Meet our bariatric team who will answer your questions about weight loss surgery and explain the steps involved to weight loss surgery. Pre -registration is required. Please call 860-314-2798 to register. Wednesday, August 18, 6 - 8 p.m., Free, Bristol Hospital, Brewster Road, Bristol, Level A

Our free support groups are open to adults with diabetes, their families and friends. This month's topic is "What Medical Journals is Your Doctor Reading?" Tuesday, August 24, 11 a.m. – Noon, or 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Bristol Hospital Center for Diabetes 102 North Street, Bristol (call 860-940-6300 to register)

Our support group is for people who have had any type of weight loss surgery. It is open to family members, people who are preparing for bariatric surgery and for those who are exploring their options for the procedure. "Head and Heart Hunger" is this month’s topic. Please call 860-314-2798 to register. Tuesday, August 24, 6 -7 p.m. The support group will meet at Bristol Hospital, Level A, Brewster Road, Bristol

Your best defense against uncontrolled high blood pressure is to know your numbers. Wednesday, September 8, 10 a.m. -Noon, Free

People with back problems will benefit from the gentle repetitive movements that help to stretch and strengthen the back, abdominal muscles and legs. The exercises will improve core strength and increase muscle tone. Instructor: Kathy Conyers, Wednesday, September , 5:45 - 6:45 p.m., $70 for seven weeks

Our medically supervised program is ideal for people who want to make small changes that will lead to a lifetime of improved health. Light weights, resistance bands and exercise balls, will give you a total body workout. Instructor: Joanne Kopcha, RN, Wednesday, September 8, 7 - 8 p.m., $60 for six weeks

The beat of the music, the steps, the moves, the feel of this cardio-based workout are unlike anything you have ever experienced before! Instructor: Linda Clemons, Thursday, September 9, 5:15 - 6 p.m., $45 for six weeks

Come activate your inner healer and access peace of mind through a sequence of postures, specialized breathing and mental techniques. Instructor: Martin Berson, Thursday, September 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. or Monday, September 13, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., $70 for seven weeks

Come and be guided in a delightful meditation called, "The Inner Smile," which involves bringing positive energy to the inner organs, digestive system and nervous system. Instructor: Marie Lavendier, MS, Thursday, September 9, 7:45 - 8:45 p.m., $60 for six weeks

Men and women will get a cardiovascular workout while moving to the rhythms of Latin and International music. Have some fun and at the same time help improve muscular strength and endurance, bone density, flexibility, improved range of motion, balance and coordination. Instructor: Amy Gray, certified Zumba Gold instructor, Friday, September 10, 6 - 7 p.m., $60 for six weeks

Tai Chi's gentle movements help to increase flexibility, muscle strength and heart/lung activity. Instructor, Joanne Kopcha, RN, Monday, September 13, 9-10 a.m., Plymouth Town Hall Community Room, 80 Main Street, Terryville or Monday, September 13, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Bristol Hospital Wellness Center, Bristol, $60 for six weeks

This medically supervised program is ideal for peple who want to improve their overall health. In a private and non-threatening environment, we will help you put your muscles in motion, get your heart pumping and maybe even get you to shed a few pounds. This six-week program is held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and is open to all ages of fitness levels. Instructor: Joanne Kopcha, RN, Monday, September 13, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $75 for six weeks

Our medically supervised exercise program is ideal for people who want to make small changes that will lead to a lifetime of improved health. In a private and non-threatening environment, this focused class will give you a total body workout. Light weights, resistance bands and exercise balls, will get your heart rate up, tone your muscles and increase strength and flexibility. You will also be given a workout to practice at home. Instructor: Joanne Kopcha, RN, Wednesday, July 14, 7 - 8 p.m., $60 for six weeks

Ditch the workout and join the party for this fun, different, easy and effective total body workout. This Latin inspired dance program will get you moving to the basic steps and rhythms of the meringue, salsa, cha cha, flamenco and tango. The class is open to all ages, but is specially designed for active older adults and beginners. Instructor: Amy Gray Tuesday, September 14, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., $65 for eight weeks

Join us and share your story or learn more about lymphedema, a condition that causes abnormal swelling of the limbs and affects people of all ages. Facilitator: Aline Mellon, PT, CLT, Tuesday, September 14, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Free

