We offer a wide range of community education programs to help you make informed decisions about your health.
Whether you’re seeking support and camaraderie, trying to slim down or searching for stress relief, you’ll find a wealth of information in a variety of community education offerings from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton. Each month, community members participate in more than 75 health and wellness programs, 11 support groups and many health screenings. Most of these programs are free or low-cost.
Programs cater to a wide range of interests and ages, from young children to older adults. “Through surveys and research, we determine the top health needs of the community, then design programs to address them,” says Diane Grillo, Vice President, Health Promotion at RWJUH Hamilton. A Medical Advisory Panel composed of 28 board-certified physicians advises on program development to maximize the benefit to attendees. Most classes are held at RWJUH Hamilton’s Center for Health & Wellness, located at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton. Some programs and screenings take place nearby in Ewing, Columbus and Trenton.
Among the new offerings is a holistic program focusing on non-medical wellness techniques. One that is especially popular is harp school, where students learn to play the harp to bring music to patients’ bedsides. The schedule also includes classes on meditation, aromatherapy and Reiki, which promotes healing by improving the flow of energy around the body. In addition, patients of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at RWJUH Hamilton have access to a variety of holistic programs, including healing art workshops led by local artists.
A focus on healthy eating
Another new program, KidsFit, aims to reduce childhood obesity. During this nine-week course, a dietitian and exercise physiologist work with children or teens and their families on healthy weight-loss strategies. Kids and their parents may also join hands-on “Kids in the Kitchen” cooking classes in the Demonstration Kitchen, featuring healthy, delicious recipes. Some sessions are geared toward preschoolers, while others are designed for kids age 6 and older. Given the variety of programs at RWJUH Hamilton, there are classes for everyone to enjoy. “Community members select programs related to topics that impact their life,” says Grillo.
To view a current calendar of programs and events, see pages 20-24 of this issue of Healthy Together. To register for programs, call 609.584.5900 or visit www.rwjbh.org/events.