Breastfeeding Basics

May 16, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

July 18, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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

November 21, 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

Tuesdays, 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. No registration is necessary, just show up to join the group. Renaissance Pavilion, 1340 Charles St., 2nd Floor Conference Room. For more information, or 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 in a non-judgment environment. The conversation is facilitated by a SwedishAmerican employee. 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.

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.

Caring Canines Visits at the Regional Cancer Center

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.

Community Diabetes Support Group

Call for upcoming dates.

Group discussion led by a certified diabetes educator. SwedishAmerican Diabetes Self-Management Center, 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. Call the SwedishAmerican Diabetes Self-Management Center at 779-696-2498 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.Tasty samples and written recipes provided. Class offerings include Organic, Vegan, Diabetic, Heart Healthy, Fruity Fit Kids Session and Gluten-Free recipes. $25 per participant. (Discounts are available to corporate partners, YMCA members, and SwedishAmerican employees.) Call BetterLife Wellness at 779-696-9700 to register.

Dexa Screenings

Call for an Appointment

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. A Dexa is done in areas of the hip and spine--areas that could alter your life if you were to fracture. It safely, accurately and painlessly measures bone density and the mineral content of bone. The patient lies comfortably on a padded table, fully clothed, while the Dexa unit scans the spine and hip. A Dexa is a non-invasive procedure, involves no injections, and takes approximately 10-15 minutes. To schedule your appointment at the SwedishAmerican Center for Women, Renaissance Pavilion, 1340 Charles Street, Suite 201, in Rockford or SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere, 1625 South State Street in Belvidere, call 1-779-696-7676. For appointments at Rock Valley/OB/Gyn Clinic, 6861 Villagreen View in Rockford, call (815) 637-6200.

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. For more information, call the SwedishAmerican Diabetes Self-Management Center at 779-696-2498.

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. Initial teaching upon diagnosis, as well as follow-up teaching is provided. Ambulatory insulin and pump therapy can also be provided. An individualized plan of care is developed. Appointment times are flexible. Call your Primary Care Physican and request an appointment with the Diabetes Educators. SwedishAmerican Diabetes Self-Management Center. For more information, call 779-696-2498 .

EXPRESS Childbirth Education Classes-For The Busy Family!

Available the Second Tuesday of Each Month, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

A two hour, 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. Fee: $20. SwedishAmerican Hospital Conference Center, first floor rooms 5&6. Enjoy a calm, relaxed atmosphere and snacks. Receive a baby friendly gift free for attending! Classes are held the second Tuesday of each month. For more information or to register call HealthConnect at 779-696-7081.

Free Car Seat Check Up

Tuesdays, 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. To register email betterlifewellness@swedishamerican.org or to learn about for future class dates. BetterLife Wellness is located within Camelot Tower, Lower Level, A3 in Rockford. $25 per participant.

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. 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.

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, Camelot Tower, 1415 East State Street, Lower Level A3, Rockford, IL. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 779-696-9700 or email betterlifewellness@swedishamerican.org.

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 BetterLife Wellness at 779-696-9700 to register.

Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid

May 4, 2019, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

July 20, 2019, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

September 7, 2019, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

November 2, 2019, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Adult, child, and infant CPR. This is an American Heart Heartsaver Pediatric CPR and First Aid course and is an excellent class for parents, daycare providers and baby-sitters. Tell a friend! This class covers CPR choking methods and specific childhood illnesses and injuries and how to treat them. Fee: $45 in advance. Pre-registration required. SwedishAmerican EMS, 4120 Charles Street, Rockford, Illinois. To register, call 779-696-6082, or for more information e-mail ems@swedishamerican.org.

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.

More Than Skin Deep: How Cancer Impacts Body, Mind and Spirit

April 24, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

June 26, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

August 28, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

October 23, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

There is no doubt that cancer can be very stressful. But It is possible for you to achieve peace, balance, and harmony through this journey. Please join us as Cindy Genrich, Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Loss Consultant, and Deb Schwarze, MS, MA, LCPC, discuss the following topics: * Emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis * Dealing with physical changes during treatment * Hair loss & hair replacement options * Skin care Following the presentation there will be time for fellowship, and each attendee will leave with a turban that they will make during class. FREE for patients who are receiving or have received treatment at SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center. Call 779-696-1663 to register and for more information. Katy's Place, inside the SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, 3535 North Bell School Road, Rockford.

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. By sharing experiences in a safe and confidential setting, you gain hope an develop relationships. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. SwedishAmerican Heart Hospital, 1340 Charles Street, Rockford, IL. Lower Level Conference Rooms 2 & 3. Call NAMI at 815-963-2470 for more information.

New Directions Weight Management

Call for more information.

New Directions is a comprehensive weight management solution FDA approved and prescribed by a board certified physician. We offer two medically supervised weight management programs varying in treatment intesity. Meal replace program includes A Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) and a Low Calorie Diet (LCD). The New Directions System is a multidisciplinary program of behavior modification, nutrition education, physical activity, and group support to reinforce lasting life style changes. Health benefits typically include a reduction in co-morbid conditions, including lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, lower serum cholesterol, and reduced pain in weigh bearing joints. Pricing varies based on insurance. Please call 779-696-9700 for more information. Discounts available to corporate partners, YMCA members, and SwedishAmerican employees.

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.

