Bon Secours Cottage General Hospital
Classes and Seminars
Ongoing Events

Classes and Seminars

Bon Secours Cottage Meals for the Homebound Fill Community Need ... Is there someone you know who is recuperating from surgery or an illness and unable to cook for themself? Or do you know an elderly individual who needs help with meals for a few weeks until other arrangements are made? Celebrating its 27th year of providing "good help to those in need," the Bon Secours Cottage Meals for the Homebound Program is a community service project that assists recently discharged patients and elderly in the community during periods of recuperation or need. The Bon Secours Cottage Meals Program is the only temporary meal service in the area, helping individuals for periods up to eight weeks. Balanced, healthy, hot meals (regular diet only) are prepared by Food & Nutrition Services and delivered by Bon Secours Cottage volunteers during the noon hour Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. The success of the program is due to the quality and variety of meals provided, along with the caring spirit and friendly touch provided to the recipients by the volunteers' visits. Residents of the Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods, and Detroit area (ZIP CODES 48224, 48225, 48230 and 48236 only) are eligible. Are you or someone you know interested in brightening the day of a shut-in? As a Bon Secours volunteer delivering meals to the homebound, you can make a difference in their life by reaching out through food and friendship. Volunteer drivers are needed for approximately one and one-half hours at a time during the noon hour weekdays, excluding major holidays. They must have a valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance. For more information, call Bon Secours Volunteer Services at (313) 343-1795.

Pre-Diabetes Lecture... Has your doctor told you your blood sugar is a little high, but you don't yet have diabetes? Are your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight on the rise? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of pre-diabetes blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Join Bon Secours Cottage Diabetes Resource Center staff to get information on how to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. Lectures take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, Oct. 21 or Nov. 25, in the Bon Brae Center, 22300 Bon Brae, St. Clair Shores. The program also is offered from 1 to 3 p.m. on the same dates at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Road, Warren. The fee is $50. For more information or to pre-register, call (586) 779-7900 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

Bon Secours Cottage "Health Talks"... offer the opportunity to become a champion of your own health and get personal about prevention. These free community lectures feature Bon Secours Cottage physicians and health specialists who present information on health issues and wellness-related topics. Meet and talk with professionals who can help you take important steps toward an improved lifestyle. All lectures take place from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Bon Brae Center, 22300 Bon Brae, St. Clair Shores (at 10-1/2 Mile and Jefferson). The programs are free, but pre-registration is required by calling (586) 779-7900. "Step Up to Better Health - 10 K a Day", "Burn Off the Years" and "What's the Scoop on New Blood Pressure Guidelines?" are among the topics. Discuss.

Bringing Couples Together to Plan Pregnancies... Research indicates that planning before pregnancy can reduce the incidence of complications. Bon Secours Cottage offers a free class from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, in the Bon Secours Hospital Private Dining Room (lower level) where couples considering parenthood can speak with a Bon Secours Cottage BirthCare physician or experienced childbirth educator. During the class, participants learn about the many physical and emotional changes to expect during pregnancy, nutrition before pregnancy and after delivery, exposure to infectious diseases, exercise and pregnancy, ways to decrease risk of abnormalities of the unborn child, ways to decrease complications of diabetes during pregnancy Questions are encouraged during this informal session, and a tour of the Bon Secours BirthCare unit is offered. Bon Secours Cottage also offers a variety of family-centered childbirth classes for those delivering at Bon Secours Hospital. They include Early Pregnancy; Grandparents; Prepared Childbirth; Prenatal Refresher; Infant Care; Focus: Breast Feeding; Sibling; and Focus: Motherhood. For more information or to pre-register, call Bon Secours Cottage Community Health Promotion at (586) 779-7909 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Art Becomes Therapy for Cancer Patients ... Bon Secours Cottage Health Services' CancerCare program is offering art therapy as a medium for promoting healing for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. "Color Me Well" is a six-week art therapy series based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing.

Art therapist and artist Christine Lewis guides participants as they learn to express themselves using a variety of art materials including pastels, paints and clay.

In conjunction with the six-week class series, Lewis encourages individual journaling, which includes spontaneous art along with personal reflection in writing. Journals may be shared with the group, discussed privately with the therapist, or kept completely private.

The next "Color Me Well" session begins Wednesday, July 23. It is held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the third-floor conference room at Cottage Hospital, 159 Kercheval Avenue (one mile south of Moross), Grosse Pointe Farms. There is a $25 materials fee.

Persons receiving cancer treatment at any health care facility are welcome to join the group and begin a personal journey of discovery toward healing. For reservation information, call Bon Secours Cottage Community Health Promotion at (586) 779-7900.

Cancer Patients Get Beauty Boost From Bon Secours Cottage ... Looking good makes anyone feel better. But it's especially true for women who have undergone radiation treatment or chemotherapy. Bon Secours Cottage CancerCare is offering the "Look Good . . . Feel Better®" program to help women deal with the physical effects of cancer treatment.

