Your Health

A guide to health and wellness programs

As a Brown & Toland member, you have a doctor who listens to your needs, respects your choices and provides you with the highest-quality care you can find. You also have access to some of the finest community health resources in San Francisco. Some of these classes are free, and others require a nominal fee or donation. Call the listed telephone number for more information.

Community Health Events

Arthritis: A Road Map
Join California Pacific Medical Center’s (CPMC) Physical Therapy Department to learn about arthritis pain management and prevention techniques. This presentation explores ways to stay strong and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. An exercise class with demonstrations on how to safely exercise follows the lecture. Come dressed to participate.
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2:30–4 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus, 2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room
$10 donation suggested
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Other GI Disorders
The director of CPMC’s Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disorders will discuss integrative approaches to managing irritable bowel syndrome. Physiology, symptoms, triggers and treatment options will be discussed.
Friday, Oct. 7, noon–1:30 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus, 2333 Buchanan St., Level A Conference Room
$10 donation suggested
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mini Medical School on Women’s Health
Join us for the 16th annual Mini Medical School on Women’s Health. This one-day education program offers the public some of the basic facts of medicine learned by first-year medical students. This year’s topics include urinary incontinence, breast cancer risk reduction strategies, vitamin D and many more. CEUs for nurses are also offered.
Saturday, Oct. 22, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Please register in advance.
CPMC Pacific Campus, 2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room
Cost: $25
Call the CPMC Women’s Health Resource Center, 415.600.0504.

Hepatitis B
Worldwide, one in three people has been exposed to or infected by the hepatitis B virus. Due to our unique multicultural environment, the San Francisco Bay Area is particularly impacted by this viral infection, which can lead to scarring of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer. Learn more about the history of this virus and the cutting-edge treatments available.
Thursday, Oct. 27, 3–4:30 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus, 2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room
$10 donation suggested
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Happy Feet Massage Workshop
Come and learn how to give a great foot massage! Our feet are such an important part of the body and are often overlooked. In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn about the anatomy of the foot, fun techniques and body mechanics so you can work pain-free. No previous massage experience is necessary.
Sunday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.–noon
CPMC, Women’s Health Resource Center, 3698 California St., Lobby Level
Cost: $20. Please register two days prior.
Call 415.600.0500 or visit Women’s Health Resource Center.

COPD
Join a board-certified pulmonologist for updates on treatment options for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This lecture will focus on the data and research behind today’s therapies and lifestyle choices in the management of COPD.
Monday, Nov. 14, 3:30–5 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus, 2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room
$10 donation suggested
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Managing GERD
This lecture provides an in-depth understanding of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments as well as surgical and medical options will be outlined.
Wednesday, Dec. 14,
1–2:30 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus, 2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room
$10 donation suggested
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Living with Cancer

For additional resources, see SUPPORT GROUPS.

Cancer Survivorship: A Time for Transformation (FREE)
A free event for cancer survivors with a focus on whole mind, body and spirit wellness. Presented by the Bryan Hemming Cancer Care Center at CPMC.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus, 2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room
For more information or to RSVP, call 415.600.3081.

Gentle Yoga for Gynecological and Breast Cancer Survivors
This series teaches a gentle yoga practice to support overall wellness and the healing process. Each sequence includes basic principles of movement, alignment and breathing awareness.
Fridays, 1–2 p.m.
CPMC, Women’s Health Resource Center, 3698 California St., Lobby Level
Cost: $45 for a six-week session; free for newcomers. Please register two days prior.
For dates and times, or to register, call 415.600.0500 or visit Women’s Health Resource Center.

Gynecological Cancer Recovery Program (FREE)
The Gynecological Cancer Recovery Program offers compassionate care and physical, emotional and spiritual healing to women undergoing treatment for uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal, vulvar and peritoneal cancers. The program provides free education and support services, tailored to meet patients’ needs.
CPMC, Women’s Health Resource Center, 3698 California St., Lobby Level
Call 415.600.0500 or visit Women’s Health Resource Center.

Look Good … Feel Better (FREE)
Join a group of women who are facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and receive free cosmetics and lessons on how to compensate for thinning eyelashes and/or eyebrows, a free wig and tips on hair styling, free scarves, and scarf/turban tips. Breast forms/bras are also available for the uninsured. Offered in collaboration with the American Cancer Society. Please register two days prior.
Nov. 17 and Jan. 19, 1–4 p.m.
CPMC, Women’s Health Resource Center, 3698 California St., Lobby Level
Call 415.600.0500 or visit Women’s Health Resource Center.

