Seminars and Classes

Programs offered by the Margaret Beckley Upton Center for Health Enhancement include education and management courses for diabetes and asthma, expectant parent education, car safety, babysitting education and infant and child CPR. Below is a list of regular seminars and classes. Our Calendar of Events  provides additional information on dates and times for scheduled classes. 

Heart Lessons 
Are you one of those people who believes that you have no heart disease because you have no symptoms?You’re not alone: 62 percent of men and 46 percent of women are diagnosed for the first time upon arrival at the emergency department. In this one-hour class you’ll learn to decrease your chances of heart attack or stroke. Call 866-260-7544 or 269-556-2808 to register.

Look Good ... Feel Better Program
Participants learn about hair and skin care and makeup application. Participants must be in active chemotherapy treatment and preregister to attend. Class size is limited to six. The program is free and is led by American Cancer Society volunteers who are licensed cosmetologists. This program is held on the second Monday of each month. Call 866-260-7544 or 269-556-2808 to register.

Bones in Balance
Bones in Balance is a four-week program for those who have been diagnosed with low-bone density, such as osteopenia or osteoporosis and who would like to take an active role in self-management of their condition. The eight informative sessions combine educational information and exercise performed in a secure manner. The team of medical professionals includes dietitians, nurse educators, pharmacists and physical therapists. A physician referral is needed to join this program. For more information, call 269-556-7150.

Certified Breast Prosthesis Fitting
Breast cancer can be a challenging and emotionally difficult time for a woman, particularly those who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy. No woman should have to suffer from the lack of a positive self-image due to a poor fitting prosthesis or bra. Our team of certified fitters will assist you in achieving optimal results in bra and prosthetic fittings. We offer Naturalwear products by Camp in bras and prostheses. For your free personal fitting, call 269-556-2808.

Bone Density Heel Screening
Make an appointment for your individualized Achilles heel screening. A nurse educator will provide a confidential session and offer follow-up treatment information. Cost is $29. For more information, or to make an appointment, call 269-556-2808.

The Good News About Hip and Knee Pain
Join us and learn more about advanced treatments that may offer relief of your pain, including information about medications, nutrition and exercise. A registered nurse and physical therapist discuss common symptoms and treatments available. These free seminars are presented on a monthly basis at the hospitals in St. Joseph and Niles. Call 269-985-4539 for more information.

Eating Right for a Healthy Heart
Better food habits can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Allison Blicher, registered dietitian, will describe the American Heart Association’s eating plan. Call 866-260-7544 for more information, or to register for this free program.

Diabetes–Taking Control
Learn how to Improve blood glucose control, make healthier food choices and reduce the risk of complications. Classes are offered on an ongoing basis in Niles and St. Joseph. A physician referral is required, and teh class fee is covered by many insurance companies, Call 269-927-5465 to preregister.

Pre-Diabetes Class
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, learn what steps you can take to lead a healthy life and delay or avoid the onset of the disease. Call 269-927-5465 or 269-683-5510 (ext. 5465) to register for this free class.

Family Life–Town Meeting
Topics cover all aspects of family life. This group meets monthly at the Lakeland Continuing Care Center in St. Joseph. Call 269-983-6501 for more information.

Pediatric Surgical Orientation
Surgery isn’t so scary when your child is prepared. Patients who are scheduled for surgery, ages 3-12, will tour the pre- and postoperative care units and operating room at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. Parents will receive postoperative care information. This class is held twice each month. Preregistration is required. Call 269-983-8615 to register your child.

Berrien County SAFE KIDS Car Seat Safety Event
Have your car seat checked by a certified child passenger safety technician. Bring your child and the seat. Learn how riding in the car can be be fun and safe. These events are held periodically. Check our Calender of Events  or call 269-927-5403 for more information.

Fitness and Lifestyle Improvement Plan–FLIP
FLIP is an eight-week comprehensive program based on the latest weight management research. The program focuses on long-term weight maintenance. Participants will acquire skills and knowledge in nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change. This safe weight management program is a proven way to reduce body fat, increase self esteem, make a positive lifestyle change and have fun in the process. Cost for the eight-week program is $250 per participant. This includes all pre-program health and fitness assessments and unlimited use of the fitness facility. For more information or to register for FLIP, please call 269-556-7171.

Relaxation Massage
Our relaxation massages are created specifically for those with an active lifestyle or an increased level of stress, including:

• Those who want to maintain optimal health, enhance their performance and relieve stress from overwork
• Those who want to enhance their body's ability to heal and prevent illness by reducing stress.

During times of high stress, a regular program of massage therapy can help relieve common problems, such as:

• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Muscle tension
• Sore muscles and muscle spasms
• Headache and eye strain
• Fatigue
• Insomnia

Now is the time to do something about improving the quality of your life by relieving stress, improving your outlook and promoting good health by including relaxation massage as part of the preventive health plan for your life. Call 269-556-7150 to schedule a relaxing massage.