A Silver Lining-FREE Mammogram

Call for more information

SwedishAmerican is proud to partner with A Silver Lining Foundation to offer free mammograms for women and men who can't afford one. Call Toll Free at 877-924-1126, to learn how you can qualify for your free mammogram today. (Click here for more information.)

Ask the Experts: Skin Rejuvenation-Get a Fresh Start for Spring

March 20, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Join the experts from InnovaMed Aesthetics to learn more about how non-invasive cosmetic procedures can give you a new start for spring!

BetterLife Wellness Classes, Programs & Services

Ongoing

If you are interested in improving your health—check out BetterLife Wellness! If you are currently a Rock River Valley YMCA member or SwedishAmerican employee you receive first access and special discounts for all BetterLife Wellness services and programs. BetterLife Wellness offers Therapeutic Massage, Reflexology, Health Coaching, Healthy Cooking Classes, Grocery Tours and monthly health and wellness educational programs. (Click here for more information.)

Breastfeeding Basics

March 15, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

May 17, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

July 19, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

September 20, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

November 15, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Covers the advantages of breastfeeding, strategies for early success with breastfeeding, pumping, and breastfeeding support after hospital discharge. Dad or support person is welcome to attend. Please bring a doll or a teddy bear for positioning practice. Taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. SwedishAmerican Hospital, 1401 East State Street, First Floor Conference Center, rooms 5 & 6. A light snack will be offered. Call HealthConnect at 779-696-7081 for more information and to register

Breastfeeding Support Group

Ongoing, every Tuesday, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

For breastfeeding moms and their baby. Group meets weekly and covers many breastfeeding topics and concerns related to breastfeeding. Free. Lead by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. An infant scale is available for weight assessment. Renaissance Pavilion, 1340 Charles St., 2nd Floor Conference Room. For more information and to register, call HealthConnect at 779-696-7081. For additional assistance with breastfeeding, call the Lactation office at 779-696-4890 to speak to a Lactation Consultant.

Cancer Patient Support Group

2nd Tuesday, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

4th Thursday, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Support group for individuals who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer. It is designed to give attendees a chance to interact with others who are facing cancer. (Click here for more information.) FREE. Katy’s Place, inside SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, 3535 North Bell School Road, in Rockford. For more information, please call Deb Schwarze at 779-696-1663, or e-mail dschwarze@swedishamerican.org.

Cancer Support Group for Young Women

Every Tuesday of the Month, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

We recognize that getting support from others who have experienced a cancer diagnosis is very important. We also recognize that it is not always comfortable to talk about the details of your experience with others of a different age group or gender. That's why we are offering a support group specifically designed for young women with cancer, who are attempting to balance work, children, and relationships with their own personal cancer diagnosis and treatment. (Click here for more information.)

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab

Ongoing

A physician prescribed exercise education program designed to help patients with pulmonary and heart disease recover faster and return to a full productive life. Available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Cardiopulmonary Rehab is located at the Ninth Street Center, 209 9th Street, Suite 101, Rockford Illinois. Call 779-696-5863 for an appointment.

Collage 101

March 15, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Join in the fun of this workshop where you will learn a variety of collage techniques, including magazine photo work, layering with paint, crayons and markers, and ways to use found objects and ephemera. The result will be a unique work of art depicting a theme of your choice. No experience is required. (Click here for more information.)

Community Diabetes Support Group

Call for upcoming dates.

Group discussion led by a certified diabetes educator. Camelot Tower, 1415 E. State Street, Suite 700, Rockford. Free. Please RSVP to 779-696-4190 if you will be attending any of the meetings. (Click here for more information.)

Cooking Classes

Offered monthly- call for dates and times

Eating healthfully doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, nor boring! Taught by a dietitian, learn practical food choice tips and see how to make simple and healthy recipes that will inspire you to eat well for life. (Click here for more information.)

Creative Canvas

Call for upcoming dates

Local artist, Jori Lee, will teach how to paint a work of art! Sign up for a 2 hour class with up to 12 of your friends or family! Have fun while enjoying a relaxing evening creating your very own piece of art. Choose between three different designs. Cost is $300 for up to 12 people. All supplies are included. Call 779/696-9700 for dates and more information. Pre-registration is required. BetterLife Wellness inside the I.D. Pennock Family YMCA.

