prescription drug assistance program.
Other resources include BadgerRx Gold (badgerrxgold.com). This public-private sector partnership saves uninsured and underinsured Wisconsin residents between 25 to 40 percent on their meds in exchange for an annual fee ($25 for individuals; $75 for families).
For residents of Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Racine counties, the National Association of Counties Prescription Drug Discount Card can save you an average of 22 percent on medications not covered by your prescription drug plan. There are no fees, income requirements, age or medical restrictions. For a list of participating agencies where the free card can be picked up, visit naco.org.
Pharmacies at national retail stores are also helping to make medication more affordable. At Target, Wal-Mart, Walgreens and CVS, generic prescription drug programs offer hundreds of generics for as low as $4 for a 30-day supply.
And a little creativity can help save money in other ways. Always ask your doctor and pharmacist whether a generic medication is available as a cheaper alternative to a brand-name drug. Shop around to find the pharmacy that offers a majority of your medications at a cheaper price. If just one or two meds are more expensive at one pharmacy, ask if they will match the lower price of the competition. What you should not do is fill different prescriptions at different pharmacies. Keeping your meds at one pharmacy is safer because the pharmacist can warn of possible drug interactions.
Finally, as times get tighter for all Americans, the practice of pill cutting is becoming more prevalent. This involves asking your doctor to prescribe a pill that is larger than your dose (20 mg instead of 10 mg) and cutting it in half. Generally the pills are similar in price and can halve your costs. Not all pills (for instance, time-release pills and soft capsules) should be split, so check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Disease Education & Management
Act in Time to Heart Attack Signs
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints, call for dates, free, 414-465-3439.
Asthma School for Adults and Children
Aurora Sinai Medical Center, classes scheduled for individual needs, free, 414-649-6064.
Living Well with Chronic Conditions
Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore in Cudahy, free six-week class, June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 8:30-11 a.m.; Aurora Health Care, The Choplin at Wilson Commons in Milwaukee, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27, Sept. 3, 10, 1-3:30 p.m., register at aurorahealthcare.org or 414-389-2575.
Osteoporosis and Other Calcium/ Bone Problems
Community Memorial Medical Commons, Menomonee Falls, Aug. 18, 6-7 p.m., free, 262-251-1001.
Understanding Cholesterol Tests, Heart Risks and Treatment Options
Community Memorial Medical Commons, Menomonee Falls, Aug. 12, 6-7 p.m., free, 262-251-1001.
Exercise Classes
Laughter Yoga
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Wauwatosa, second Thursday each month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., free, registration required, 888-994-3286, mywheaton.org.
MISS Exercise
Midsection Intense Strengthening and Sculpting, Aurora Women’s Pavilion of West Allis Medical Center, Fridays, June 19-July 24, 4:45-5:30 p.m., $36, register at aurorahealthcare.org or 888-863-5502.
NIA
Neuromuscular Integrative Action, Aurora West Allis Medical Center, Mondays, June 8-July 13 (no class July 6), 4:30-5:30 p.m., $40, register at aurorahealthcare.org or 888-863-5502.
Strength at the Stations
Uses resistance bands, step benches, mini-balls and dumbbells, Aurora Women’s Pavilion of West Allis Medical Center, Wednesdays, June 17-July 22, 4:45-5:30 p.m., $36, register at aurorahealthcare.org or 888-863-5502.
Total Body Resistance-Band Training
Aurora West Allis Medical Center, Mondays, June 15-July 20, 4:45-5:30 p.m., $36, register at aurorahealthcare.org or 888-863-5502.
Screenings & Evaluations
Blood Pressure Screening
Aurora Women’s Pavilion of West Allis Medical Center, second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 1-3 p.m., 414-329-5605; Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, fourth Tuesday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., free, 262-687-4011.
Sports Injury Evaluations
Aurora Sports Medicine Institute, several locations, call to schedule, free, 800-219-7776.
Kids & Teens
Asthma Care at Child Care
Children’s Hospital and Health System, Children’s Health Education Center, July 18, 9-11:30 a.m., free, 414-765-9355.
Big Kids & New Babies
For children ages 3 to 8, Aurora Women’s Pavilion of West Allis Medical Center, June 9, July 7 or Aug. 11, 6-7:30 p.m., $15, 414-328-7788 or 888-524-8555.
Health in Practice Camp
For students interested in health-related careers, Children’s Health Education Center. Students entering grades 7 or 8: July 13-17, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; entering grades 9 or 10: July 27-31, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; entering grades 11 or 12: Aug. 3-7, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., $129, need-based scholarships available, 414-390-2166.
