Health Briefs

March 28, 2008 06:16 am

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Merrimack Valley YMCA pass for Avon walkers

The Merrimack Valley YMCA has partnered with the Avon Two-Day Breast Cancer Walk to offer walkers 10 free visits to the YMCA. Walkers can bring their training indoors between now and mid-May to help in the preparation for the walk. Avon walkers can bring their identification number or a copy of their Web page printout to any of the Merrimack Valley YMCA facility branches to get a guest pass good for 10 free visits.

Last year, the Boston walk raised $6.3 million for breast cancer research and access to care for breast cancer patients. The walk, held May 17 and 18, is over a 39.3-mile course. This YMCA offer is available at the Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill St., Andover and Lawrence YMCA, 40 Lawrence St., Lawrence branches. For more information, call Elizabeth Covino at 978-725-6681.

Get in shape for summer

Get In Shape For Women will be hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. Anyone who wants to get in shape for summer or learn about the amazing programs offered, are welcome.

Get In Shape For Women is located at 733 Turnpike St., Jasmine Plaza, North Andover. For more information, call Brian Fletcher, owner, at 978-688-5900.

Bone marrow drive for Rowley man

James Price of Rowley requires blood and platelet infusions which are critical to help him maintain his health while being treated for severe aplastic anemia, a rare bone marrow disorder. He is in need of a matching donor.

A bone marrow drive will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Winfrey's Fudge, Route 1, Rowley.

Donors only need to be 18 to 55 and in good health to give a cotton swab sample of the inside of their cheek to be entered in the international registry. The event is free, but donations will be accepted to support the cause and reduce testing costs.

For more information, call 866-340-3567 or visit www.dkmsamericas.org.

Mindfulness Based Meditation sessions available

Mindfulness Based Meditation sessions meet on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6 Locke St., Andover. Orientation and instruction is available at 7 p.m. The sessions are free and open to all. For more information, call Ralph Galen at 978-475-4454.

Better Days Ahead

"Better Days Ahead," a program on managing chronic disease, will meet every Wednesday, starting April 23 through May 28, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Home Care Inc. is offering this six-week program to address the needs of individuals in the community living with chronic health issues. Class size is limited to 16 people. The program will take place in the North Andover Senior Center located at 120 Main St., North Andover. Call Rita Lonardo, RN, at 978-552-4674 to learn more.

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If you have an item for Health Briefs, e-mail Betsy Curry at bcurry@eagletribune.com.