At the "Look Good . . . Feel Better" sessions, specially trained and certified volunteer cosmetologists help women choose and apply makeup that lifts their looks as well as their spirits. Participants are encouraged to bring in a wig, if they have one, for assistance with styling and care. Wig selection and the fashionable use of scarves, turbans and hats also are discussed and demonstrated.

The next "Look Good . . . Feel Better" session takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, in the first-floor conference room at Cottage Hospital, 159 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Farms (one mile south of Moross). Free valet parking is available at the Kercheval entrance.

Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation, and the National Cosmetology Association, "Look Good . . .Feel Better" is a non-medical service that does not promote any cosmetic product line. The program is free of charge.

Attendance is limited to ensure that each individual receives special attention. Women receiving cancer treatment at any health care facility are welcome. Reservations should be made prior to July 21 by calling Bon Secours Cottage Community Health Promotion at (586) 779-7900.

Diabetes Support Group and Diabetic FITness Exercise Program ... Bon Secours Cottage Health Services offers free monthly support group meetings for people with diabetes and their families from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bon Brae Center Classroom, 22300 Bon Brae in St. Clair Shores.

Participants discuss exercise and diabetes, how to count carbohydrates, and control and monitor glucose levels. Upcoming topics of discussion include:

Aug. 5 Track your carbohydrates
A registered dietitian discusses an easy method for keeping track of daily carbohydrate intake.

'Mind, Body, Spirit' Lecture About Therapeutic and Healing Touch ... Come and learn more about therapeutic and healing touch from Deb Kennedy, BSN, a certified healing touch practitioner from Bon Secours Cottage. The free "Mind, Body, Spirit" lecture takes place from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, in the first-floor conference rooms at Cottage Hospital. Cottage, 159 Kercheval (one mile south of Moross) in Grosse Pointe Farms.

According to Kennedy, "We are each born with the ability to heal with our touch, and science has documented these results." At the program, she explains how these energy-based, noninvasive methods of healing are used with traditional medicine to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

The lecture is free, but reservations are requested by calling Bon Secours Cottage Community Health Promotion at (586) 779-7900. Free parking in the deck on Muir Road is available. Bring your ticket with you to the program for validation.

The SafeSitter™ Course
This program teaches adolescents (11-13) how to use basic growth and development principles to care for children of different ages. Included in the course are rescue breathing, care for a choking infant or child, and how to respond to emergent situations. For information about upcoming courses, call (586) 779-7900.

Ongoing Events

Blood Pressure Screening Program ... As part of an ongoing community health program, Bon Secours Cottage offers free blood pressure screenings at three locations. Staff and trained volunteers are available to check community members for undetected cases of hypertension, provide nationally accepted guidelines for follow-up with a health care professional, and furnish additional screening and health education information.

Blood pressure screenings are offered at the following locations:
Bon Secours Hospital
468 Cadieux Road, Grosse Pointe
Each Monday
1 to 3 p.m. in the Main Lobby

Bon Secours Cottage Home Medical
21571 Kelly Road, Eastpointe
Second and fourth Wednesdays
9 to 11 a.m.

Cottage Hospital
159 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms
Second Friday
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Main Lobby

For more information, call Bon Secours Cottage Community Health Promotion at 586- 779-7900 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

Breast Health Education
Bon Secours Cottage Health Services, in cooperation with the Eastside Region Community Health Status Advisory Board, offers a breast cancer awareness program for organizations or community groups. Call the Women's HealthCare Line at (586) 779-7909 to schedule a presentation.

Corporate Health Promotion
On-site employee health programs are offered which include comprehensive preventive health education, health-risk appraisals, fitness testing and health screenings. Call (586) 779-7660.

Diabetes Education Program ... Adult Outpatient Comprehensive Diabetes Education Program ... The Bon Secours Cottage Adult Outpatient Diabetes Education Program was awarded education recognition by the American Diabetes Association and certification by the Michigan Department of Public Health. This prestigious award is given to education programs that demonstrate quality through a rigorous and detailed peer review process. The diabetes education program is offered to non-pregnant adults who are referred by their physicians. Learn how to eat well on your meal plan, exercise for fun, prevent long-term problems, control and monitor blood sugar and recognize signs of high and low blood sugar. An individual assessment by a nurse and dietitian is required before class. Complete the registration form or call (586) 779-7900.

Dual Recovery Anonymous
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) is a self-help program that is based on principles of the 12 steps and experiences of men and women in recovery for a dual diagnosis. The DRA program helps individuals recover from chemical dependency and emotional or psychiatric illness by focusing on relapse prevention and actively improving the quality of their lives. In a community of mutual support, participants learn to avoid risks that lead back to alcohol and drug use, as well as reduce the symptoms of their emotional or psychiatric illness. The group meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday evenings at Cottage Hospital. For information, call Roger Blair at (313) 640-2637.

Family-Centered Childbirth Education
For information about any of the following programs or classes, call the Bon Secours Cottage Women's HealthCare Line at (586) 779-7909.

