Health Notes: Week of Feb. 29

Bridgeport Hospital offers classes and tours for new and expectant parents, including Birthplace Tours, Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28, 6-7 p.m.; Infant CPR Anytime, Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28, 7:15-8:15 p.m. To register, call 888-357-2396.

Controlling chronic conditions

Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop to help individuals diagnosed from chronic conditions take back control of their lives Thursdays, through March 10, 1-3:30, at the hospital, 130 Division Street, Derby. To register, call 203-732-1523.

Genetic counseling

Bridgeport Hospital’s Norma Pfriem Cancer Institute, in partnership with the Smilow Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, provides weekly genetic counseling services by appointment, every Friday beginning at Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield. Genetic counseling will be offered again at the hospital’s outpatient campus at 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull, when a new medical office building opens at the site in spring 2016, 203-200-4362.

Senior driving course

AARP’s Smart Driver course Saturday, March 5, April 2, 9-1, first-floor Administration Conference Room at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, 888-357-2396.

AARP driver safety

Griffin Hospital will host an AARP Driver Safety Program Saturday, March 5, 9-1, in the hospital’s dining room meeting rooms, $15 AARP members, $20 non-members. Make checks payable to AARP. To register, call Esther at 203-732-1523.

Bereavement support

Ongoing bereavement support group every Friday, 10-11 a.m., VITAS Office, 99 Hawley Lane, suite 1204, Stratford. To register call 203-455-3300 or email Esmail.Dezhbod@vitas.com.

Griffin Hospital support groups meet in an eight-week cycle at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, Sundays, 2:30-4, started Sept. 20; Tuesdays, 2:30-4, started Sept. 22; and Wednesdays, 6:30-8, started Sept. 23; 203-732-1132 or hbillingham@griffinhealth.org.

St. Mary Bereavement Support Group New Day 10-week program Thursdays, began Sept. 24, 1-3, St. Mary’s Church Hall, 70 Gulf Street, Milford, 203-283-1934, 203-874-2376, 845-239-2007; $10 fee required for the New Day Journal.

St Jude Parish of Monroe has a free nine-month Bereavement Support Group, which began Sept. 9. The group will meet twice a month on Wednesday, 2:30-4, in November and then once a month from December through May; 203-261-6404.

10-week program meets at St. Stephen’s Church, 6948 Main Street, Trumbull, Thursdays, started Oct. 1, 4:30-6. Registration required: 203-268-6217.

The Caring Network, a free ongoing support group for adults who have lost a loved one through death, meets the first and third Wednesday of every month, 6-8 p.m., Bridges campus, 941 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford. Registration not required. Information: Cody-White Funeral Home, 203-874-0268, Cynthia Dodd, M. Div, 203-878-6365, ext 344.

Substance abuse support

The Community Addiction & Recovery Education & Support (C.A.R.E.S.) Group provides a free, weekly drop-in support group for parents and other concerned family members whose loved ones are using or abusing mind-altering substances. The C.A.R.E.S. Group’s mission is to provide education, support, access to resources, and hope for individuals and families struggling with substance abuse or addiction. C.A.R.E.S. meets every Tuesday, 7-9 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Tpke., Trumbull, 1-855-405-0246, thecaresgroup.org.

Parkinson’s fitness class

The Watermark at 3030 Park will continue its Parkinson’s Fitness Class, a bi-weekly class designed to help people living with Parkinson’s engage their muscles and increase mobility. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:45 at the senior living community, located at 3030 Park Avenue on the Bridgeport-Fairfield town line. Due to a limited number of spaces, reservations and a small participation fee are required for the fitness class. To RSVP, contact Cindy McGuire at 203-373-6108.

Caregiver support

George’s Hill is a social engagement group for people diagnosed with early dementia and their caregivers meets second Thursday of the month, 11:30-1, light lunch noon-12:30, Unity Hill United Church of Christ, 364 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Anyone with a wheelchair, or problems with mobility, may enter through the kitchen door in back as there are no steps to negotiate; 203-374-8822, unityhillucc.org.

Support group for caregivers and families led by Harbor care Director, David Fife, third Thursday of the month at 5:30, Middlebrook Farms of Trumbull, 2750 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull; 203-268-2400; dfife@benchmarkquality.com.

Group for family members and others responsible for the day-to-day care of elderly relatives meets second Friday of month, noon-1, Operations Conference Room, Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street; 888-357-2396.