Dexa Screenings

Ongoing

Osteoporosis is a crippling disease characterized by the loss of bone tissue and a susceptibility to fractures. It afflicts an estimated 25 million Americans, 80% of whom are women. Depending on your family history, fracture risk, medications, or other health issues, your health care provider may recommend you schedule a Dexa screening. (Click here for more information.)

Diabetes Community Resources/Coping

Ongoing

Seeking the needed equipment or resources to assist you in adhering to your treatment plan can be an overwhelming task. Resource information is available through SwedishAmerican Hospital. Our discharge planning department can provide assistance in obtaining equipment, plan discharge care and cope with the mixture of feelings that often surface when dealing with a chronic illness. SwedishAmerican Home Health Service can also assist you with home health care follow-up. (Click here for more information.)

Diabetes Counseling

Ongoing

Individual and group sessions are offered by certified diabetes educators, advanced practice nurse, registered nurses, and clinical dietitians. Day-to-day self-care management is discussed. Areas of self-care include: medications, treatment of emergencies, self blood glucose monitoring, self-care (skin, foot, eye, dental, exercise, sick day, stress, travel and nutrition counseling. (Click here for more information.)

Drumming for Wellness: Relax and Rejuvenate!

April 9, 6:00 p.m.

Get back into your natural groove with rhythmic breathing, guided medication, and meditative drumming. (Click here for more information.)

Exercise Band Toning

Wednesdays, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Saturdays, 9:00 am - 10:00 am

For SwedishAmerican employees and YMCA Members only. This 60-minute resistance band class can help enhance your strength, tone your body, and increase metabolism. BetterLife Wellness is located within the ID Pennock Family YMCA, 200 Y Blvd. in Rockford. For more information or to register for a class, please call 779-696-9700 or email betterlifewellness@swedishamerican.org.

EXPRESS Childbirth Education Classes-For The Busy Family!

March 13, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

April 10, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

May 8, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

June 12, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

July 10, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

August 14, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

September 11, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

October 9, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

November 13, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

December 11, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

A weeknight class for expectant parents presented by experienced SwedishAmerican Nurses. Includes information on pregnancy, labor, birth, newborn care, Cesarean birth, nutrition, breathing, relaxation techniques, and a tour of the Family BirthPlace. Class is available the second Tuesday of each month.

Free Car Seat Check Up

Ongoing every Tuesday, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm by appointment only.

Have your car seat checked by a child passenger safety technician. (To ensure the seat is the proper seat for your child, it is best to bring your child along.) We will check to ensure the seat is installed correctly and the harness is adjusted appropriately, and we will check to ensure the car seat is not recalled or expired. FREE. SwedishAmerican EMS, 4120 Charles Street. Call EMS at 779-696-6088 to make an appointment.

Freshstart: Tobacco Cessation Counseling

Call for future dates

The American Cancer Society's 4 week group-based tobacco cessation counseling program designed to help participants stop smoking by providing essential information, skills for coping with cravings, and group support. Designed to help smokers quit smoking and develop coping skills to combat the psychological and physical side effects of smoking cessation. (Click here for more information.)

Friends & Family Cancer Support Group

1st Thursday, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

3rd Tuesday, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

This group meets monthly, and is designed to give caregivers a chance to interact with other individuals who are caring for family or friends who have a cancer diagnosis. (Click here for more information.)

Health Coaching

Available by appointment

Looking for motivation, support or accountability to make your change? For individuals and groups, BetterLife Wellness health coaches can help! A health coach can help you reach personal goals such as improved sleep, better handle stress, and improved diet. Our coaches work in partnership with your employees to identify obstacles to change and create strategies for moving forward toward their goals to live a more optimal life. Daytime and evening appointments are available. Through goal setting, a wellness coach will help turn visions and intentions into action and reality. BetterLife Wellness is located inside the I.D. Pennock Family YMCA. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 779-696-9700 or email betterlifewellness@swedishamerican.org.

Healthy Eating After Cancer Treatment

March 21, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Loss of appetite, changes in taste preferences, nausea and difficulty swallowing can be some of the roadblocks to healthy eating during and after treatment for cancer. (Click here for more information.)