Rock River Valley Mended Hearts Support Group

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

A support group dedicated to inspiring hope in heart disease patients and their families. SwedishAmerican Hospital, 1st floor conference center, Rooms 5 & 6. (Please enter through the Heart Hospital off of Charles Street.) Mended Heart team members are also 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. For more information about the support group, or if you would like someone from Mended Hearts to visit you, or if you would like to volunteer for the program, please call 779-696-5863. For additional resources and patient education information on heart disease, stroke, cholesterol and more, please visit www.mendedhearts.org.

Roving Relaxation

May 9, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Stressed? Anxious? Worried? Can't Sleep? We Can Help. Cancer patients and families, please join us to learn how to use a variety of relaxation techniques, including relaxation breathing, guided imagery and more. Instructed by Jane Greenlee, board certified holistic health nurse. Katy's Place, inside SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, 3535 North Bell School Road, in Rockford. FREE. To schedule a 30 minute appointment, or for questions, please call 779-696-1663.

Safe Sitter Course

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

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

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

September 28, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

October 12, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

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

December 14, 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. "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.

SAM's Safety Fair

May 18, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Join us for a FREE family fun event! Enjoy hands-on activities and demos for the kids and over 30 exhibitors. Meet firefighters and police officers; visit with our caring canines and local mascots; tour emergency vehicles; have your car set checked for safety; Jump around in obstacle courses. Free bicycle helmets (while supplied last) FREE! SwedishAmerican Hospital Campus, 1401 East State Street, Rockford. Sponsored by SwedishAmerican-a Division of UW Health, Safe Kids Winnebago County, and 97ZOK.

Spanish Cancer Support Group

2nd and 4th Wednesday of each monthm 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm

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. 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.

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.

Staying Fit During Your Pregnancy

May 30, 5:30 pm

If you're interested in learning how to stay fit during pregnancy, what's a healthy weight gain look like and more, then you won't want to miss this presentation from SwedishAmerican obstetrician, Corrine Maund, MD. Riverwest Clinic, 815 Marchesano Drive, Rockford, IL. Light refreshments will be served. One lucky participant will win a prize. To register for this FREE presentation, please call SwedishAmerican HealthConnect at 779-696-7081.

Stepping Stone Workshop

May 7, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Join with other cancer patients to create your own unique stepping stone for your home or garden that will reflect your own personal style. Using paints, stencils and rubber stamps, you will be able to design and create a stepping stone that will be suitable for indoor or outdoor use. (Click here for more information.)

Stitch by Stitch: A Knitting/Crocheting/Needlework Group

May 2, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

June 11, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

July 11, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

August 7, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

September 12, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

For cancer patients and their family and friends! Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Do you have a knitting/crochet/needlework project that you would like to work on? Would you enjoy getting to know other cancer patients while you exercise your creativity? If yes, then this group is for you! If you would like to learn how to crochet, please bring a size J or K crochet hook. Yard will be provided, as well coffee and cookies. Free! Call 779-696-1663 to register. Feel free to bring family members or friends. Katy's Place, inside SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, 3535 North Bell School Road, Rockford.

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. He will also focus on dynamic/static stretching, balance, and care strengthening. A majority of the exercise will be chair based. You MUST have your oncologists written approval to attend this class. 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.

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. To register, please call Brookside Specialty Center at 779-696-9201. (Due to limited space, we cannot include guests for group visits.) Brookside Specialty Center, 1253 North Alpine Road, in Rockford, IL.

The Patient's Guide to Medical Cannabis

May 1, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Are you interested in learning about medical cannabis (marijuana) and cancer treatment? Tom Carey, Pharm D, Director of Pharmacy Services at SwedishAmerican, will discuss how medical cannabis works; safety concerns for patients with cancer; and what to expect from your trip to the dispensary. FREE. Call 779-696-1663 to register. Katy's Place, inside SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, 3535 North Bell School Road, Rockford.

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 these locations: BetterLife Wellness, located within the Camelot Tower in Rockford; SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere; and the SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center. Included: Intake performed to be able to customize massage to your specific needs; Hands on the entire duration of appointment; and no gratuity. 90 minute massage: $90 60 minute massage: $65 30 minute massage: $40 Discounts are available to corporate partners, YMCA members, and SwedishAmerican employees. Call for pricing. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (779) 696-9700 or email betterlifewellness@swedishamerican.org.

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 779-696-4310.

Walk-In Mammograms in Belvidere

Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 2:00 pm

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. A physician referral is not needed for a screening mammogram, and most insurance is accepted including Medicare. Call us today at 1-779-696-7676 for more information.

Walk-In Mammograms in Rockton

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.

Whole Body Composition Analysis (Body Fat Test)

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

A 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. Too little body fat is linked to problems with normal, healthy functioning in both men and women. It also can lead to problems with reproduction in women. Too much body fat, especially when located around the abdomen, increases the risk of many diseases, including type II diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and certain cancers. And for many athletes, performance is improved with optimal body composition. The exam is non-invasive, precise and reliable, and is done on an FDA-approved bone density machine (DEXA), which is considered to be the gold standard in measuring body composition. It is completely painless and takes only 30 minutes. The cost is $90, which is paid out of pocket (patients are given a form to submit to their insurance company). call 779-696-7676 to schedule an appointment Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM. SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere,1625 South State Street in Belvidere, IL.

Young Women's Cancer Support Group

Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

(May 14 and 21 Support Groups will be cancelled, and will resume on May 28)

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. Katy's Place, located inside the SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, 3535 N. Bell School Road, in Rockford, IL. If you have questions, or you would like to join but this is a bad day or time of the day for you, please call 779-696-1663. All groups will be facilitation by a licensed clinical professional counselor.