SHELTON, WA – Mason Health continues to offer an ongoing series of classes and support groups to assist patients and community members as we strive to fulfill our mission of United Community, Empowered People, Exceptional Health. In the month of March, Mason Health will be re-launching its Matter of Balance program on falls risk at the Mason County Senior Activities Center in Shelton and continuing the Matter of Balance class at the HUB Center for Seniors in Belfair. And new to Mason Health is the Breastfeeding Comes First support group, which is sponsored by the Breastfeeding Coalition of Mason County. Read on for more details.

Matter of Balance:

Do you have concerns about your risk of falls? Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Anyone who is concerned about falls, is interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength, has fallen in the past or has restricted activities because of falling concerns is welcome to attend. Classes are held once a week for eight weeks. Join the North Mason group every Tuesday in March, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the HUB Center for Seniors at 111 NE Old Belfair Highway in Belfair. Register by calling 360-275-0535. The Shelton group meets every Thursday in March, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Mason County Senior Activities Center at 190 W Sentry Drive in Shelton. Register by calling 360-426-7374. Suggested donation is $10.

First Aid/CPR/AED Class:

Continuing at its new time and day to better accommodate the schedules of community members, the District’s First Aid/CPR/AED course will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at Mason Health’s Learning Center, next to McDonald’s on Olympic Highway North. Learn the basics of first response by taking this important course. A fee of $40, exact cash or check, is required in advance to cover the cost of books and materials, and an e-Card can be made available upon successful completion of the course. Comfortable clothing is recommended for all participants, and a Spanish interpreter can be provided upon request. Call the Learning Center for more details about availability at 360-427-3609.

Cancer Wellness Workshop:

There will be no Cancer Wellness Workshop scheduled this month.

Breastfeeding Comes First:

Whether you are: planning to breastfeed, currently breastfeeding, or simply supporting someone who is, any and all are welcome to this new support group sponsored by the Breastfeeding Coalition of Mason County. This new support group is held the second Thursday of each month in either the Ellinor Room or the Washington Room of Mason General Hospital. The next group will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, March 12, in the Ellinor Room. For immediate breastfeeding concerns, contact the MGH Birth Center at 360-427-9558 or email masonbreastfeedingcoalition@gmail.com.

Diabetes Wellness Offerings:

Do you want to learn more about foot care as it relates to diabetes? The March General Diabetes Support Group topic is “Foot Care Tips for Diabetes.” Come for an informative presentation discussing foot complications that can result from diabetes and how to reduce the likelihood of developing these problems with good foot care and management. The guest speaker is Bronwyn Kennedy, RN. Family and friends are welcome. The Shelton Diabetes Support Group will meet from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at the Washington meeting room at Mason General Hospital. The Allyn Diabetes Support Group will meet from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, March 26, at the Port of Allyn meeting room.

The Type 1 Diabetes Support Group, specific to people facing Type 1 Diabetes, returns this month and will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 11. Contact the Mason General Hospital Diabetes Wellness Center at 360-427-7332 for more information on any diabetes wellness offerings.

A full list of classes and support groups can be found at masongeneral.com/community/classes.

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County, is certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. Mason Health now offers 3D Mammography Services. For more information on 3D mammograms or to find a health care provider, visit www.MasonGeneral.com.

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