Health calendar

Pardee Urgent Care provides sports and school physicals

HENDERSONVILLE — Pardee Urgent Care, located at 212 Thompson St. beside Epic Theatre, is now offering sports and school physicals seven days a week with convenient night and weekend hours

“Many area schools require children and youth to have a physical before playing a school sport to ensure they are in proper health and help reduce the risk of injury,” said Tonya Cochran, director of Pardee Urgent Care.

Pardee Urgent Care is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The cost is $45 per physical, and payment is due at the time of service. Pardee Urgent Care does not file insurance for these physicals. For more information, call Pardee Urgent Care at 697-3232.

Today

BETTER BREATHERS: Support group for individuals challenged by various respiratory conditions from 10 to 11 a.m. at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. Call 452-8060.

HEALTH SCREENING: Sponsored by Blue Ridge Community Health Services from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wal-Mart, 250 Highland Square Drive, Hendersonville. Call Brenda Fletcher at 692-4289.

COMMUNITY SERVICES OVERVIEW: Disaster training by the Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter of the American Red Cross from 1 to 4 p.m. Pre-register by calling 258-3888, Ext. 219.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 1:30 to 6 p.m., Brevard Community Church, 165 Morris Road, Brevard. To schedule an appointment, call 884-5932.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., St. John’s Marketplace, St. John’s Road, Fletcher. To schedule an appointment, call 684-7510.

LAB DAY: Blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings from 8 a.m. to noon at Mission Hospitals Wellness Resource Center. Call 681-5492.

Wednesday

T.H.E. CENTER: Support group meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Women’s Resource Center, Annex Building, 50 Doctors Drive. Sandra Buchanan will discuss “When to Eat.” For information, call 337-4685 or e-mail thecenternc@hotmail.com.

SHELTER OPERATIONS: Disaster training by the Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter of the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday. Pre-register by calling 258-3888, Ext. 219.

SHELTER SIMULATION: Disaster training by the Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter of the American Red Cross from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Pre-register by calling 258-3888, Ext. 219.

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING: scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Pardee Helath Education Center, Hendersonville. Cost is $20. To register, call 692-4600 or visit www.pardeehospital.org.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Golden K at Opportunity House, 141 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville. Walk-ins welcomed.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, St. Luke’s Hospital, 220 Hospital Drive, Columbus. To schedule an appointment, call 894-2408.

CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD SUGAR SCREENING: The Welcome Table in Swannanoa offers $15 full cholesterol and blood sugar screenings from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Swannanoa United Methodist church, 216 Whitson Ave. Call 686-5284 to sign up.

Thursday

CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS TESTS: Conducted by Heart Path exercise specialists from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday Mission Hospitals Wellness Resource Center. Cost is $50. Call 213-2222, Ext. 2.

CORNERSTONE DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP: Meetings are (always) on the second Thursdays in the month. The permanent relocation is the second floor conference room, 445 Biltmore Avenue. This Thursday’s meeting will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

HEALTH SCREENING: Sponsored by Blue Ridge Community Health Services from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday at Ingles Supermarket, Skyland. Call Brenda Fletcher at 692-4289.

“HEART FAILURE: HOW TO PREVENT & CONTROL IT”: Joel Tipton and Paula Boyles will present the program at 1 p.m. Thursday at Pardee Health Education Center, Blue Ridge Mall. Hendersonville. Free. Register by calling 692-4600 or visit www.pardeehospital.org.

HEALTHY GRILLING: Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Centers features “Learn to Grill with Chef Phil” lunch seminar from 1 to 2 p.m. Chef Phil Mohr and health educator Leigh Hilger will discuss the various health effects of grilling; grilling techniques; cooking with injections, marinades and dry rubs; food safety; and step-by-step instructions for making meat, vegetable and fruit kabobs. Cost is $5. Call 452-8088.

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS: Ingles in Brevard from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

FREE FAMILY HEALTH SCREENING: Ingles in Skyland on Hendersonville Road from noon to 7 p.m.; Park Ridge WOW Van and Blue Ridge Community Health.

