Help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - is the leading cause of death in infants between the ages of one and 12 months. There are ways to reduce the risk of SIDS. Call 203.688.2000 or toll-free 1.888.700.6543 to request a copy of a brochure called "Back to Sleep: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome," produced by Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital and Kohl's department stores.

Red Cross blood drive at YNHH on September 27
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Yale-New Haven Hospital on Wednesday, September 27, 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. in the East Pavilion cafeteria. Donors may call 203.688.7436 for an appointment; walks-ins are also welcome.

Moving more easily after 40
Moving thru Life is a fitness program designed especially for women 40 and over that combines exercise with social support and stress management activities. Classes are on Mondays, beginning September 11 through October 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in Room 156, at 300 George St., New Haven. Organized by Yale-New Haven Hospital's Women's Education Life Learning (WELL) office, the 6-week class is $70. Participants must bring medical clearance from their primary care provider. For more information and to register, contact the WELL office, 203.688.9355.

Understanding Cancer Series
The fall Understanding Cancer Lecture series is held at 6 p.m. in the YNHH East Pavilion Cafeteria. The lectures are free but registration is requested. For information or to register for these talks, please call 203.688.2000 or toll-free 1.888.700.6543.

• Wednesday, September 13 - "Prevention, treatment and cure of women's cancers," Dr. Thomas Rutherford, YNHH/Yale section chief, gynecologic oncology
• Wednesday, October 11 - "Treatment advances in breast cancer," Dr. Lyndsay Harris, co-director, YNHH/Yale Breast Cancer Program
• Wednesday, November 1 - "New discoveries in cancer treatment," Dr. Edward Chu, YNHH/Yale chief of medical oncology

September is Healthy Aging Month
Ever worry about the safety of an elderly friend, neighbor or family member who lives alone? Our senior health and safety kit has useful information to help you accident-proof an elderly person's home. Learn about specialized services for the elderly at Yale-New Haven and find out how to make other living arrangements for seniors when needed. Help someone you love by calling 203.688.2000 or toll-free 1.888.700.6543 for a free package

Shoreline health series begins September 19
The Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center (SMC) fall lecture series is held from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Shoreline Medical Center in Guilford. Contact the Call Center, 203.688.2000 or toll-free 1.888.700.6543, for a reservation.

• Tuesday, September 19 - "How to develop a healthy relationship with food," Ellen Liskov, M.P.H., YNHH registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and SMC outpatient nutrition specialist
• Tuesday, September 26 - "The importance of exercise as a critical method of preventing heart disease," Veronica Lee, M.D., director of Yale Cardiology at SMC

Prostate Cancer Awareness Week
The week of September 17 is Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, a good time to learn about new developments in treating prostate cancer. Yale-New Haven Hospital has the latest in imaging and surgical equipment, including a 3- Tesla MRI and a daVinciŽ robot - a minimally invasive surgery system to aid in the evaluation and care of prostrate cancer. One recent study showed that a hormonal medication used for enlarged prostate had preventive benefits. Another study suggests that antioxidants might help prevent cancer. For information on both trials, call 203.688.2000 or 1.888.700.6543 toll-free for a free copy of He@lthLINK.

A hands-on approach to healing
Reiki, a complementary therapy which involves a light, gentle pattern of touch over clothing, has been in use at Yale-New Haven Hospital for some time. Practitioners and patients who use Reiki therapy attest to its ability to promote relaxation, which helps ease pain and pave the way for healing. To meet the growing demand for this therapy, YNHH is recruiting volunteer Reiki practitioners who have at least Level I training. For more information about volunteering in our Reiki program, please call the Volunteer Services Office at 203.688.2297.

Billing questions?
YNHH offers financial counseling to patients and families. Spanish-speaking counselors are available. Additionally, Monday evening sessions are scheduled once a month - the next two are September 18 and October 16 from 5-7 p.m. To make an appointment with a financial counselor, call 203.688.2046.

Health talks

• Please see our Calendar for a list of events and free health talks.

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.