There are many players in the fight against substance abuse. Over twenty Porter County organizations received funds from the Substance Abuse Council to provide programs from October, 2011 until September, 2012. Representatives from these organizations will be giving their year end reports at the monthly Council meeting.

Programs vary from the elementary school program “Too Good for Drugs,” to counseling services and drug testing at the courts. The public is welcome to come hear the results of this past year’s programs in the fight against substance abuse.

Read more: Fighting Substance Abuse

Are you or someone in your family living with COPD? Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Asthma are all forms of COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Taking care of yourself or a family member with COPD can get very confusing at times. Join Gaurav Kumar, M.D., to learn how to manage your disease at home. Learn how to develop an individualized treatment plan that includes setting daily goals, keeping track of medications, proper nutrition, and exercise to help improve the quality of your life.

Wednesday, November 14
St. Mary Medical Center Auditorium, West Patient Tower Entrance
1500 S. Lake Park Ave, Hobart

Read more: Living with COPD

Join Orthopedic Surgeon Scott Andrews, M.D., medical director of the Joint Academy at St. Mary Medical Center to learn about the most common causes of knee pain, signs and symptoms. Explore the latest treatment options and most advanced surgical procedures available at one of Chicagoland’s most successful joint replacement programs – The Joint Academy of St. Mary Medical Center!

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The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter will host a free three-part series, “Living with Alzheimer’s: for the Middle Stage Caregiver,” on Thursday, November 1, 2012, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Valparaiso Public Library. Additional sessions will be held November 8 and 15, also from 6:00 p.m.- :00 p.m. There is no fee to attend the sessions but registration is requested by contacting the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. The Valparaiso Public Library is located at 103 Jefferson Street.

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To increase awareness of a new procedure that helps eliminate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Porter Regional Hospital will present “Got GERD? Turn Down the Heat on Heartburn” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. The free event will take place at Strongbow Inn, 2405 Morthland Drive, Valparaiso.

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To help women better protect themselves from crime, Porter Regional Hospital’s Healthy Woman Program will host a free Self-defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange (S.A.F.E.) class for women 18 years and older from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Porter’s Education & Rehabilitation Center, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso.

During the course, Purdue North Central campus police will share information on how to become more aware of your surroundings and teach five basic self defense techniques to help women stay safe.

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There are over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown in the U.S. and each variety provides different nutrients for the human body. Produce is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. This combination of ingredients creates a large assortment of ”superfoods.” Corinne Powell, Purdue Extension Educator, will present a program on Superfoods on November 1, 2012 at 10:00 am at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso, IN. Learn what these Superfoods can do for you and your health and how to incorporate them into your daily diet.

Read more: Superfoods and Makeup...