SHOULDER PAIN: Jason Morgan, a licensed physical therapist with Pardee Hospital, will host a presentation on the possible causes of shoulder pain and the range of treatments available on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This program will be held at the Pardee Health Education Center in the Blue Ridge Mall. Pre-registration is requested by calling (828) 692-4600 or visiting www.pardeehospital.org.

Friday

HEALTH SCREENING: Sponsored by Blue Ridge Community Health Services from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Ingles Supermarket, Highway 176, Hendersonville. Call Brenda Fletcher at 692-4289.

HEALTH SCREENING: Sponsored by Blue Ridge Community Health Services from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Ingles Supermarket, Highland Lake Road, Hendersonville. Call Brenda Fletcher at 692-4289.

PARK RIDGE WOW VAN AND BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY HEALTH: At Ingles in Hendersonville from noon until 2 p.m.

A CELEBRATION OF HOPE SPONSORSHIP: Women Helping Women fundraising sponsorships for “A Celebration of Hope Dinner” on Oct. 19 and Women Helping Women Luncheon Oct. 20 available through Aug. 11. For sponsorship information, call 698-7968. If tickets are available, the prices will be $75 for the luncheon and $125, available Sept. 5. Visit www.pardeehospital.org.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Pardee Health Educational, 1800 Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. To schedule an appointment, call 692-7754.

BONE DENSITY SCREENING: Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Mission Hospitals Wellness Resource Center. Cost is $20. Call 681-5492.

BREAST-FEEDING BASICS: Scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at Mission Hospitals Wellness Resource Center. Cost is $15. Call 213-2222, Ext. 2.

Saturday

EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLE—READY, SET, ROLL: Disaster training by the Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter of the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 12. Pre-register by calling 258-3888, Ext. 219.

FELDENKRAIS: “It’s All In your Head, A Feldenkrais Workshop” will be taught by Lavinia Plonka, GCFP, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 12 at the Asheville Movement Center, 4 Richmond Avenue. Cost is $40. Register at www.ashevillemovementcenter.com or call 275-4838.

Aug. 13

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 13, Glenwood Baptist Church, 1550 Old Highway 221 South, Marion. To schedule an appointment, call 738-4998.

From Aug. 14 to Aug. 19:

BLOOD PRESSURE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross, free blood pressure screenings will take place at the Asheville Fire Department from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Aug. 14

FREEDOM FROM SMOKING CLASS: American Lung Association six-week session sponsored by Haywood Regional Medical Center. A free orientation session will be held at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at HRMC. Cost for the entire program is $25. To register or for information, call 452-8088

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP: Eileen Riehman will discuss “Gentle Pain Release” from 2 to 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at Pardee Health Education Center, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 or visit www.pardeehospital.org.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14, Bethany Baptist Church, Bethany Church Road, Forest City. To schedule an appointment, call 245-5309.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 150 Melrose Ave., Tryon. To schedule an appointment, call 894-2700.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 14, American Red Cross Hendersonville Chapter, 203 Second Avenue East, Hendersonville. To schedule an appointment, call 693-5605.

Aug. 15

CARDIAC SCREENING: CARDIAC SCREENING: Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) and Western Carolina Cardiology is offering a cardiac screening to determine the likelihood for cardiac disease. The screening includes: a fasting blood glucose, fasting lipid panel (cholesterol, HDL, direct LDL, triglyceride, HDL/CHOL ratio), blood pressure checks, body mass index analysis and a cardiac risk assessment questionnaire.

Cardiologists Dr. Michael J. Keogh, Dr. David Peterson and Dr. Glenn Harris will review the lab reports and mail individual results to each participant.

Initial screenings will be held in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department of HRMC at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center from 7 to 9 a.m. Aug. 15 and Aug. 17. Participants are asked to fast by only drinking water and taking prescription medications after midnight. No appointment is necessary. A fee of $20 for lab analysis (normally $65.50) will be charged.