Empower yourself with conscious breathing, prenatal yoga movements, vocalization and a positive outlook surrounding natural childbirth. Instructor: Margaret Kirschner, Tuesday, September 14, 7 - 8 p.m., $50 for five weeks

This interactive program will cover a number of topics related to the art of aging gracefully. Join us and share your abundance of wisdom, have fun, and make new friends. We will provide surprises and the tools to move you forward in your quest to continue to age well. Instructor: Eileen Thoma, MS, Wednesday, September 15, 2 - 3 p.m., $30 for five weeks

Come meet our bariatric team who will answer your questions about weight loss surgery and explain the steps involved in determining if you are eligible. We invite you to bring a guest or support person. Pre-registration is required. Please call (860) 314-2798 to register or for more information. Wednesday, September 15, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Free, This program will be held in the Hughes Auditorium at Bristol Hospital, Brewster Road, Bristol, CT

Menopause symptoms are caused by changes in the hormones that can affect a woman's physical, mental and emotional health. Join gynecologist Victoria Biondi, MD, to learn more about the natural hormone cycle and how it changes and how symptoms can be treated with natural, medical and bio-identical therapies. Wednesday, September 15, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Free

Fasting for eight hours is required for this finger stick screen that takes approximately five minutes. Conducted by: Bristol Hospital cardiac/pulmonary registered nurses, Thursday, September 16, 8:30 - 10 a.m., $20, This screening will be held at Plymouth Town Hall, 80 Main Street, Terryville

This simple test consists of blowing into a special tube that measures the health of your lungs. Conducted by: Bristol Hospital cardiac/pulmonary registered nurses, Thursday, September 16, 10 - 11 a.m., Free. This screening will be held at Plymouth Town Hall, 80 Main Street, Terryville

The slow easy movements of Tai Chi help to relax the body and relieve stress while improving strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Instructor: Barbara Santarsiero, Monday, September 20, 6:45 - 7:45 p.m., $60 for six weeks

Bristol Hospital offers a free monthly support group meeting for people who have had any type of weight loss surgery. The group is also open to family members, people who are preparing for bariatric surgery and for those who are exploring their options for the procedure. Getting in tip-top shape is this month's topic. Tuesday, September 28, 6 - 7 p.m., Free, Call (860) 314-2798 to register. The support group will be held at Bristol Hospital, Brewster Road, Bristol.

Our free support groups are open to adults with diabetes, their families and friends. Natural ways to lower your cholesterol will be discussed. Tuesday, September 28, 11 a.m. – Noon, or 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Bristol Hospital Center for Diabetes 102 North Street, Bristol (call 860-940-6300 to register)

Studies show that eating whole grains has many benefits. In addition to providing important vitamins and minerals, they can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, and they help with weight loss. Through discussion and demonstration, we will show you how simple it is to include whole grains in your daily meal plan. Instructor: Katherine Kreh, RD, CD-N, Wednesday, September 29, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., $10

Massage therapy, Reflexology and Reiki are health practices and remedies that have been used for centuries. They are hands-on therapies that encourage the body to heal itself and are often used to compliment traditional medical treatment. Join us to learn the differences and the similarities of these therapies as well as the health benefits. Brief demonstrations will be included. Instructor: Joan Myers, MA, LMT, CRT, RMT, Thursday, September 30, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., $5

Kids' Quest is a six-week fitness and nutrition program that is designed to help children between the ages of 10 and 14 build a foundation for a healthful lifestyle. In a fun and interactive group setting, children learn how to improve their food choices and how to increase their physical activity. Parental support is needed to help the children at home, and parents must attend three of the six classes. Call (860)314-2087 for the start date of the next program.

Massage therapy, reflexology and reiki are health practices that have been used for centuries. They are hands-on therapies that encourage the body to heal itself. We offer half-hour, hour, and one and-a-half hour session. For more nformation, or to schedule an appointment, please call 860-582-WELL (9355) Gift certificates are always available.

Are you ready for a change in the way you eat? If so, then Nutrition Express is your ticket for wellness! At $75 for five 15 minute sessions, you will get individualized nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian, your questions answered about nutrition myths and truths, tips on healthful eating without depriving yourself and tools that will help you make simple changes that can make all the difference. For more information, call 860-314-2798.

All programs are held at the Bristol Hospital Wellness Center unless otherwise indicated. To register for programs, call Bristol Hospital's InfoLink at 860-585-3661.