Lymphedema Awareness
All cancer patients may suffer from lymphedema after radiation therapy. This class is available for patients at risk for this condition.
Second Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
St. Mary’s Medical Center, 450 Stanyan St., 3rd Floor East, Conference Room
Call 415.750.5900.

Women’s Cancer
Roundtable: Optimal Living During and After Cancer Treatment
Fatigued? No appetite? Brain feels foggy? Join a roundtable discussion with Barb Silver, N.P., and learn ways to have optimal quality of life during this challenging time.
Thursday, Dec. 1, noon–1:30 p.m.
Cost: $5
Call 415.600.0500 or visit Women’s Health Resource Center.

Fitness and Exercise

Gentle Yoga for Seniors (FREE)
This is the perfect class for seniors and those who are new to yoga.
Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1–2:30 p.m.
St. Mary’s Medical Center Hall, 2255 Hayes St.
Call 415.750.5800.

Gentle Yoga for Women
This series teaches a gentle yoga practice to support overall wellness and healing. The class is intended for beginners and those with chronic health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and arthritis. Each sequence includes basic principles of movement, alignment and breathing awareness.
Fridays, 1–2 p.m.
CPMC, Women’s Health Resource Center, 3698 California St., Lobby Level
Cost: $60 per six-week session
For dates and additional information, call 415.600.0500 or visit Women’s Health Resource Center.

Healthy Heart Exercise
Supervised exercise program for people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, as well as those who are obese or sedentary.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 1–5:45 p.m. or Fridays, 1–4:45 p.m.
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City
Cost: $8 per session
Call 650.991.6750.

Mall Walkers (FREE)
Join the St. Mary’s Medical Center indoor mall-walker program at Stonestown Mall.
Meets in center court every Thursday, 9 a.m.
Stonestown Mall,
3251 20th Ave.
Call 415.564.8848 or 415.750.5800.

WalkAbout/TalkAbout (FREE)
WalkAbout is Seton Medical Center’s twice-weekly walking and fitness program for seniors at the Serramonte Shopping Center.
Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:15–9:30 a.m.
TalkAbout is a monthly health education program.
First Friday of the month, 9:30–10 a.m.
Call 650.991.5984.

Nutrition and Weight Management

What’s the Buzz on Sugar? (FREE)
This seminar will cover the various types of sugars and the effects sugar has on our short- and long-term health. A registered dietitian will discuss food labels, artificial sweeteners and ways to break the sugar habit. Nonfasting glucose screening is included.
Friday, Sept. 30, 3–5 p.m.
LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market St.
To register, call 415.296.8995, ext. 16.

BodyLOVE
BodyLOVE, a 12-week program with a nutritionist, teaches the physiology of weight loss and optimal eating and ways to manage cravings. Discover how to reduce stress-related eating and take part in the women’s discussion group.
Begins Wednesday,
Sept. 21; meets from 6–9 p.m. weekly.
CPMC, Women’s Health Resource Center, 3698 California St., Lobby Level
Fee: $40 a week
Call 415.600.0502.

Pregnancy and Parenting

CPMC Newborn Connections
A great resource for expectant parents: Whether you are contemplating having a baby or have recently given birth, Newborn Connections offers the support and education you need through pregnancy and early parenthood. Part of CPMC’s Women & Children’s Center, Newborn Connections provides ongoing prenatal classes, support groups, breastfeeding and baby supplies, and lactation services.
CPMC, Women’s Health Resource Center, 3698 California St.
To register or for more information, visit Newborn Connections, call 415.600.2229, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Seton Medical Center
Seton offers classes for expectant parents. The Childbirth Education Series is a comprehensive six-week series that covers vital topics such as preparation for labor and delivery, newborn care and breastfeeding techniques. The hospital also offers a four-week course on preparing for labor and delivery, a one-session class on baby care basics and a one-session class on breastfeeding. The Infant CPR and Child Safety class instructs parents and caregivers on how to perform lifesaving skills on their children.
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City
For more information on cost, dates and times, call 650.991.6345.