Physician follow-up seminar group sessions will take place by appointment only at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center. Participants may choose from Sept. 5, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 11, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. or Sept 13, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Call 452-8088 to register.

HEARING SCREENING: Free screening from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 15 at Pardee Health Education Center, Blue Ridge Mall, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 or visit www.pardeehospital.org.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 15, YMCA 810 West 6th Ave., Hendersonville. To schedule an appointment, call 692-5774.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15, Hendersonville Church of Christ, 1975 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. To schedule an appointment, call 697-0319 or 777-3724.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15, First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, 246 N. Main St., Rutherfordton. To schedule an appointment, call 286-9047.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15, Carolina Mountains Credit Union, 5716 Old Hendersonville Highway, Pisgah Forest. To schedule an appointment, call Kirk or Megan at 884-8835.

DISASTER TRAINING: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 1 to 5 p.m. Focus is health services. Pre-register by calling 258-3888, Ext. 219.

BLOOD PRESSURE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross, free blood pressure screenings will take place at Aston Park Terrace from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 16

T.H.E. CENTER: Support group meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 16 at Women’s Resource Center, Annex Building, 50 Doctors Drive. Robin Harris will discuss “Decoding ‘Fat’ Feelings & Negative Body Thoughts.” For information, call 337-4685 or e-mail thecenternc@hotmail.com.

BLOOD PRESSURE AND BLOOD SUGAR CHECKS: Free tests by Haywood Regional Medical Center from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 16 at Ingles, Barber Boulevard, Waynesville.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 16, Lowe’s of Forest City, 184 Lowe’s Boulevard, Forest City. To schedule an appointment, call 351-1023.

BLOOD PRESSURE: Free screenings from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at Mission Hospitals Wellness Resource Center. Call 681-5492.

DISASTER TRAINING: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Focus is working with total diversity. Pre-register by calling 258-3888, Ext. 219.

BLOOD PRESSURE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross, free blood pressure screenings will take place at the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; J&S Cafeteria at River Ridge from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Bi-Lo on Patton Avenue from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Aug. 17

BRAIN TUMOR SUPPORT GROUP: WNC Brain Tumor Support Group is an adult support group for brain tumor survivors and their families. Monthly meetings are held the third Thursday of the month, starting at 6:15 p.m. with refreshments. The meeting is 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at West Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road in Asheville. For more information, go to the Web at wncbraintumor.org or call 691-2559.

WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM: Drs. David and Natalie LaMond, of LaMond Family Medicine and ResultSPA will present “How to Lose Weight and Keep It Off!” at the Pardee Health Education Center at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17.

In the free presentation, the LaMonds will discuss proven methods for losing weight, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, and offer strategies for increasing metabolism. They will also explain the pros and cons of the numerous dietary supplements and herbal compounds that are now available.

Pre-registration for the presentation is requested by calling 828-692-4600 or visiting www.pardeehospital.org.

CARDIAC SCREENING: Tests to help determine if you are at risk for cardiac disease include cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, body mass index analysis and cardiac risk questionnaire will be offered from 7 to 9 a.m. Aug. 17 at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. To register, call 452-8088.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT AND KEEP IT OFF: Free presentation on weight-loss strategies and tips for maintaining a healthy weight from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17 at Pardee Health Education Center, Blue Ridge Mall, Hendersonville. To register, call 692-4600 or visit www.pardeehospital.org.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 2 to 7 p.m. Aug. 17, American Red Cross, Transylvania Chapter, First United Methodist Church, 500 Broad St., Brevard. To schedule an appointment, call 884-4530.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at McNutt Service Group. Call 209-4419.

BLOOD PRESSURE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross, free blood pressure screenings will take place at Harvest House Community Center from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Aug. 18

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 18, Lake Toxaway Community Center, Slick Fisher Road, Lake Toxaway. To schedule an appointment, call Gary at 966-9581.

DISASTER TRAINING: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Focus is family services, providing emergency assistance. Pre-register by calling 258-3888, Ext. 219.