Hello Baby!
Prepares children ages 3 to 8 for birth of a sibling, Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, June 6, 10-11:45 a.m., $10, 262-687-3275.
Home Alone
Children’s Health Education Center, June 13, 9:30-11 a.m., free, 414-765-9355.
Sibling Preparation
Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, June 17, 6:30-8 p.m., $5/child, register at columbiastmarys.org or 414-963-9355.
Successful Sitter
Children’s Health Education Center, June 23, 24, July 7, 8, 21, 22, Aug. 11, 12, 25, 26; 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $25, 414-390-2166.
Successful Sitter CPR
Children’s Health Education Center, June 25, July 9, 23, Aug. 13, 27; 9-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m., $25, 414-390-2166.
Miscellaneous
Advance Health Care Directives and Planning
Informational session about ensuring your health care wishes are carried out, Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, June 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Prospect Medical Commons, Aug. 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; free, register at columbiastmarys.org or 414-963-9355.
Finding Reliable Health Information
Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Aug. 10, 7-8 p.m., free, register at aurorahealthcare.org/events or 414-219-6710.
Infant, Child and Adult CPR
Aurora Sinai Medical Center’s Milwaukee Heart Institute, July 11, 1-3 p.m., $25, register at aurorahealthcare.org/events or 414-328-7788.
What Happens In My 40s
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Small Stones Health Resource Center, Brookfield, July 22, 6-7 p.m., free, 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666.
What Happens In My 50s
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Small Stones Health Resource Center, Brookfield, Aug. 26, 6-7 p.m., free, 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666.
Orthopedics
Foot Pain Seminar
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, June 8, Aug. 10, 1-2 p.m., free, 262-687-3275 or 888-994-3286.
Knee and Hip Pain Seminars
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, July 27, 1-2 p.m., free, 262-687-3275 or 888-994-3286.
Weight Loss
Bariatric Surgery Information Seminar
Aurora Sinai Medical Center, offered first Wednesday of month, free, 414-219-3008.
Bariatric Surgery Programs
Wheaton Franciscan-Elmbrook Memorial, June 17, July 9, Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m.; Wheaton Franciscan-Franklin, July 22, 6:30 p.m.; Westwood Fitness Center, Pewaukee, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20; Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m., free, mywheaton.org.
Obesity 101: The Causes, Diagnosis and Medical Treatment
Community Memorial Medical Commons, Menomonee Falls, July 16, 6-7 p.m., free, 262-251-1001.
Surgical Options For Weight Loss: A Team Approach
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Athletic Club, Wauwatosa, Aug. 12, 6-7:30 p.m., free, 800-272-3666 or 414-805-3666.
Weight Loss Surgery for Obesity
Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, June 15, July 20 or Aug. 17, 7-8 p.m., free, register at columbiastmarys.org or 414-963-9355.
Parents & Babies
The Baby Connection
Covers parenting topics, opportunity to meet other moms, Wheaton Franciscan-Elmbrook Memorial, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon, free, 262-785-2000.
Breastfeeding Beyond the Basics: Pumping and Storing
Aurora Women’s Pavilion of West Allis Medical Center, July 30 or Aug. 26, 6:30-9 p.m., $20, 414-328-7788 or 888-524-8555.
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, June 15 or June 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $10/couple, register at columbiastmarys.org or 414-963-9355. Also offered at Aurora Medical Center, Hartford, June 16, 6:30-9 p.m., $20, 414-328-7788 or 888-524-8555.
Bringing Baby Home
Aurora Women’s Pavilion of West Allis Medical Center, June 17 and 24, 7-9 p.m., $30, 414-328-7788 or 888-524-8555.
Happiest Baby on the Block
For new and expectant parents, Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, July 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $40, register at columbiastmarys.org or 414-963-9355.
Prenatal Massage
Mother and partner learn massage techniques to help through pregnancy and labor, Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, June 2 and 9, 6-7:30 p.m., $40/two weeks, 262-687-3275.
Prepared Childbirth & Early Parenting Preparation
Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, call for dates, $80/six-week series, 414-963-9355.
Young & Pregnant Childbirth Series
Wheaton Franciscan-St. Joseph, three weeks, June 9, 16, 23, 6-9 p.m., $20, 414-259-7200 or 888-994-3286.
Support Groups
Adults With Diabetes
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, third Tuesday of odd months, 7 p.m., free, 262-687-6345.
After Breast Cancer (ABC) for Seniors
Wheaton Franciscan-Wauwatosa, second and fourth Thursday of month, 1-2:30 p.m., free, 414-447-2303.