Sunset Shores Adult Day Health Centers hosts a Caregiver’s Support Group the second Monday of the month, 5-6 p.m., 720 Barnum Avenue Cutoff, Stratford. The group helps to provide emotional, educational and social supports for caregivers. It can also assist in developing methods and skills to solve problems associated with caregiving responsibilities. Open to the public. RSVP to Mary Pruzinsky, 203-380-1228.

First and third Thursday of each month, 4 p.m., Jewish Senior Services, Grasmere by the Sea Adult Day Program, 1 Post Road, Fairfield; 203-365-6470, adultday@jseniors.org. Also, second Tuesday of the month, 4 p.m., Jewish Senior Services, The Jewish Home, 175 Jefferson Street, Fairfield; 203-365-6479; fsviridoff@jseniors.org.

Accelerated CNA evening classes

The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, at 300 Seymour Avenue, Suite 206, in Derby, is offering an evening session of its Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program this spring to help aspiring healthcare professionals quickly jump-start their careers.

The six-week CNA program starts March 7 and runs Monday-Thursday with classes 5-9 p.m. and clinical training Monday-Thursday from 5-10 p.m. Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission, 203-732-1276, griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

Blood pressure screenings

Bridgeport Hospital offers free blood pressure screenings at Fairfield Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace, Mondays, March 7 and 21, April 4 and 18, 9:30-11:30; Stratford Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad St., Monday, March 14, April 11, 9:30-11:30; Shelton Senior Center, 81 Wheeler St., Monday, March 28, April 25, noon-2, 888-357-2396.

First aid and safety classes

Bridgeport Hospital’s Emergency Care Institute offers the following American Heart Association self-care classes at the hospital, 267 Grant St. Registration required. Call 203-384-4497.

Administration of medicine, Tuesday, March 8 and 22, April 12, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $50 full program, $25 injectables only; Adult, child and Infant CPR/defibrillator two-year certification, Wednesday, April 6, 6-9 p.m., $65; Pediatric first aid & safety and adult, child and infant CPR/defibrillator training two-year certification, Saturday, March 12 and 26, April 16, 8:30-5:30, $100 full class or $70 first aid portion only; Basic life support for healthcare providers two-year certification Wednesday, March 16, April 20, 6-10 p.m., $90 ($65 for those with an unexpired American Heart Association certification card).

Hearing loss help

The Hearing Loss Association Southwest Connecticut Chapter holds monthly meetings at the Norwalk Senior Center, 11 Allan Road, Norwalk. The next meeting, How Using Humor can Lighten the Burden of Hearing Loss is Tuesday March 8, at 1:30. Anyone living in the Fairfield area is welcome to attend. Learn about coping technique, advocate for those who are hard-of-hearing, and socialize. Meetings are captioned and assistive devices are used; Peg, 203-656-2733, Marcia, mzola@optonline.net.

Boost nutritional value

In honor of National Nutrition Month, Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center will host a free program about how to boost the nutritional value of your eating habits Tuesday, March 8, 12:30-1:30, at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, 203-732-7399.

Get the Facts about Insulin

The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free talks about insulin Tuesday, March 8, at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, 203-732-1137.

Weight-loss surgery seminars

Bridgeport Hospital will host free weight-loss surgery information sessions Wednesdays, March 9 and 23, 6-7:30 p.m., Fairfield County Medical Center, 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull. To register for a seminar, call 203-789-6237.

GI lecture series

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, physicians and staff affiliated with Stamford Hospital and the Bennett Cancer Center will present Digestive Health: Getting on the Right Track, a five-week lecture series about everything you should know about your gastrointestinal (GI) tract but were afraid to ask. The weekly classes will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in March at the Tully Health Center Brace Auditorium, located at 32 Strawberry Hill Court in Stamford. Free and open to the public. March 9: GI Tract Conditions, such as reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, etc. with Gastroenterologist Robert M. Dettmer, MD; March 16: Diverticular Disease, Hemorrhoids & Colon Resections with Colorectal Surgeon Shahzad Zafar, MD; March 23: Genetics and Preventive Measures for Colorectal Cancer & The Role of the Oncology Nurse Navigator with Medical Oncologist Paul L. Weinstein, MD; Cancer Genetic Counselor Erin Ash, MS, CGC; and Oncology Nurse Navigator Katharine Radziewicz, RN; March 30: Keeping the Colon Healthy with “50 Shades of Green” with Nutritionist Lisa Shepard, RD, CSO. Registration required: 877-233-WELL (9355) or Stamford Hospital Events Online Calendar

Look Good…Feel Better

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Bridgeport Hospital, this free program helps women with cancer learn beauty techniques to overcome the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment Monday, March 15, 2-4 p.m., Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 111 Beach Rd., Fairfield, 203-255-5300.

