BARIATRIC (WEIGHT LOSS) SURGERY SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
Winthrop-University Hospital's Bariatric Surgery Support Groups are open to people who have had bariatric surgery and individuals who are considering the surgery. Surgical treatment and pre and postoperative issues are discussed in every meeting as well as extensive discussion on the special topic of the month. Family and friends are welcome.
Bariatric Support Group Meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday of every month in the Winthrop Community Outreach Center at 101 Mineola Blvd., Mineola from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
For additional information, call (516) 663-3300.
CANCER
Support Groups
Groups give those diagnosed with cancer or caregivers dealing with the impact of cancer, the opportunity to share feelings, concerns and experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Sessions are facilitated by an oncology social worker.
- Groups: Persons Diagnosed with Cancer, Family Members/Caregivers of Persons Diagnosed with Cancer
- Fee: Free
- Information: Call Trish Schussler, ACSW, LMSW (516) 663-9062 for schedule
I Can Cope
The program is a structured group education program for adult cancer patients and their family members/caregivers. Participants discuss cancer and its treatments, managing side effects, communication, resources, and maximizing health with diet and exercise during and after treatment.
- Schedule: Four weekly sessions
- Fee: Free
- Information: Call Julie Mischo, RN, (516) 663-4637
Look Good, Feel Better
Women with cancer learn special hair styling, grooming and make-up techniques from professionals that help them look and feel their best before, during and after treatment. Presented in cooperation with the American Cancer Society.
- Schedule: Every other month, Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
- Fee: Free
- Information: Reservations required; call Diana Pasqua, RN (516) 663-8843
CARDIAC ARREST
Long Island Miracles
The Long Island Chapter of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association has created "Long Island Miracles," a support groups and advocacy program for patients with heart disease and their families. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an abrupt loss of heart function due to an electrical problem with the heart that causes the heart to stop beating.
- Schedule: Periodic meetings will be held at the Winthrop Community Outreach Center
- Fee: Free
- Information: Call Andrea Ellinger, RN, at (516) 663-3889 or e-mail longislandmiracles@suddencardiacarrest.org
DIABETES
Kindred Spirits: United Parents of Children with Diabetes
Free support group providing education, support and camaraderie for parents of children with diabetes - of any age.
- Schedule: Monthly meetings on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
- Fee: No charge, open to all parents of children with diabetes, not just those treated at Winthrop.
- Reservations: None required.
- Information: Call Winthrop Diabetes Education Center (516) 663-2350
Kids Interested in Diabetes: KIDs Program
Free educational program designed to teach children ages 7 to 12 about diabetes through games and activities. Parents meet at the same time in an adjacent room.
- Schedule: Monthly meetings on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM; reservations not required
- Fee: Free, open to any family, not just those treated at Winthrop
- Information: Call (516) 663-23
Toddler and Preschool Diabetes Support Program
Support group for families of children with diabetes up to age 6. Parents are provided with accurate information and emotional support while their children (both the child with diabetes and siblings) enjoy a positive play experience.
- Schedule: Monthly meetings on Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30 AM; reservations not required
- Fee: No charge - open to any family, not just those treated at Winthrop
- Information: Call Winthrop Diabetes Education Center (516) 663-2350
DIALYSIS
Support groups which provide support, education and hope for those diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease and require dialysis treatment.
- Schedule: Patient Support Group - Every other Monday and Thursday, 1:30 to 2:30 PM
- Caregiver/Family Support Group - Every other Wednesday 3:30 to 4:40
- Fee: Free
- Information: Reservations required; call Mary Rzeszut, MSW, 663-9026
PERINATAL BEREAVEMENT
Fetal Demise/Perinatal Bereavement
Support group that provides comfort and guidance to parents who have suffered the loss of a baby prior to delivery or shortly thereafter.
- For referral to the group: 1-866-WINTHROP
PULMONARY
Food & Environmental Allergies & Asthma Support Group
This group provides an atmosphere where people living with allergies and asthma can learn more about their condition, discuss their feelings, have open, honest communication and learn successful coping strategies.
- Sessions are facilitated by two registered nurses.
- Schedule: Second Friday of every other month from 3:30 to 4:30 PM
- Fee: Free
- Information: Must call (516) 663-2579 day of session to reserve a seat.
Oxygen and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) Support Group
The group discusses the best ways to cope with symptoms of their lung conditions. Shortness of breath, wheezing, fear, depression, and anxiety are some of the issues addressed. Group is facilitated by a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist.
- Schedule: First Wednesday of each month, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
- Fee: Free
- Reservations & Information: Interested individuals must call Mara Bernstein, LRT, (516) 663-2579 day of session to reserve a seat.
Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group
Living with pulmonary hypertension can be very difficult for both the individual and those who care for them. Winthrop's Pulmonary Hypertension Center, in conjunction with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, offers support groups to help those affected with the disease cope.
- Schedule: Every other month on a Saturday at 12:00 PM; call for schedule
- Fee: Free
- Information: Contact Mary Bartlett, Nurse Practitioner (516) 663-4694
Winthrop Eager Breathers - for Graduates of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Group meets monthly @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM in the Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard
STROKE
Free support group for stroke survivors and their family members; facilitated by Kathleen Michel, MSN, NP, Stroke Program Coordinator and Brenda DeCicco, MSN, RN, Behavioral Health Manager. Meetings include guest speakers, plus separate support sessions for survivors and family members.
- Schedule: Group generally meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10:00 – 11:30 AM at 200 Old Country Road, Lower Level Conference room, Mineola. Parking is free on the 2nd level of the parking garage behind the building on 3rd Avenue.
- Information: please call 516-663-9098 to reserve your spot .
SMOKING CESSATION
Smoking 101/Educational/Emotional Support
Learn how to "kick the habit" at a stop smoking support group. Those attending will learn about the availability of all nicotine replacement products and aids. Information about Winthrop's four-week Behavior Modification Program and Hypnosis will be provided. Facilitated by Mara Bernstein, Licensed Respiratory Therapist.
- Schedule: Last Wednesday of each month, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, Last Thursday of each month, 1:30 to 3:00 PM
- Fee: Free
- Information: Interested individuals must call Mara Bernstein, LRT, (516) 663-2579 day of session to reserve a seat.
TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
Support Group
For people with any type of difficult facial pain.
- Information: Call Regina Kearns for meeting dates (516) 887-2037
COMMUNITY GROUP MEETINGS HELD AT
WINTHROP-UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
GREYSHEET (Subsidiary of Overeaters Anonymous)
Meets Saturday & Sunday - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM in New Life Center Room "B"
For information call: (516) 741-8222
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Meets Sundays and Holidays from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM at the
Community Outreach Center - 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, NY
For information call 24 hour hotline at (516) 292-3040
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
Meets every Monday night of the year from 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM at the
Community Outreach Center - 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, NY
For information call (516) 248-9310
AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION
Educational Seminars given throughout the year. Call for dates and times.
For information call: (212) 943-1059, ext. 12
LONG ISLAND CELIAC SPRUE ASSOCIATION
For information call Cathy Curraro at (516) 437-3271
