Community Programs

 For additional information, please call HealthConnect® at (631) 444-4000.

Community Health Education Programs

Health Fairs: Stony Brook University Medical Center health care professionals participate in community health fairs and provide health information and perform health screenings.

Speakers Bureau: Provides "free" health lectures for community groups. Healthcare professionals present the latest information on a wide range of topics covering health and wellness, disease prevention, current treatment methods, the latest research and accessing medical services.                         

Smith Haven Mall Walkers Club: Co-sponsored by Stony Brook University Medical Center at the Smith Haven Mall, the Mall Walkers Club meets eight times a year at the Food Court in the Smith Haven Mall. Members receive a complimentary snack and blood pressure screening starting at 8 a.m., and hear an informative lecture at 9 a.m.

Registration Brochure 

NOTES:

Mall Walkers

 2012 Meeting Dates: 1/25, 2/29, 3/28, 4/25, 5/30, 9/26, 10/31, 11/28.

Walk for Beauty: This 4K/6K walk through scenic, historic areas of Stony Brook Village raises funds for breast and prostate cancer research at Stony Brook University.

Walk for Beauty, began in 1994 as a community effort to raise awareness about breast cancer and to establish a boutique for people with cancer. The Unique Boutique, a collection of shopkeepers who provide products and services for patients with cancer, and The Walk for Beauty Fund enable patients with cancer to purchase wigs, prostheses and other special products. Since 1996, the Walk for Beauty has supported breast cancer research at Stony Brook University (SBU).

About the HOPE Program

Coordinated through Stony Brook University Medical Center's Department of Community Relations, the HOPE (Health Occupations Partnership for Excellence) program promotes and fosters the development of promising high school students from underserved, racially and ethnically diverse communities, and strives to support them in pursuing a college education and future careers in the health care industry. Activities span two academic years and provide education, mentorship and volunteer opportunities. Participating districts include Brentwood, Longwood, Riverhead and Wyandanch.

The HOPE (Health Occupations Partnership for Excellence) program is part of Stony Brook Medicine's Health Initiative for Underserved Communities which strives to work closely with grassroots organizations to improve access to care, provide community health education programs and screenings, and support efforts to meet the needs of people living in underserved communities.

HOPE 

Click here to see how you can support the HOPE program.

Health Screenings

Stony Brook health care professionals provide a wide variety of screenings at health fairs and community events throughout Suffolk County. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose screenings often reveal the early warning signs of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In addition to these, screening for prostate cancer, glaucoma, vascular disease, memory loss, anxiety, osteoporosis, and more is offered on a periodic or regular basis. See more in Ongoing Health Education Programs/Screenings.

Ongoing Health Education Programs/Screenings

Alzheimer's Caregivers Practical Help Workshop
A 4-part practical help workshop for caregivers covering the following topics: Medical Overview, Management of Behavior Problems, Community Resources/Caregiving Issues and Legal and Financial Issues.

Asthma Care And Prevention (Integrative)
Available for asthma patients 12 years of age and older, this series of four group sessions conducted by the Division of Wellness and Chronic Illness in the Department of Family Medicine reviews state of the art medical management, triggers, prevention, and proper use of inhalers, spacers and peak flow meters. Additional topics of discussion include: nutrition, nutritional supplements, whole foods and herbs, breathing exercises, stress management, massage, self-hypnosis, meditation, and guided imagery. Registration is limited, most insurance programs accepted.

Back & Leg, Neck & Arm Pain Seminars
The Spine and Scoliosis Center at Stony Brook University Medical Center, which specializes in the diagnosis of various spinal conditions, offers free informative seminars on back and leg pain and neck and arm pain. Seminars cover the anatomy of the back and neck, various conditions that cause pain, and treatment options.

Breast Cancer Education
For men and women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and for the general public, this ongoing support group sponsored by The Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center features specialist guest speakers who offer information on a variety of topics. The group meets monthly at the Holiday Inn Express, Stony Brook.

Cardiac Education Program for Patients and Families
A 6-week heart disease awareness program conducted by healthcare professionals aimed at providing patients, families and friends with a comprehensive overview of heart health and important information about the factors that influence heart disease. CPR Training classes are offered to participants in conjunction with the program. Registration is required.