St. Luke’s Women’s Center
St. Luke’s offers resources and classes for expectant parents and new mothers. The Childbirth Preparation Class is a one-day Saturday course that covers physical changes during pregnancy and labor, relaxation techniques, breathing techniques based on the Lamaze method, cesarean birth and anesthesia during childbirth. The Women’s Center also offers free prenatal and postpartum yoga classes.
CPMC, St. Luke’s Campus Women’s Center, 1580 Valencia St., 5th Floor, Suite 508
For information on classes and hospital tours (in English and Spanish), call 415.641.6911.

Aging Well

Advance Health Care Directives
An advance health care directive is important for anyone over the age of 18 to have in place so that your wishes will be followed at the end of life or in the event you become unable to make decisions. Class size limited to 10 persons.
Cost: $10
Monday, Nov. 7, noon–1:30 p.m.
CPMC, 2100 Webster St., Suite 119, Board Room
To preregister, call the Community Health Resource Center at CPMC at 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Adventures in Aging
What are your thoughts about aging? Would you like to flourish and experience your senior years as a time of discovery, reflection and fun? This discussion is an invitation to look at aging as a time of enjoyment and adventure. Co-sponsored by AgeSong.
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2:30–4 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus, 2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room
$10 donation suggested
To preregister, call the Community Health Resource Center at CPMC at 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Memory and Aging
How do we distinguish normal memory loss from loss that results from disease? This lecture will guide you through the cognitive aging process and address areas of concern and where to get help. Memory screenings included.
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 3:30–5 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus, 2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room
$10 donation suggested
To preregister, call the Community Health Resource Center at CPMC at 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Diabetes

CPMC Center for Diabetes Services
This American Diabetes Association (ADA)–recognized program provides classes and individual counseling sessions for adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The center also offers prevention classes for those at risk for diabetes plus support groups and counseling. Staff speaks English, Tagalog, Spanish and Chinese.
CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services, 3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor Call 415.600.0506.

Diabetes—Prediabetes Education: Two-Class Series (FREE)
This two-part series will help you understand the factors that can lead to diabetes and how you can make lifestyle changes to prevent it. The first class covers how diabetes develops, prevention diet, exercise and other issues. The second class covers how to overcome obstacles to change and setting goals for a healthy regimen. Referral required.
CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services, 3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor
For dates and times, call CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services, at 415.600.0506.

Type 2 Diabetes Education: Four-Class Series (FREE)
A series of four classes for people with type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. The classes and one-on-one appointments are tailored to meet individual needs. This dynamic, research-based program is patient-focused and taught by an expert staff of nurses, dietitians and a clinical social worker.
Class 1: Held most Mondays or Fridays, either 9 a.m.–noon or 1:30–4:30 p.m. Call for dates and times.
Classes 2, 3 and 4: Offered Tuesdays, 1:30–4 p.m.; Thursdays, 9–11:30 a.m.; or Thursday evenings, 6–8:30 p.m.
CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services, 3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor
For more information on dates and times, visit Center for Diabetes Services or call 415.600.0506.

Seton Medical Center’s Living Healthy With Diabetes
These classes offer comprehensive diabetes self-management training.
Evening and morning classes available.
Call 650.991.6607.

St. Luke’s Diabetes Center
If you have diabetes, St. Luke’s Diabetes Center works together with you and your physician to help keep your diabetes under control for a lifetime. We provide state-of-the-art training and care so you can maintain your best health and avoid complications. The center offers complete adult and child outpatient services, including screening, individual care instructions, diet and meal planning, and resources for supplies and services. CPMC, St. Luke’s Campus, 3555 Cesar Chavez St., Room 230
Call 415.641.6826 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

St. Mary’s Diabetes Group Classes (FREE)
This eight-week series of classes covers all aspects of taking care of your diabetes, including how to measure blood sugar, what foods to eat, and how to maintain weight and healthy cholesterol levels. You don’t need to start with Week 1—you are welcome to start with any of the classes. Guests are welcome, too. No registration is required.
Mondays, 4–5 p.m.
St. Mary’s Medical Center, 450 Stanyan St., Cardiology Conference Room, Level C
Call 415.750.5513.