BLOOD PRESSURE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross, free blood pressure screenings will take place at West Asheville Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at J&S Cafeteria at West Ridge from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Aug. 19

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 19, St. Philips Episcopal Church, 317 E. Main St., Brevard. To schedule an appointment, call Bob Rebscher at 883-4659.

CPR COURSE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-registration required. Cost is $40. Call 258-3888, Ext. 221.

Aug. 21

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 21, Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4 Brian Berg Lane, Brevard. Walk-ins welcomed.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 21, Race Path Church, 1171 Race Path Church Road, Ellenboro. To schedule an appointment, call 453-8321.

LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLE on small-business health insurance with legislators from Western North Carolina and NFIB/North Carolina State Director Gregg Thompson from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Resort, One Holiday Inn Drive, West Asheville. $10 includes lunch; group discounts available. To register, visit www.NFIB.com/NC or call Tom Sri at (919) 833-9480.

Aug. 22

LUPUS TREATMENTS: Board certified rheumatologist Dr. Ellison Smith will address the Asheville Lupus Support Group to discuss the pros and cons of current treatment options and future perspectives at 6 p.m. at the Mission Hospital Women’s Resource Center, 50 Doctors Drive – West Annex. Free workshop. To pre-register, call Rosa Hilbert at 669-5171.

INFANT CARE CLASS: Learn the basics of infant care from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 at Pardee Health Education Center, Hendersonville. Free. To register, call 692-4600 or visit www.pardeehospital.org.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 1:30 to 6p.m. Aug. 22, Animal Supply House, 1927 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville. To schedule an appointment, call 698-6910.

Aug. 23

T.H.E. CENTER: Support group meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23 at Women’s Resource Center, Annex Building, 50 Doctors Drive. Natalie Frost will discuss “Relaxation Skills.” For information, call 337-4685 or e-mail thecenternc@hotmail.com.

BLOOD DRIVE: Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. To schedule an appointment, call 452-8088.

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING: scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 23 at Pardee Helath Education Center, Hendersonville. Cost is $20. To register, call 692-4600 or visit www.pardeehospital.org.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 23, Pardee Care Center, 104 College Drive, Flat Rock. To schedule an appointment, call 693-8600.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23, Concord Baptist Church, 720 Old Highway 74, Forest City. To schedule an appointment, call 245-6130.

Aug. 24

I CAN COPE: Series of free education programs by American Cancer Society and the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Pardee. John Morris, M.D., will discuss “Relieving Cancer Pain” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at Pardee Health Education Center, Blue Ridge Mall, Hendersonville. To register, call 692-4600 or visit www.pardeehospital.org.

CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS TESTS: Conducted by Heart Path exercise specialists from 1 to3 p.m. Aug. 24. Mission Hospitals Wellness Resource Center. Cost is $50. Call 213-2222, Ext. 2.

ug. 25

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25, Mills River United Methodist Church, 137 Old Turnpike Road, Horse Shoe. To schedule an appointment, call 891-5956.

IMPROVE YOUR VERTICAL JUMP: Program Aug. 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the physical therapy department at Blue Ridge Bone & Joint. Contact Brian Lawler at 281-7171 or brianlawler@juno.com to pre-register or for more information.

Aug. 26

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING: scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 26 at Pardee Helath Education Center, Hendersonville. Cost is $20. To register, call 692-4600 or visit www.pardeehospital.org.

Aug. 27

13th ANNUAL ASHEVILLE RIDE FOR KIDS: Benefit for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation on Aug. 27 departing from Biltmore Square Mall. Registration is from 7 to 8:45 a.m. Visit www.ride4kids.org/asheville/index.htm.

Aug. 28

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 2 to 62:30 p.m. Aug. 28, American Red Cross of Rutherfordton, 838 Oakland Road, Forest City. To schedule an appointment, call 287-5916.

DIABETES FOOD SCHOOL: With Leah McGrath, Ingles dietician, at the Ingles in Black Mountain from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free blood sugar meters. You must register in advance by calling 800-990-6767.