Center for Joint Replacement Education Programs
Learn about prostheses, assistive devices, joint protection and energy conservation techniques for activities of daily living, work and leisure at Stony Brook University Medical Center's Joint Replacement Center. The Center offers preoperative classes for patients who will be undergoing joint replacement surgery and monthly community education seminars on hip and knee pain.

Congestive Heart Failure Clinic
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) clinics have been recognized by government studies to be the future of healthcare for patients with this chronic disease. Stony Brook University Medical Center's CHF clinic is one of the few facilities in the area offering this service. Staffed by nurse practitioners and registered nurses, the clinic provides comprehensive care that includes contact with patients on a regular basis to monitor health and render support, close observation, and superb educational resources. In addition, the clinic offers quarterly educational seminars geared to providing information requested by patients.

Diabetes Self-Management Education Classes
A comprehensive 3-day educational program covering meal planning, blood glucose monitoring, exercise, use of medications, acute and chronic complications, stress, travel, vacationing and community resources. Insurance accepted where applicable.

Diabetes Club/Pumpers Club
Meet and share experiences with other people with diabetes, learn what's new in resources, research and technology and get questions answered. For adults with diabetes who are on the insulin pump or are considering it.

Group Sessions for Patients with Breast Cancer
Stony Brook University Medical Center's Division of Wellness and Chronic Illness conduct two group sessions for patients with breast cancer. Brief individual evaluations are followed by sessions on nutrition and mind/body medicine. Registration is limited to 15 participants. Most insurance plans accepted.

Healthcare Information- Available through Resource Centers
Visit Stony Brook University Medical Center's Resource Centers for important information that can help you to make informed healthcare choices. The Resource Centers are in two convenient locations: Stony Brook University Medical Center Main Entrance, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm and 115 Main Street, Stony Brook Village, hours vary.

Hip and Knee Pain Seminars
Free seminars on hip and knee pain are regularly hosted by the Stony Brook Joint Replacement Center. Seminars include an overview on the normal anatomy of the hip and knee, the various causes of hip and knee pain, signs and symptoms of a hip or knee problem, how to get a good diagnosis from your doctor, and treatments including diet, nutrition, exercise, medication and surgery.

Individual Medical Nutrition Therapy
Children and adults with nutrition-related medical conditions, such as diabetes, gestational diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, gastrointestinal conditions, obesity, cancer, and eating disorders are invited to participate in individual medical nutrition therapy sessions led by registered dieticians and nutritionists. Therapy sessions consist of a full nutrition assessment including medical history, dietary intake, supplement intake, body composition and available blood work; an individualized care plan, including dietary and physical activity recommendations; education and counseling using unique and effective nutrition education materials; and assessment of the effectiveness of your plan and appropriate modifications including lifestyle counseling throughout the program. Sports nutrition, diet prescriptions and counseling are also available. Morning or afternoon sessions are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Most insurance programs accepted.

Infant and Child Massage Classes
This 3-session program conducted by a licensed massage therapist and certified infant/child massage instructor provides instruction for parents in massage techniques to soothe a cranky baby, reduce stress and pain, relieve symptoms of gas and colic and develop crucial bonding skills. Classes for premature or medically fragile babies are also available. Children of all ages welcome. Bring baby or doll and a small blanket.

Lipid Program Group Visits
Stony Brook University Medical Center's Division of Wellness and Chronic Illness in the Department of Family Medicine conducts four 2-hour group visits for patients with elevated lipids (fats including cholesterol). Following a brief, individual evaluation, group sessions focus on what makes fats-including high or low cholesterol; changing lipid and insulin levels with whole foods and supplements; the genetics of lipid formation; anti-lipid medications, their proper usage and side effects and the role of exercise and stress reduction in changing lipid and insulin levels. Most insurance plans accepted.

Look Good...Feel Better Program (for breast cancer patients)
Offered in conjunction with the American Cancer Society for female cancer patients. This free, 2-hour program is facilitated by a licensed cosmetologist. Wigs are available to patients experiencing hair loss. Registration required

MEET THE MIDWIVES Join the Stony Brook Midwives for an informative evening of conversation, questions & answers, and a tour of the Labor & Delivery, Nursery & Postpartum Units. Sessions are held on the first Thursday of the month from 7-8 pm in the Health Sciences Center lecture halls. For more information go to www.stonybrookmidwives.com

MOMS Programs
The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Stony Brook University Medical Center provides total prenatal care to Medicaid eligible expectant moms through its MOMS program. MOMS covers medical care, health education, nutritional counseling, prenatal classes, lab services, dental care, mental health, assistance with transportation and referral to the WIC Program. Help with applying for Medicaid benefits is provided.