Traumatic brain injury group

Meets the third Tuesday of the month, March 15, April 19, 6-7:30, Disability Resource Center, 80 Ferry Boulevard, Stratford; 203-380-1004.

Spirituality and meditation

Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, is helping individuals get their spirits ready for spring with a free program on spirituality and meditation from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16.

Janice Lautier, director of Spiritual Care and Education at Griffin, will host “Awakening the Sense of Spirituality,” an interactive program that demonstrates how spirituality and meditation can help bring feelings of inner peace and purpose. To reserve, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org/events.

Breastfeeding support

Free breastfeeding support group for new and expectant mothers meets Wednesdays, March 16, April 6 and 20, 10-noon, hospital’s outpatient campus, 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull. To register, call 888-357-2396.

Fall prevention

The Valley Parish Nurse Program at Griffin Hospital and Griffin Hospital Lifeline will host a free Fall Prevention Program Friday, March 18, 9-noon, Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street, Derby, 203-732-1523 or ejones@griffinhealth.org.

Ostomy support

Bridgeport Hospital’s free ostomy support group meets Sunday, March 20, April 17, 2, Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, 12 Cambridge Drive, Trumbull. Open to anyone who has had or will have an ostomy operation, such as a colostomy, urostomy or ileostomy. Spouses welcome. Sharon Tilley, RN, 203-384-3209.

Film on Alzheimer’s disease

On Tuesday, March 22, 2-4 p.m., Maefair Health Care Center, 21 Maefair Court, Trumbull, and SYNERGY HomeCare will present His Neighbor Phil, the story of Harvey (Daniel Roebuck), a man whose wife Mary (Stephanie Zimbalist) has early onset Alzheimer's disease. RSVP by Friday, March 18, 203-459-5152.

Free Live Well workshops

Attend a six-week Live Well or Live Well Diabetes workshop series and learn new techniques to manage your chronic health issues, sponsored by Southwestern CT Agency on Aging, the State Department on Aging, and Connecticut Department of Public Health. Live Well is for adults and caregivers with ongoing health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, pain, depression, and anxiety. Live Well Diabetes is specifically for those with diabetes. Live Well: Maplewood at Strawberry Hill, 73 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Norwalk,  Wednesdays, March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 1-3:30 p.m., 203-220-9600; Live Well: Norwalk Senior Center, 11 Allen Road, Mondays, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 9-11:30, 203-847-3115; Live Well Diabetes: Black Rock Senior Center, 2676 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, Tuesdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 9:30-noon, 203-576-7258. Information: Southwestern CT Agency on Aging, 203-814-3620, orgjames@swcaa.org.

Understanding dementia

Bridges by EPOCH at Trumbull will host the presentation, Understanding Early Onset Dementia at Bridges by EPOCH at Trumbull, 2415 Reservoir Ave., on Thursday, March 24 at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. RSVP: 203-397-6800.

Stroke support

Tuesday, April 5, 6-7 p.m., Ahlbin Rehabilitation Center, 4 Corporate Drive, Shelton, 203-925-4201.

Nutrition for cancer survivors

Class provides information and resources for healthy eating during and after treatment in addition with dietary tips and modifications to help improve overall wellness and health, the second Wednesday of every month, 5-6 p.m., St. Vincent’s Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care adjacent to the hospital, 203-576-6158.

Overeaters self-help group

Overeaters Anonymous is a 12-Step self-help group for compulsive overeaters. The group meets every Sunday, 8:45-9:45 a.m., at St. Vincent’s Hospital, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, in the Seton Room on Level C. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins. The only requirement is a desire to stop eating compulsively. For more information, visit swctoa.org or call Bill M., 203-455-7766.

Family support group

For adult patients, family members and friends who are coping with a diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or Hodgkin’s disease, first Tuesday of every month, 4-5:30, St. V’s Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, Level 3 Medical Oncology Conference Room, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport, 203-576-6158; tmclaugh@stvincent.org.

Hospice volunteer training

The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. is sponsoring its fall volunteer training this October. The course will inform and prepare prospective volunteers in all aspects of Hospice Care for patients in lower Fairfield County, 203-315-7510, 800-8-HOSPICE ext. 510, jcullen@hospice.com.

