HEALTH NOTES

Published: May 10, 2008

LUNG DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP: Bloomingdale Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico. A support group for patients with noncontagious lung disease will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. June 1. Families, friends and patients are invited to attend. Call (813) 643-7273 or go to www.ntminfo.org.

EXERCISE AND NUTRITION: Winston Park, 7605 Destin Drive, Tampa. Greater Palm River POINT will offer free classes to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and asthma and suggest exercise options and healthy cooking from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays and 6 to 7 Wednesdays. Call Lisa Vargas at (813) 628-9179 for information.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR MENTAL ILLNESS: 1402 Jontilly Place, Brandon. National Alliance on Mental Illness family support group meetings are at 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday monthly. The group helps those suffering from mental illness and anyone interested in learning about mental health issues. Call (813) 571-9811 or go to

www.namihillsborough.org.

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP: The Riverview Academy for Autism, 9631 Radian Lane, Riverview. Concerned Parents of Autistic Children is a support group for parents and caregivers. Group members share experiences and discuss developmentsand strategies in caring for children with autism. The meeting place is the future site of a school for autistic children. Contact Housam Moursi at (813) 643-9393 or hmoursi@hotmail.com.

DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP: Consulate Health Care of Brandon, 701 Victoria St., Brandon. Consulate Health Care offers support group meetings for people affected by dementia at 2 and 7 p.m. the second Thursday monthly. Call (813) 681-4220.

ALATEEN MEETINGS: Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, 604 N. Valrico Road, Valrico. Fellowship meetings for young people who have been affected by someone else's substance abuse are at 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Call (813) 881-9372.

SPINAL CARE: Brandon Integrated Healthcare Clinic, 804 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon. The clinic will offer free spinal care workshops from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. The workshop will include a question-and-answer session. Call (813) 685-5200.

BEREAVED PARENTS: The Bereaved Parents of the USA Tampa Bay Chapter is a support group offering compassion and care for parents, grandparents and siblings who are grieving the loss of a child. Meetings are from 10 a.m. to noon the second Friday monthly. Call (813) 832-3175 or (813) 661-0680 for locations.

LOOK AND FEEL BETTER: American Cancer Society, 1462 Oakfield Drive, Brandon. Certified cosmetologists will help cancer patients cope with appearance-related side effects from treatments. Call toll-free 1-800-227-9954.

Send your Health Notes to Felix Martinez, The Tampa Tribune, 505 W. Robertson St., Brandon FL 33511; fax to (813) 643-6844; or e-mail

fmartinez@tampatrib.com.