Preventative health care education

The Community Health Education Center, Salem Hospital's latest venture, offers three classes to help people of all ages achieve optimum health.

From Jan. 5- Feb. 16 the center offers a "Brain Agility Program." Exercising one's body, apparently, is not enough. This seven week program, designed by a psychologist, helps participants keep a youthful brain by enhancing memory, focus, awareness, and alertness. Each week this class begins at 9 a.m.

Just in time for the new year, a "Healthy 'n Fit" 10 week course is offered. Addressing a growing problem, this is a nutrition program is meant to help families combat childhood obesity. For children 8-15 and their families, this class, held at 6 p.m., teaches lifestyle behaviors aimed to help kids achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Advanced registration is required for this program led by a registered dietician and exercise specialist.

Another prominent problem, one that can even keep patients from being insured, is smoking. From Jan. 6-17, the center plans a "Freedom From Smoking" class. Addressing many issues related with smoking cessation, a personalized plan is put in place for each participant. The course covers readiness to quit, medicines to help quit, lifestyle changes that make quitting easier, how to stay smoke-free for good, and more. Advanced registration is also required for this class held at 6 p.m.

For more information, call 503.814.2432.