Aromatherapy for Cancer Treatment Side Effects

August 28, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants as a treatment in complementary medicine to relieve tension and treat certain ailments. Join Laurie Bigelow and Metta Sacdyphoud as they discuss medical uses for aromatherapy, how essential oils impact the brain and how they can be used to ease some of the side effects of cancer treatment. (Click here for more information.)

Breastfeeding Basics

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 Phone-In Support Group

August 1, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

August 2, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Has cancer changed your life? Would you like to attend a cancer support group but the time is inconvenient? Or maybe you're just too tired to go to another appointment? (Click here for more information.)

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.)

Cancer Support Group for Young Women

Every Tuesday of the Month, 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 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. (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.

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. (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 for Cancer Patients

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

Learn something new and be creative with others who have a history of cancer. Join us for a workshop that will focus on the use of stamps, stencils, wax resist, paints and ephermera. No art experience is needed. There is no cost to participate but registration is required by calling 779-696-1663.

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.)

EXPRESS Childbirth Education Classes-For The Busy Family!

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, located within the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Blvd. in Rockford. 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 HealthConnect at (779) 696-7081 to register.

Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid

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. Fee: $45 in advance. Pre-registration required. SwedishAmerican EMS, 4120 Charles Street, Rockford, Illinois. To register, call (815) 489-6082, or for more information e-mail ems@swedishamerican.org.

Knee Pain and You-A FREE Community Presentation

August 29, 7:30 am

If you're interested in learning the causes of knee osteoarthritis, treatment options, risks and benefits of total join replacement, and expectations of treatment and recovery, then you won't want to miss this presentation from SwedishAmerican orthopedic surgeon Mathew Legel, DO. KeenAge Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere, IL. Light refreshments will be served. One lucky participant will win a prize. To register for this free presentation, please call The Boone County Council on Aging at 815-544-9893.

Labyrinth Walk

July 24, 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

July 26, 9:00 am - 9:30 am

July 31, 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

Meet at the Labyrinth in the Meditation Garden (weather permitting). If you are new to walking the labyrinth, information will be provided.

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

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).

New Directions Weight Management

Call for more information.

This twelve week program includes education, fitness, group support and individual coaching to empower participants to lose weight and keep it off. (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.

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).

Ryan Jury Child Development Learning Center Health Fair

September 15, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Mark your calendar for our annual Ryan Jury Health Fair, honoring childhood obesity month. (Click here for more information.)

Safe Sitter Course

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

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. (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.

Stepping Stone Workshop

July 31, 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 embellish a pre-made cement stepping stone. (Click here for more information.)

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. (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 these locations: BetterLife Wellness, located within the Camelot Tower in Rockford; SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere; and the SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center. (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.

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

Wednesdays, 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.