SWIM LESSONS: You can learn to swim at the YWCA of Asheville. The next session of Red Cross swim lessons will begin Aug. 28. Classes are offered for babies, pre-schoolers, youth, teens and adults. Call Jean Coile at 254-7206, ext. 110 for more information or sign up today at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Avenue and on the Web at www.ywcaofasheville.org.

Aug. 29

DIABETES FOOD SCHOOL: With Leah McGrath, Ingles dietician, at the Ingles in Asheville on Tunnel Road from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free blood sugar meters. You must register in advance by calling 800-990-6767.

Aug. 30

T.H.E. CENTER: Support group meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 30 at Women’s Resource Center, Annex Building, 50 Doctors Drive. Dale Karl will discuss “Who Will I Be Without My ED.” For information, call 337-4685 or e-mail thecenternc@hotmail.com.

Aug. 31

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 31, Isothermal Community College, Highway 74 West, Spindale. To schedule an appointment, call 286-3636.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 31, Clinchfield United Methodist Church. To schedule an appointment, call 652-2759.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31, Crestview Baptist Church, 630 South Church St., Forest City. To schedule an appointment, call 286-9758.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 31, Blue Ridge Community College, 1030 Asheville Highway, Brevard. To schedule an appointment, call 883-2520.

BLOOD DRIVE: Sponsored by the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 31, Tryon Estates, 619 Laurel Lake Drive, Columbus. To schedule an appointment, see Susie Lindsey.

SEPTEMBER

Vertical Jump Training and ACL Injury Prevention Training Group: During the months of September and October, a small training group is being offered to middle school and high school basketball athletes. Your vertical jump will be tested at the beginning and at the end of this 6-week program (12 sessions). Cost is $129. Space is limited. Contact Brian Lawler at 281-7171 or brianlawler@juno.com to register or for more information.

Sept. 6

T.H.E. CENTER: Support group meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at Women’s Resource Center, Annex Building, 50 Doctors Drive. Suzanne Kirby will present the program. For information, call 337-4685 or e-mail thecenternc@hotmail.com.

Sept. 13

T.H.E. CENTER: Support group meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at Women’s Resource Center, Annex Building, 50 Doctors Drive. Elizabeth Pavka will discuss “The Many Faces of Hunger.” For information, call 337-4685 or e-mail thecenternc@hotmail.com.

Sept. 20

T.H.E. CENTER: Support group meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20 at Women’s Resource Center, Annex Building, 50 Doctors Drive. Robin Harris will discuss “Voicing My Self: Assertiveness.” For information, call 337-4685 or e-mail thecenternc@hotmail.com.

Sept. 26

KNOW YOUR BONES: Jennifer Shaffer will discuss bone density testing and understanding the results from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. To register, call 452-8088.

Sept. 27

T.H.E. CENTER: Support group meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at Women’s Resource Center, Annex Building, 50 Doctors Drive. Jane Lawson will present the program. For information, call 337-4685 or e-mail thecenternc@hotmail.com.

“COMMON ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS AND INJURIES OF THE SHOULDER”: Dr. Christofer Catterson will present the program from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. Cost is $4. Call 456-8984.

DIABETES AND COMPLICATIONS OF THE EYE: Dr. Clayton Blehm will present the program from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 27 at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. Call 452-8085.

Sept. 27-28

RESOLVE THROUGH SHARING: Two-day workshop about supporting patients and families who suffer the loss of a baby during pregnancy or shortly thereafter Sept. 27-28 at Terrace Hotel, Lake Junaluska. Instructors will be Becky Murray and Susan Beasley. Sponsored by Haywood Regional Medical Center.

Oct. 14

WNC RUN/WALK FOR AUTISM: A 5K trail run Oct. 14 through Deerfields Retreat. Early registration through Oct. 4. Register online at www.autismsociety-nc.org or contact Katie Wills at lewsisandkatie@charter.net or call 236-1547.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.