Healthy Grocery Tours

(Offered monthly - call for dates) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Spend some time walking through the grocery store with a licensed dietitian to discuss ingredients, read labels and get answers to all your grocery shopping questions. You will receive a number of resources to help make healthy grocery shopping easier, including pantry must-haves, shopping list and meal planning tips. Grocery store tours are led by a Licensed Dietitian. Fee: $15 for general public. Discounts are available to corporate partners, YMCA members, and SwedishAmerican employees. Call HealthConnect at (779) 696-7081 to register.

Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid

March 3, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

May 5, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

July 7, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

September 15, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

November 3, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Adult, child, and infant CPR. Excellent class for parents and baby-sitters. Covers CPR choking methods and specific childhood illnesses and injuries and how to treat them. A refresher course for those who have taken a basic pediatric medic first aid course.

Lactation Support

Call the Lactation office with questions or concerns

For moms with any breastfeeding problems or concerns, please call the Lactation Office at 779-696-4890 to speak to a lactation consultant. Please leave your name and contact number and someone will be sure to return your call.

Look Good Feel Better: Helping Women with Cancer

February 21, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

May 16, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

August 15, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

November 14, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Look Good Feel Better volunteer beauty professionals will help you with skin and nail care, makeup application, tips on wig selection and wig care, scarves, turbans and hats, and style tips. (Click here for more information.)

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

Every Sunday, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a FREE, peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others. The groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who've been there. Nami's Support Groups are unique because they follow a structured model to ensure you and others in the group have an opportunity to be heard and to get what you need. (Click here for more information).

Nutrition Consulting

Ongoing

Meet with a licensed dietician for a review of nutrition behaviors and goals to establish healthy lifestyle changes centered around meal planning and a balanced diets. Consultations are $35. Call 779-6969-9700 to schedule an appointment. Discounts are available to corporate partners, YMCA members, and SwedishAmerican employees. Call for pricing.

Pediatric Therapy Services

Ongoing

Offers children with gross motor and developmental delays the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential through individualized program development. Directed by a multidisciplinary team, comprised of occupational, physical, and speech therapists. SwedishAmerican Ninth Street Center, 209 9th Street, Suite 302, Physical Medicine Department. Call (815) 489-4470 for an appointment.

Prevention and Control of Heart Disease in the Community

February 28, 7:30 am

A Free Community Presentation. If you're interested in learning about how to prevent heart disease, the role of diet and optimal control of heart risk factors, then you won't want to miss this presentation from SwedishAmerican interventional cardiologist Rehmat Sheikh, MD. (Click here for more information.)

Reflexology

By appointment

Application of appropriate pressure to specific points and areas on the feet. These areas and reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems and by applying pressure, health benefits can be achieved. BetterLife Wellness inside the I.D. Pennock Family YMCA. Call 779-696-9700 or email betterlifewellness@swedishamerican.org for more information.

Regional Cancer Center Caring Canines Visits

Mondays & Wednesdays of each month, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Members of the Caring Canines therapy dog team are available to visit with patients, guests and staff members. SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, 3535 North Bell School Road, in Rockford. For more information, please call Deb Schwarze at 779-696-1663, or e-mail dschwarze@swedishamerican.org.

Rock River Valley Mended Hearts Support Group

Ongoing, third Monday of each month, 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm

Mended Heart team members are available to meet with patients before surgery to answer questions and alleviate fears during hospitalization; for encouragement in the early days of recovery; and after surgery, to help with the life adjustments that face all surgical heart patients. (Click here for more information).

Safe Sitter Course

March 10, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

April 14, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

June 9, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

July 14, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

August 11, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

September 8, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

October 13, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

November 10, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

December 8, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Be the sitter that all parents and kids want! "Safe Sitter" is a medically-accurate, up-to-date, FREE babysitting course that teaches young teens (age 11 - 14) life and safety skills. A one-day class for those between 11 and 14 years old. Includes infant and child CPR instruction. (Please bring a sack lunch to class.) SwedishAmerican EMS, 4120 Charles Street in Rockford, IL. Call 779-696-6088 to register.

Spanish Cancer Support Group

Call for upcoming dates

This group is offered to all Spanish speaking cancer patients and their family members. It is designed to give attendees a chance to interact with other Spanish speaking individuals who are facing cancer or supporting someone with cancer. (Click here for more information.)

