Fitness program offered for women

Saint Luke’s Health System is offering the Women in Training program (WIT) in Chillicothe, Mo. The six-week program offers women of all ages and fitness levels the chance to talk with medical experts about health issues and participate in a self-paced walk/run program.

WIT will take place at Danner Park on Monday evenings from Sept. 8 through Oct. 13. The group will meet each week at the Hedrick Medical Center Conference Room on the lower level. Each session will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and will open with a 15-minute talk by a medical expert. Experts will share the latest information on heart, breast and bone health, as well as nutrition, emotional wellness and more. The talk is followed by an hour-long walk/run at each woman’s pace.

The cost of the program is $30 per participant. To register, visit saintlukeshealthsystem.org or call NurseLine at (800) 932-6220.

Blood donations needed

The blood supply at the Community Blood Center is at a critical level, and all blood types are needed immediately. Currently there is less than a day’s supply of blood available. All eligible blood donors are asked to donate immediately at their nearest neighborhood Center or at a mobile blood drive.

For hours and location of your nearest neighborhood donation center or mobile blood drive, visit the Community Blood Center Web site at www.savealifenow.org.

St. Francis noted for diabetes program

The American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education program was recently awarded to St. Francis Hospital & Health Services in Maryville, Mo. ADA believes that the St. Francis Diabetes Self-Management Program offers high-quality education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.

For more information about the Diabetes Self-Management Program at St. Francis Hospital & Health Services, call (660) 562-7966.

Run will raise money for foster children

Assistance League of Kansas City Heartland Auxiliary announces its 15th annual Heartland Run to benefit foster children. The race will be at English Landing Park in Parkville, Mo., beginning at 8 a.m. Sept. 28.

This is a MARA Grand Prix event. Events include the 5K Run, 5K Fitness Walk and the Kids’ Fun Run (approximately 1 mile). There will be food for everyone and drawings for lots of great prizes. Funds raised will be used to provide clothing, school supplies and other items for foster children in Platte and Clay counties.

For more information, contact Penny Merrill (816) 587-9474. A downloadable registration form is available at www.mararunning.org and www.alkc.org, or register before the race on Sept. 28.

William Andel joins St. Francis Orthopedic & Sports Medicine

St. Francis Hospital & Health Services announces the addition of William Andel, board certified advanced practice registered nurse, to its complement of medical professionals at the St. Francis Orthopedic & Sports Medicine clinic.

Mr. Andel, originally from St. Louis, received a bachelor of science degree in sports medicine from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield in 1988. He continued his education with a bachelor’s of science in nursing with an emphasis in occupational and orthopedic medicine from the University of Missouri at St. Louis in 1999. In addition to having worked as a nurse practitioner in orthopedic settings in St. Louis, Mr. Andel has also served as an occupational health nurse, home health nurse, ergonomic consultant and health/fitness specialist.

Lifestyles reporter Erin Wisdom can be reached at ewisdom@npgco.com.