WINNEMUCCA - Support groups are a great place for people to give and receive both emotional and practical support as well as to exchange information.
Humboldt General Hospital currently hosts and/or helps sponsor six support groups that HGH Licensed Social Worker Laura Nelson says can provide a valuable resource for local residents.
"Support groups offer our community residents a place where they can get confirmation that their feelings are 'normal,' educate others or just let off steam," she said.
Nelson continued, "People who have been through, or are going through, a similar circumstance can do more than sympathize with you - they can relate to what you are going through and keep you from feeling like you are alone."
Nelson personally facilitates the hospital's "Bariatric Support Group," a monthly gathering of people who are either considering lap band or gastric bypass surgery or who have already undergone the procedure.
Nelson said group members and their supporters receive up-to-date weight loss information, consider issues in the context of the disease of obesity and have the opportunity to discuss personal or professional issues that arise from the consequences of bariatric surgery.
"The decision to undergo weight loss surgery is not one to be taken lightly," she said, "and while bariatric surgery is a tool for many patients to jumpstart their transformation towards a more active and healthy lifestyle, long-term support is critical to their success."
Nelson said the Bariatric Support Group, which kicked off in June, has attracted a growing number of participants who are looking for support.
"There is so much emotional support there, and so much education," she said. "It truly has proven to be an invaluable resource for us."
Nelson said people may be unaware of the benefits of joining a support group, such as emotional support and education as well as the opportunity for socializing, personal development, learning coping techniques, behavior modification, nutritional information and even information about medical treatments, research and strategies.
Support persons, such as parents, spouses and friends, can also gain invaluable information regarding education, nutritional requirements for a patient, understanding a patient's emotional adjustment phases, learning "what to look for" and even when to spot signs of trouble and involve professionals when necessary.
"There is no reason to deal with your problems alone," said Nelson, "especially when there is a ready network of supporters willing to help smooth the way for you."
Humboldt General Hospital currently hosts the Bariatric Support Group and the Diabetes Support Group. Additionally, the hospital helps sponsor an additional four groups. Each is free of charge and all ages are welcome to participate.
• Alzheimer's Support Group - Noon
Alzheimer's can be a very taxing disease for both the victim and the caregiver. Join caregivers and patients in the HGH Quiet Room the second Wednesday of each month to learn effective coping strategies. Facilitated by Gini Cunningham of the Humboldt Volunteer Hospice. Lunch is provided. All ages are welcome and there is no charge to attend. For more information, please call Cunningham at (775) 304-2899.
• Bariatric Support Group - 6 p.m.
Humboldt General Hospital's Bariatric Support Group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Sonoma Room Conference Room. The group is designed to help both pre-op and post-op gastric bypass and lap-band patients. All sessions will include time for questions and social interaction. Significant others are encouraged to attend. Facilitated by Laura Nelson, LSW. Please call (775) 623-5222, ext. 115, for more information, or e-mail lauran@hghospital.ws.
• Child Loss Support Group - 7 p.m.
The Humboldt Volunteer Hospice invites all those who have lost a child to join its Child Loss Support Group. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Humboldt General Hospital. There is no charge to participate. For more information, please call Humboldt Volunteer Hospice at (775) 624-4040.
• Diabetes Support Group - Call for more information
Do you have diabetes? Would you like to meet others in your community who also have diabetes? Take part in group discussions, share experiences, gain support and understanding and improve your diabetes self care. Facilitated by HGH Wellness Coordinator Melissa House. All ages are welcome and there is no charge to attend. Please call House at (775) 623-5222, ext. 258, for more information, or e-mail mhouse@hghospital.ws.
• Grief and Loss Support Group - 1:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Join with others who have lost a loved to explore feelings, share experiences and learn grief coping strategies. Facilitated by Kathy Swett and Theresa Konieczki from the Humboldt Volunteer Hospice. Held at 1:30 p.m. the first Thursday and at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at Humboldt General Hospital. All ages are welcome and there is no charge to attend.
• Stress Support Group - 5:30 p.m.
Life can be stressful. Join local Licensed Clinical Social Worker Annie Perkins to discover how to equip yourself with the tools you need to manage the changes in your life in the most effective way possible. Held the fourth Monday of each month at Humboldt General Hospital. All ages are welcome and there is no charge to attend.
For the most up-to-date information on support groups at Humboldt General Hospital, please visit www.hghospital.ws and click on "Community Programs & Events," located on the main menu bar.
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