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group
Wheaton Franciscan-Elmbrook Memorial, second Tuesday of month, 1:30-3 p.m., free, 262-548-7224.
Aphasia Group
Aurora Sinai Medical Center, third Wednesday of month, 2-3 p.m., free, 414-219-3842.
Autism Support Group
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, second Tuesday of month, 6:30 p.m., free, 262-639-3041.
Bipolar/Depression
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, first and third Tuesday of month, 6-7 p.m., free, 262-637-0582.
Chronic Pain
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, second Tuesday of month (no meeting July or Aug.), 10:30 a.m., free, 262-886-8615.
Coping With Cancer
Wheaton Franciscan-Elmbrook Memorial, every Wednesday, 2-3:30 p.m., 262-780-4246; Wheaton Franciscan-St. Francis, June 15, 6-7:30 p.m., 414-427-6268; Wheaton Franciscan-Wauwatosa, first and third Monday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m., free, 414-447-2914.
Diabetes Support Group
Aurora Health Care, Library Square Retirement Community, West Allis, select Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., free, 414-774-5500.
Eating Disorders Support Group for Adolescents and Young Adults
Rogers Memorial Hospital-Milwaukee, most Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., free, 414-203-4557.
Eating Disorders Support Group for Adults
Rogers Memorial Hospital-Oconomowoc, Mondays, 6-7 p.m., free, 262-646-1054.
Families Coping Together
For school-aged children of cancer patients, Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, twice a month, free, for dates call 262-687-5012.
Fibromyalgia
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., free, 262-456-7242.
Hepatitis C Support Group
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, third Wednesday of month, 5:30-7 p.m., free, 262-687-8374.
Keep In Touch
Breast cancer, Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, third Saturday of month, 8:30 a.m., free, 262-687-5065.
Living With Cancer
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, second and fourth Thursdays of month, 3:30 p.m., free, 262-687-5065.
Parkinson’s Support Group
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, third Tuesday of month, 2-4 p.m., free, 262-637-2834.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Wheaton Franciscan-St. Francis, first Thursday of month, 3-3:30 p.m., 414-647-5520; Wheaton Franciscan-Mayfair, last Wednesday of month, 2-3:30 p.m., 414-447-2760; Wheaton Franciscan-Elmbrook Memorial, free, 262-785-2050 for event dates.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Harmon-02-CATS
Helps pulmonary patients exercise their lungs with harmonicas, Wheaton Franciscan-St. Francis, first and third Thursday of month, 3:30-4:30 p.m., free, 414-647-5520.
Stroke
Aurora Sinai Medical Center, second Wednesday of month, 2-3 p.m., free, 414-219-3855; Wheaton Franciscan-St. Joseph, second Thursday of month, 10 a.m.-noon, 414-447-2906; Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, third Thursday of month, 4 p.m., free, 262-687-4581.
Tremble Clefs Choir for those with Parkinson’s
Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Thursdays, 2:30-3:45 p.m., free, 414-219-5241.
Us Too!
Prostate cancer, Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, third Thursday of month, 5:30 p.m., free, 262-687-5065.
Walking the Path: Life after Brain Injury
Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Institute, second Wednesday of month, 4-5 p.m., free, 414-963-9355.
Women Supporting Women: Breast Cancer Support Group for African-American Women
Aurora Health Care, House of Peace, 1702 W. Walnut St., third Saturday of month, 11 a.m., free, 414-219-7748.
Women’s Health
Breast Cancer: Living Beyond
Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, last Tuesday of month, 6-7:30 p.m., free, 414-649-7605.
Don’t Make Me Laugh, Cough or Sneeze!
Incontinence treatment options for women, ProHealth Care, The D.N. Greenwald Center, Mukwonago, June 3, 7-8:30 p.m., free, 800-544-2745.
Look Good, Feel Better
A free program for female cancer patients undergoing treatment; focuses on skin and nail care, makeup, hair loss options and other techniques for enhancing self-image and appearance. Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Aug. 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 414-219-6357; Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Ozaukee, June 1, 1-3 p.m., 414-963-9355; Columbia St. Mary’s, Milwaukee, Aug. 3, 5-7 p.m., 414-963-9355; Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center, June 1, 12:30-2:30 p.m., 800-272-3666.
Health After Hysterectomy
Aurora Women’s Pavilion of West Allis Medical Center, June 3, 6:30-8 p.m., free, 888-863-5502.
All About Living: Cancer Support Group for Women
Aurora Women’s Pavilion of West Allis Medical Center, second Tuesday of month, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., free, aurorahealthcare.org.