Lunch & learn cancer support

A free Lunch & Learn Cancer Support Group offered by St. Vincent’s third Thursday of the month noon-1, Oncology Conference Room, Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, adjacent to the St. Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, 203-576-6158, tmclaugh@stvincents.org.

Al-Anon meetings

Al-Anon is a resource for family members and friends affected by alcoholism.

Al-Anon meets Sundays, 6:30 and Wednesdays, 7:30, St. Ann’s, old convent behind church, Brewster Street, Black Rock; Sundays, 7, St. Charles Church, (Spanish meeting), 391 Ogden Street, Bridgeport; Fridays, 8, Bridgeport Mental Health Center, 1635 Central Avenue, first floor (park and enter from parking deck off Mead Street); Monday at 7:30 a.m., and Thursday at 11:30 a.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main Street, Trumbull; Thursday at 8 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Tpke., Trumbull. Alateen helps teens age 12-20 and also meets Thursday at 8 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church. There are no dues or fees to participate.

For information about groups in Connecticut, call 1-888-825-2666. For more information about Al-Anon, visit ct-al-anon.org. A free publication is available at Al-AnonFamilyGroups.org.

Addiction support

Do you have a problem with alcohol, drug addiction or any life controlling issue? Are you affected by a loved one’s addiction? Higher Ground Ministry is non-denominational and offers help that is permanent through Biblical truths. Through Higher Ground Ministry you will receive support, encouragement and spiritual guidance that will change your life forever. To find a meeting near you, call 203-888-9974 or visit highergroundministry.org.

Diabetes education

Fourth Thursday of the month, 6-7:30, St. Vincent’s Level 4 Seton Conference Room, 203-576-6168.

Free yoga for cancer patients

Restorative yoga, chair yoga with breathing and meditation for patients in active treatment or post-surgery, Tuesdays, 10 a.m., The Watermark, 303 Park Ave., Bridgeport; Thursdays, 10 a.m., Yoga Room, Level 3 of St. Vincent’s Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, adjacent to the Medical Center. Gentle Yoga, for patients in treatment or recently finished, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Road, Fairfield. Formal Yoga, for cancer survivors of five years or less, Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m., The Watermark, 3030 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 203-576-6158.

Free HIV/HCV tests

The Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program and the Stratford Health Department will offer rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing with results in 20 minutes every first and third Tuesday of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Stratford Health Dept., 468 Birdseye St., Stratford.

To schedule an appointment call 203-385-4058.

Cancer support group

Ongoing monthly group is focused on giving support to patients and families who have been diagnosed with lung, colon, head and neck, esophageal, GI cancers and other solid tumors. Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month, 9-10 a.m., Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, third floor conference room, St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. Call 203-576-6158.

Healthy traveler service

Bridgeport Hospital’s Healthy Traveler Service provides pre-travel consultations, travel vaccines, medications and comprehensive travel information to help prepare for a healthy and safe international trip. For information or to make an appointment, call 203-384-3613.

Ring for Your Rhythm

Bridgeport Hospital’s “Ring for Your Rhythm” line provides recorded, step-by-step instructions for taking a pulse reading, to help detect atrial fibrillation (a-fib) and possibly prevent a stroke. Call toll free, 24/7, at 855-247-8573.

Community acupuncture

Led by licensed acupuncturist Gregor Wei, Mondays, 10-2, Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield. Call 203-255-5300 to register. Advance registration requested. Private appointments available.

Massage therapy

Massage is offered for oncology patients undergoing definitive active treatment and for survivors who have completed treatment. Call 203-576-6158 for an appointments. Program takes place on third floor of Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport.

Health and wellness classes

St. Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport offers a variety of health and wellness classes. Most sessions run for 10 weeks with the exception of Pilates, which is six weeks; and Y Diabetes Prevention Program and Weight Watchers program, 16- and 17-week sessions respectively. 10-week sessions: $90. Information/registration: 203-576-6267; scollins@stvincents.org.

Free exercise video program

A new online video program called A-B-E (Activity Bursts Everywhere) for Fitness, designed specifically to help adults meet those recommendations for daily physical activity, is available at abeforfitness.com.

Kripalu yoga

Beginner and intermediate level, runs weekly, Fridays, 9:15 a.m., Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield. Class size limited to six students. Advance registration requested; 203-255-5300; bridgeporthospital.org. Yoga, restorative yoga and teen yoga classes also available. Call for full class schedule.