Osteoporosis Fitness Program
For those diagnosed or at risk for osteoporosis, this course is designed to enhance your understanding of proper body mechanics during activities of daily living to lessen the effects of osteoporosis. Participants require a physician referral that includes a diagnosis and request for physical therapy evaluation and treatment. Classes are conducted by the Outpatient Physical and Occupational Therapy Department of Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Osteoporosis Prevention and Management Series
Conducted by the Department of Family Medicine's Division of Wellness and Chronic Illness, this series of three group visits encompasses assessment, evaluation and the integration of holistic treatment to augment conventional treatment for osteoporosis prevention and management. Conventional monitoring techniques and medical intervention with hormone replacement therapy and drugs is also covered.

Pediatric Healthy Heart Clinic
The Division of Pediatric Cardiology offers a risk clinic for children 8-18 years of age with risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure. This 12-week nutritional counseling and exercise program meets twice a week.

Prenatal Education Classes
For women delivering at Stony Brook University Medical Center these educational classes promote optimal maternal, fetal and newborn health. Topics of discussion include: Staying Healthy During Pregnancy, Breast Feeding & Infant Feeding Choices, Preparing for Labor & Delivery and Taking Care of Yourself and Baby at home. Registration required.

Preparing for Breast Surgery or Reconstruction
Designed to help women who will be undergoing surgery mentally prepare for the experience. Taught by Nurse Practitioners who utilize mind-body techniques, participants will receive an instruction book and relaxation tape.

Pre-surgery Tours for Parents & Children
To familiarize you with the Medical Center setting and to help ease the fear and anxiety of hospitalization, Stony Brook University Medical Center's child life specialists are available to conduct tours for parents and children. In addition to touring visitors through the hospital room, playroom and operating room, they are available to answer questions and welcome suggestions on how to make your child's hospitalization as comfortable as possible.

Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer screening includes a FREE PSA blood test and a rectal exam. The Department of Urology offers free screenings by appointment at University Medical Center and at Stony Brook Medical Park. For an appointment call the Cancer Helpline at 1.800.862.2215. Screenings are also available on Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons at The Hampton Bays Life Care Center. For an appointment call 631.723.5000.

Sibling Classes
New baby on the way? The Mother-Baby Unit of Stony Brook University Medical Center offers weekly classes at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays for parents and children preparing for the changes that come with a new baby in the household. Utilizing a film narrated by children, combined with demonstrations of how to hold, feed and change a diaper, this hour-long program is free of charge. Classes conclude with a tour of the newborn nursery, a question and answer period and a "Big Sister/Big Brother" certificate. Classes should be scheduled at least one month prior to due date.

Stroke Prevention Screening
Available at community events and health fairs.

Target Fitness for Weight Management Program
Adults with weight management or other health related problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol are invited to enroll in Stony Brook University Medical Center's 12-week Target Fitness Weight Management Program. Weekly one-hour sessions guide participants to develop research-based skills to facilitate gradual and permanent weight loss through individualized strategies and goals. There is a fee for this program.

Total Cholesterol/Glucose Screening
Available at community events and health fairs.

Travel Medicine Services
Stony Brook University Medical Center's Travel Medicine Services is staffed by specialists licensed to administer common and rare vaccines, they offer vaccination, access to a worldwide destination travel database, post-travel health assessment, advice for existing medical conditions and evaluation for tropical illnesses.

Wellness Programs
Stony Brook University's Department of Campus Recreation offers a variety of free and low cost wellness programs to members of the community. For more information on Wellness Center memberships, upcoming programs and how to enroll in classes at the Eugene Weidman Wellness Center, call 631. 632.7263

WIC Program
Stony Brook University Medical Center's Department of Family Medicine offers the WIC program to women, infants and children in the community. You can enroll in this program even if you are not a legal resident (green card not needed) or U.S. citizen; if you do not have a social number; if you receive food stamps, public assistance, or Medicaid; or, if you are a foreign student with an F-1 Visa. 

 For additional information, please call HealthConnect® at (631) 444-4000.