HEALTH HAPPENINGS

Send information about free or low-cost health-related events open to the public 10 days ahead of publication. Information can be emailed to calendar@bradenton.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sexual abuse support group: A support group meeting for women who have been sexually abused as children or as young girls will begin July 14. This type of meeting is a self-help support group. Everyone attending may share their experiences. In sharing with others this may help women to work through the invalidation they have experienced. The facilitator, Jackie Miller, had an incest support group several years ago that was affiliated with S.I.A. -- Survivors of Incest Anonymous -- a 12-step program. There is no charge for attending the meeting. Follow-up meetings will be decided. The Alternative Thinkers Group will provide the location for the first meeting. Contact Jackie at 941-792-0308 for location.

Hearing loss sessions: The Hearing Loss Association of Sarasota is hosting its Summer Rap Sessions that allow anyone in the community to get helpful feedback on their individual questions and concerns about hearing loss. These sessions are designed to offer invaluable guidance and support from experienced mentors and provide effective ways in which one can significantly improve their hearing and listening skills. These workshops are open to the community. Monthly sessions will be held at 1:30 p.m. July 18 and Aug. 15 at the North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota. Information: 941-706-4312.

Arthritis pain, bone and joint screening: Volunteer doctors from the nonprofit Foundation For Wellness Professionals will be available to answer questions 9-11 a.m. July 21 at Platinum Healthcare Physical Medicine, 5560 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 7, Sarasota. Free food and massages; no appointment necessary. Information: 941-927-1123.

Communication for couples: Local nonprofit organization Marriage & Family Works will host classes called Communication Tools for Couples 9 a.m.-noon July 28 at 1007 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Cost is $40 a couple, which includes course materials and refreshments. Registration: 941-827-0500. Information: http://www.MarriageWorksForYou.com.

Treating sports injuries: Join Dr. William Bennett for a free seminar on the power of PRP (platelet rich plasma/spinning blood) in treating sports injuries 4:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Conference Room 1. PRP is a revolutionary, nonsurgical in-office therapy that utilizes the body's own healing power to speed recovery from ligament, tendon and muscle injuries. This treatment can relieve pain, promote permanent healing and avert the need for surgery. Reservations: Direct Doctors Plus, 941-708-8100.

Health fair: A community health awareness event will be offered 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 1 and Lakewood Business Park, 4301 32nd St. W., Bldg. B, Suite 6, Bradenton. Free STD screens/HIV testing by the Manatee County Health Department. Agencies: Solve Maternity House, Workforce Development, and other local organizations. Sponsored by the founders of Connecting In The Spirit Outreach Ministries, Inc. Information: Pastors Roger or Barbara Walker, 772-216-9758.

oNGOING PROGRAMS

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Health happenings: Free or low-cost health-related events open to the public in Manatee and Sarasota counties