Pilates

Weekly, Mondays, 5:30 p.m., Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield. Class size limited to six students. Advance registration requested; 203-255-5300.

Wellness booth

St. Vincent’s Wellness Booth has relocated to the main lobby of the Medical Center, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport. Health screenings and services offered to the public every Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30-3:30. No appointment required for any of the screenings.

Free blood pressure screenings are performed every Tuesday. On Wednesdays, Cholesterol/HDL ratio/glucose screening, $18; a lipid panel requiring a four-hour fast, $25; blood sugar screening alone requiring a two-hour fast, $1.

For more information call St. Vincent’s toll-free Care Line at 877-255-SVHS (7847).

Heart-disease risk quiz

Bridgeport Hospital offers “Take 10 for Your Ticker,” a free online heart-disease risk quiz. Quiz is available at bridgeporthospital.org, by clicking on the link in the “Take 10 for Your Ticker” box.

For those without access to the Internet, a free printed copy of the quiz, with an explanation of results, is available by calling 1-888-357-2396.

Help for new movers

Bridgeport Hospital’s free Newcomer Concierge Service helps new residents of Bridgeport and surrounding towns locate physicians to meet personal and family health needs. Service also provides information on health-related events and activities. To reach the Newcomer Concierge Service, call 203-330-7462, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, 9-3.

Caregiver support

Atria Stratford Assisted Living, 6911 Main St., offers a support group for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, or related dementia, living at home or in an extended care facility. Group meets first Wednesday of the month, 6-7; 203-380-0006.

Grasmere By The Sea: One Post Road, Fairfield, offers open discussion about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, first Thursday of month, 4 p.m.; 203-365-6470.

Jewish Family Service, 2370 Park Ave., Bridgeport, offers support group for family members or friends helping with the care of adults over 60, meets first Wednesday of month, 6-7:30 p.m. RSVP: 366-5438, Ext. 219.

Sunset Shores Adult Day Health Center, 720 Barnum Avenue Cut Off, Stratford, offers a support group for people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month, 4-5; 380-1228.

St. Vincent’s SWIM family support group meets first Tuesday of each month, 4-5:30 p.m., Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. No reservations required; 203-576-6158; tmclaugh@st.vincents.org.

Prostate cancer survivors

St. Vincent’s SWIM Prostate Cancer Survivors Educational Lecture Series and Support Group meets at Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, at St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. Call 203-576-6158 or e-mail tmlaugh@stvincents.org for dates and times of lectures. No reservations required.

Breast cancer wellness

St. Vincent’s Breast Cancer Survivor Wellness program, intended for women who have recently undergone breast cancer surgery and those further along in their recovery, 4:30-5:30, Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. No reservations required. For dates, call 203-576-6158.

Breast cancer stories

Bizymoms.com has helped many women with whatever information it is they may be seeking about breast cancer. A panel of cancer experts, women, wives, and mothers are waiting to share their expertise and stories while learning about yours. Visit bizymoms.com/cares/breastcancer.

Cancer boutique

St. Vincent’s partners with Saxon-Kent Lingerie of Orange to provide special products for women battling cancer. Boutique hours: Monday-Friday, 10-4. Fitting hours for wigs, prosthesis, mastectomy bras, lymphedema sleeves etc: Tuesdays, 2-4; Wednesdays, 10-noon; or by appointment; 203-576-6158; tmclaugh@stvincents.org. Boutique hours: 10-4.

Breast cancer support

Woman-to-Woman, an American Cancer Society sponsored support group for women who have had breast cancer or who have been newly diagnosed, meets monthly, 2-4 p.m., Cambridge Manor, 2428 Easton Tpke., Fairfield; 800-889-3340.

Cancer resource library

St. Vincent’s SWIM Cancer Resource Library is open Monday-Friday, 9-5, Maureen Ringel Cancer Resource Library, Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, St. V’s. Medical Center, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. A representative is available to assist visitors with navigation of web-based searches, cancer clinical trial searches and direct patient referrals to a variety of free resources Monday-Friday, 9-1.

MS support

Trumbull MS support group meets third Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8, Trumbull Library, 33 Quality St. Ed, 445-0118; 1-800- FIGHT MS; ctfightsMS.org.

Scleroderma support

The American Society For Scleroderma Research has formed a support group for all afflicted by this disease. The group meets every second Thursday, 6:30-7:30, St. Vincent Medical Center, Main Street, Bridgeport; Aimee Turiano or Joy LoSchiavo, 203-273-2034.