Support Groups

St. Mary’s Breast Cancer Support Group (FREE)
Give and get support from women who have had breast cancer in this facilitated support group. Friends and family are also invited to attend.
Tuesdays, 5–7 p.m.
St. Mary’s Medical Center, 450 Stanyan St., 6th Floor, Room 630
Call 415.750.5775.

CPMC Breast Cancer Support Group (FREE)
A weekly breast cancer support group facilitated by a nurse and psychologist. Open to women who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment or post-treatment.
Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
CPMC, Women’s Health Resource Center, 3698 California St., Lobby Level
Call 415.600.2717 for more information.
Breastfeeding Support Group (FREE)
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City
Call 650.991.6345 for dates and times.

Cancer Buddy Program
The CPMC Cancer Buddy Program connects patients in the first year of a cancer diagnosis with trained volunteer cancer survivors.
To request a buddy or to volunteer, call 415.923.3155.
Gynecological Cancer (FREE)
Women with uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal, peritoneal and/or vulvar cancer have the opportunity to talk with and gain support from other women who share similar experiences. Facilitated by an advanced practice nurse.
For dates, times and more information, call 415.600.0500.

Heart Disease Support Group (FREE)
The purpose of the group is to explore ways to improve and maintain health and coping skills leading to a positive and productive life.
Wednesdays, noon–1 p.m.
St. Mary’s Medical Center, 2250 Hayes St., 3rd Floor
Call 415.750.5617. 

Melanoma Cancer (FREE)
Participants come together for discussion and to give and receive support from others sharing similar experiences. Refreshments provided.
Third Tuesdays, 2–3:30 p.m.
2351 Clay St., Deikel Conference Room 137
Call the Community Health Resource Center at 415.923.3155.

Our Spouses, Our Partners (FREE)
This group provides information and emotional support for spouses and partners of breast cancer survivors. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by the Bryan Hemming Cancer Care Center at CPMC.
Fourth Thursdays, 4–5 p.m.
2351 Clay St., Deikel Conference Room 137
Call the Community Health Resource Center at 415.923.3155.

Stroke Survivor (FREE)
This group is designed to aid the recovery of stroke survivors at any stage by providing a safe and supportive atmosphere where individuals are able to share their experiences. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care San Francisco.
First Thursdays, 1–2:30 p.m.
CPMC, 2100 Webster St., Room 106
Call the Community Health Resource Center at 415.923.3155.

Health Education and Screening

Blood Pressure Screening (FREE)
St. Mary’s Medical Center offers free blood pressure screenings to all community members.
Mondays, 12:15–1:15 p.m. No appointment necessary.
St. Mary’s Medical Center, 2235 Hayes St., 5th Floor, Room F
Call 415.750.5959.

Blood Pressure Screening (FREE)
More than one in three adults have high blood pressure, which may result in stroke, heart attack, heart failure and arterial aneurysm. It is also a leading cause of kidney failure. Keep track of your blood pressure at these drop-in screenings.
Third Friday of the month, 1–2 p.m.
CPMC, 2100 Webster St., Suite 100
Call 415.923.3155.

Breast Health Education (FREE)
Free breast health consultation and information on breast health. By appointment only.
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Ground Floor, Daly City
Call 650.991.6502.

Cholesterol and Diabetes Screening
Get your cholesterol level check and diabetes screening at Seton Medical Center. A 12-hour fast is required. Results will be mailed to you.
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City
Second Sunday of each month, 7–11:30 a.m.
Fee: $25
For more information, call 650.991.6466.

Osteoporosis Screenings
Schedule an appointment for screening with a bone densitometry ultrasound at the CPMC Women’s Health Resource Center. Meet with our nurse practitioner to discuss prevention, management and treatment of osteoporosis. Cost is $30 for ultrasound screening only; $30 for a half-hour osteoporosis consultation.
Free screenings will be offered by appointment on Thursday, Nov. 10.
For an appointment, call 415.600.1957.

YMCA Health Screenings (FREE)
These free monthly drop-in health screenings are available to seniors in the community at the Mission and Stonestown YMCAs. Screenings change monthly. October screening: bone density. November screening: cholesterol. December: body mass index.
Mission YMCA: first Friday of the month, 10 a.m.–noon, 4080 Mission St.
Stonestown YMCA: second Fridays (third Friday in November), 9:30–11:30 a.m., 3150 20th Ave., Senior Annex
Call 415.923.3155.