From Partners to Parents
Preconception Planning This free class is offered to couples who are considering planning a pregnancy. Learn about the many physical and emotional changes to expect during pregnancy. Questions are encouraged during this informal session and are answered by a Bon Secours delivering practitioner or childbirth educator. A tour of the Bon Secours BirthCare unit is available.

Family-Centered Childbirth Education Persons delivering at Bon Secours can choose from: Early Pregnancy - teaches physical, emotional and nutritional changes and needs;
Grandparents Class - discusses current concepts of labor and delivery, breast and bottle feeding, holding or "spoiling," and how important grandparents are in the lives of their children and grandchildren;
Prepared Childbirth (four-week or one-day) - teaches relaxation, visualization, breathing techniques and safe exercises to prepare for birth;
Prenatal Refresher - reviews breathing and relaxation techniques;
Infant Care Class - instructs expectant parents about infant care;
Focus: Breastfeeding - prepares the expectant mother and her support person for an enjoyable and healthy breastfeeding experience;
Sibling Class - helps children ages 3 to 12 be comfortable with a new baby in the home; and Focus: Motherhood (four weeks)- helps new moms adjust (babies welcome).

Managing Your Diabetes ... Diabetes Resource Center The Diabetes Resource Center offers educational literature, videotapes, and individual outpatient counseling to help individuals "live well" with diabetes. Appointments are required to visit the Resource Center located at 22300 Bon Brae in St. Clair Shores. For information or to schedule an appointment, call (586) 779-7661.

Meals for the Homebound ... The Bon Secours Cottage Meals for the Homebound Program is a community service project that assists recently discharged patients and elderly in the community during periods of recuperation or need. The program is the only temporary meal service in the area, serving homebound individuals for periods up to eight weeks. Residents of the Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods, and Detroit area (zip 48224 only) are eligible. For information, call (313) 343-1795.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group ... The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is opening a Detroit area chapter. Its mission is to help ease the day-to-day challenges of living with MS. If you or someone you know has MS, make plans to attend a free monthly support group for individuals with MS and their families. Meetings offer participants an opportunity to share their stories, and learn more about the latest treatment options available and many programs offered by the MSAA.

Support group meetings are scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the lower-level Boardrooms at Cottage Hospital., 159 Kercheval (one mile south of Moross) in Grosse Pointe Farms. Parking is available in the parking deck next to the hospital on Muir Road.

For more information, call (586) 773-7665.

Nutrition Counseling ... This program offers individualized counseling by a registered dietitian that covers a variety of diets, including weight reduction, low cholesterol, diabetes and cardiac. Sessions take place at Cottage Hospital. Call (313) 640-2650 for information or to make an appointment. Fee $45 per hour/$40 for Seniors TODAY members.

Postpartum Blues ... In the days that follow the birth of a baby, a new mother is sometimes surprised and confused by the emotions she experiences. Up to 80 percent of new mothers encounter mild depression, sometimes called the "Baby Blues," which can begin a day or two after delivery and last up to three weeks. A more severe and longer-lasting form of the blues, called postpartum depression, occurs in up to 20 percent of women and can develop anytime, usually between two and 10 weeks after the baby's birth.

Bon Secours Cottage Women's Services presents a monthly postpartum education series, "Emotional Issues and Support After Childbirth," to help women cope with the baby blues and depression. All new mothers coping with a range of emotional reactions which can occur after the birth of a child are invited to attend. Milissa Pierce, M.A., LPC, a licensed professional counselor and certified childbirth educator, leads the evening sessions. The free meetings are held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at Cottage Hospital. Spouses, partners or friends also are welcome to attend.

Meetings take place at Cottage Hospital, 159 Kercheval in Grosse Pointe Farms. Attendees are asked to use the Cottage Emergency Center entrance at the back of the hospital. Free parking is available in the deck on Muir Road. Be sure to bring your parking ticket to the program for validation. For more information, call Debbie Scallen at (313) 343-1777.

Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs ... As part of its ongoing pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation programs, Bon Secours Cottage Health Services offers the following classes for strengthening muscles and endurance training. For information about either of the following programs, call (313) 640-2582 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program - A physician referral is required for this educational exercise program for persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cardiac Rehabilitation Program - A physician referral is needed for this educational exercise program offered to persons at risk of developing heart disease and those recovering from cardiac illness or surgery.

Spa by the Shore Recovery Program Gets National Recognition ... Medical researchers are rediscovering the "mind and body" relationship and the important role it plays in healing. For patients needing joint replacement, Bon Secours Cottage physicians are finding that complementary therapies are getting their patients up and active in record time. The Spa by the Shore recovery program at Bon Secours Hospital has improved patient comfort and healing processes following surgery. In evaluating the Spa by the Shore experience, patients say that holistic therapies such as music, aroma, therapeutic touch and massage increase their healing process by helping them relax, reduce pain and recuperate faster. For more information about the Spa by the Shore joint replacement recovery program at Bon Secours Hospital, call (313) 343-1516.

Speakers Bureau
Organizations or groups may schedule one of our medical staff members or other health care professionals to speak on a variety of health topics by calling (586) 779-7900.

See more community events at Bon Secours Cottage Hospital.