Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, and unfortunately more than 60 of these are known or suspected to cause cancer. That’s a message being emphasized this week, which happens to be Lung Cancer Awareness Week.
Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Mark Cooper who serves on Blount Memorial Hospital’s active medical staff will update community members about lung cancer as part of a free Lunch and Learn presentation, “Progress in the Treatment of Lung Cancer,” on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Blount Memorial Cancer Center’s conference rooms 1 and 2 on the center’s second floor. Register by calling 865-981-3983.
Home health care and hospice encompass a wide range of health and social services delivered at home to recovering, disabled, chronically ill or terminally ill people who are in need of medical, nursing, social, or therapeutic treatment or assistance with essential activities of daily living, and this month, home care and hospice are sharing the spotlight, as it’s National Home Care and Hospice Month.
To celebrate, Blount Memorial Home Services and Palliative Care are coming together to display some of the ways they can help patients preserve their health, independence and freedom from 9 a.m. to noon each day this week in the hospital’s outpatient lobby.
On Monday, information about the universal medication list will be available, followed by Tuesday’s offering of fall-risk education. Wednesday brings information about long-term care planning, and Thursday focuses on Lifeline, a home medical alert service. Friday, visitors can learn about the importance of advance directives and pick-up forms that can help them document health care wishes.
This month marks the 25th anniversary of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, which first was proclaimed in 1983 by former President Ronald Reagan, nearly 20 years before he died of the disease. Alzheimer’s affects some 4.5 million Americans and millions more family members and caregivers.
An Alzheimer’s Support Group for family members and caregivers of those with the disease meets on Friday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. in the Blount Memorial MorningView Village sunflower room. For more information about the free offering, call 865-980-4894.
Join surgeons Dr. Mark Colquitt and Dr. Jonathan Ray at the Thursday, Nov. 13 Surgical Weight Loss Lecture Series presentation that takes place at 6 p.m. in the Blount Memorial Hospital auditorium. Those interested will hear about the surgical and laparoscopic treatments of obesity, which include gastric bypass, banding and sleeve procedures. Register by calling 866-300-8644.
Wrap the week up by participating in the American Heart Association’s Greater Knoxville Start! Heart Walk on Saturday, Nov. 15. The event, a fundraiser for the association, promotes physical activity and a heart-healthy lifestyle in a fun, family environment. This year, participants will convene in Market Square in downtown Knoxville for the 10:30 a.m. to noon event, and more information is available by calling 865-212-6500.
907 East Lamar Alexander Parkway | Maryville,
Tenn. 37804