Spiritual Support for SwedishAmerican Cancer Patients

Available Monday & Wednesday Morning or Tuesday & Thursday Afternoons

Chaplain Colin Eversmann will be at the Regional Cancer Center on Monday and Wednesday mornings, or Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. If you would like to talk with Chaplain Colin when you are at the Cancer Center, please have your nurse contact him.

Stretch & Strengthen Exercises for Cancer Patients

Mondays, 11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Has your cancer treatment left you feeling tired and weak? DO you AND your doctor agree that a gentle strengthening and stretching class might be just the think you need? Join Greg as he helps you build muscle and endurance. We will be using light (5 pounds & under) hand weights and resistance bands to help you reach your goals. (Click here for more information.)

Stuck in a Diebetic Rut? Get on the Path to a Better A1C

Third Monday of the Month, 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Fourth Tuesday of the Month, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Second Thursday of the Month, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Join us for a group visit! *Each group session is intended for 3-4 patients with diabetes who are established patients of SwedishAmerican Endocrinology. You will receive 90 minutes of education and support; Opportunity for questions and answers from one of our diabetic educators and Kelly Logli, APN; a private physical exam; fun, new recipe sharing with a healthy snack; and an active exercise at the end of the visit. There is no additional fee, the group visit will be charged as an office visit. (Click here for more information.)

Therapeutic Massage

By Appointment

Massage can improve overall health, enhance fitness training, reduce pain, aid in rehabilitation and promote relaxation. Our skilled therapists can provide a variety of massage styles to complement your needs. All therapists are Board Certified Licensed Massage Therapists. Available at three locations: BetterLife Wellness is located inside the I.D. Pennock Family YMCA in Rockford, SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere, SwedishAmerican Physical Therapy, inside the YMCA Northeast Branch in Loves Park. (Click here for more information.)

Volunteer Opportunities

Ongoing

Do you have extra time on your hands? Retired? Want to do something rewarding? Consider volunteering as a way to help others. We'll try to match your talent and preference with our need. SwedishAmerican Hospital Volunteer Department. For more information call (815) 966-2075.

Walk-In Mammograms in Belvidere

Ongoing - Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 2:00 pm at SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere

Have an extra 20 minutes in your day? Same-day screening, digital mammograms are now available every Wednesday and Friday at SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere, 1625 South State Street in Belvidere, Illinois. No appointment is needed - just walk in at your convenience between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and our skilled, compassionate staff will be ready to care for you. (Click here for more information.)

Walk-In Mammograms in Rockton

Ongoing - Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am & 4:00 pm

Have an extra 20 minutes in your day? Walk-in screening, digital mammograms are now available every Monday through Friday at Stateline Clinic, 4282 E. Rockton Road, in Rockton, Illinois. No appointment is needed - just walk in at your convenience between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and our skilled, compassionate staff will be ready to care for you. A physician referral is not needed for a screening mammogram, and most insurance is accepted including Medicare. Call us today at 779-696-9000 for more information.

Weight Management

Begins Monday, February 5, 2018. 5:30pm to 6:30 pm

This twelve week program includes education, fitness, group support and individual coaching to empower participants to lose weight and keep it off. Includes a 3 month YMCA membership.

Whole Body Composition Analysis (Body Fat Test)

By Appointment Monday Through Friday, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

SwedishAmerican has introduced a new body composition analysis (body fat test) that can accurately measure lean muscle, fat and bone mass for the entire body. The measurement of body fat is more accurate than body mass index for assessing health. (Click here for more information.)

Yoga for Cancer Patients

Wednesday, 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

Taught by a skilled instructor, Nicole will start your yoga experience at your skill level. No need to fear this yoga class. you will learn to engage in focus and relaxation. You MUST have your oncologist's written approval to attend this class if you are currently in treatment for cancer. Designed for cancer patients, but open to friends and family of patients as well.

Yoga/Exercise

Call for location dates and times

For SwedishAmerican employees and YMCA Members only. All-level yoga classes are intended for users from novice to those more experienced and generally begin with stretching/toning exercises, followed by gentle yoga, guided imagery, and meditation. *Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to each class. Limited mats, blocks, and straps are available for classes at BetterLife Wellness.