Aging With Vitality Series

Join us for an open discussion on understanding and embracing the process of aging with intention. Aging is a lifelong journey that encompasses both physical and psychological changes. While it’s often viewed through a lens of decline, it can also provide meaningful opportunities to reflect, change, and grow through choices and mindset.

We encourage you to register for all three sessions.

• Session 1 – Age is A State of Mind – Tuesday 9/23, 4:30-6:30pm
• Session 2 – New Chapters – Tuesday 10/7, 4:30-6:30pm
• Session 3 – Are You Thriving? – Tuesday 10/21, 4:30-6:30pm

Facilitators

Allison Basile, LCPC: Allison Basile is a licensed psychotherapist and life coach who has had a private psychotherapy practice for years. She loves working with people around transitions in their lives and helping facilitate intentional changes. She is a co-founder of A Mindful Midlife (tm), a venture that provided retreats, seminars and life coaching to men and women in midlife. Allison has entered her midlife years with a personal commitment to experience this passage with health, grace and an adventurous spirit. However, she continually asks herself. "How did I get to be my grandmother's age?"

Cate Parker, MS, RN, ACSM-CEP: Cate is a nurse, clinical exercise physiologist and wellcoach who is currently the director of Lifestyle Medicine at Maine Health Brunswick. She loves developing programs and providing opportunities for people to learn how to live a healthy well balanced life. Cate is also a mother and caregiver of a very special child. She has learned that some challenges are gifts and that life can still be wonderful. She is excited to share her optimism and encouragement on how to live your best life.

Meghan Perham, Certified WellCoach: Meghan is a wellcoach. She has been the Program Coordinator at Lifestyle Medicine at MaineHealth Brunswick for 8 years. She is a fifty plus year old who is currently adjusting to an empty nest and looking forward to what this next phase of life will bring.

Join us for an in-depth discussion of what to expect when the time comes to give birth to your baby!

Part 1 is in-person at MidCoast Hospital. During this 3.5 hour session, you will learn about the three phases of labor, how to cope, and how to be a supportive partner. We will discuss many coping strategies, as well as practice laboring positions and hands-on support techniques. This session also includes a tour of the maternity unit and birthing rooms. Session 1 is from 9:30am-1:00pm.

Part 2 is held the next day via zoom. During this 3 hour session, you will learn about the various pain medication options that are available, what is involved in inductions and c-sections, what to expect with your newborn and your hospital stay, as well as how to be more prepared for the postpartum period. In the year 2025 Session 2 will be 9:00am-12:00pm. In the year 2026 Session 2 with be 3:00pm-6:00pm.

Partners/support people are encouraged to attend but do not need to register online. We recommend taking this course between 30-35 weeks if possible. Our hope is that you will leave this educational weekend feeling like you have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions, and the confidence to navigate the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. We look forward to working with you!

You will receive an email from the instructor 1 week prior to the scheduled class with the zoom link for part 2. Please check your spam/junk folder for emails from erin@lighthouselactationmaine.com. 

IMPROVment® | Improvisational Movement for Brain Body Health

Fun, creative, and lively, this series of evidence-based dance classes encourage participants to build stamina, strength, and confidence all while moving to music in a joyful and non-judgemental atmosphere. No prior experience is necessary, and attendees are invited to take the class at their own pace and slow down or rest at any time. 

Program aims: 

• to build strength and endurance 
• to focus on balance and agility
• to have fun and be creative in a non-judgemental and non-competitive atmosphere

Any adult 65 years of age or older is encouraged to participate in this class series! Those with PD, early dementia, or individuals looking for cardiac rehabilitation are especially encouraged to participate.

Mondays, Sept. 29-Nov. 17, 10-11 a.m.

Registration is Required for EACH session - Participants are welcome to join for one class or all eight! Cost is $8/class or $40 for the series (call to register for all 8 to receive discount). Payment accepted by credit card or check payable to "Community Health & Wellness". Checks may be delivered to the front desk at Parkview prior to the class.

For more information call (207) 373-6585.

About the teaching artist: Jessie Laurita-Spanglet is a dance artist, educator, and arts administrator based in Brunswick, Maine. Jessie’s work at the intersection of movement and health has led to her current role as Intervention Coordinator on a cross-disciplinary dance and neuroscience research team at Wake Forest University. In addition to her work at Wake Forest, Jessie has taught courses on the topic of Dance and Health at Colby College and the University of Southern Maine, where she is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Theater. Jessie holds an MFA in dance from the University of Maryland, and is a 2024 National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellow.

This program is designed to help people better cope with stress and life’s challenges. Mindfulness is an awareness that arises by intentionally paying attention to the present moment.

This 8-week course consists of 2½-hour weekly group classes, and a 6-hour weekend retreat on Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Registration is required. 

* Some scholarships are available.

* Payment plans are available.

For more information call (207) 373-6585.

MH Lifestyle Medicine Brunswick, 329 Maine Street in Brunswick

Join staff from the Community Health team for an eight-week Matter of Balance series located at & co-sponsored by the Rockland Public Library. 

Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. A Matter of Balance is a program designed for community dwelling adults age 60 and older to increase activity levels and reduce the fear of falling. If you are concerned about falls, have sustained falls in the past, or are interested in improving your flexibility, balance and strength, this class is for you.

*Registration is required due to a limited number of seats available in this class.*

Please call (207) 301-3950 with any questions. 

THERE WILL BE NO CLASS ON OCTOBER 14TH AND NOVEMBER 11TH!

Neurographic Art

October 1, 8, & 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. OR 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Art and creativity can help you connect to your feelings, increase your self-awareness and ability to think of new ways to problem solve and develop healthy habits and routines. 

Neurographical art is perfect for a non-artist! It creates mindfulness and peace without having too much structure or the ability to draw skillfully.

• Learn how to let go of stress and improve your overall sense of well-being through a creative drawing experience.
• Learn how to use simple creative exercises to create your own sense of calm.
• No drawing or artistic skill is required.

All supplies will be provided although you may bring your own.

Sessions 1 & 2 are instruction and projects

Session 3 is an optional practice and review session

Cost for the three-class series is $30. Registration is required.

MH Lifestyle Medicine Brunswick, 329 Maine Street-SOUTH/MAIN ENTRANCE, Brunswick

For more information call (207) 373-6585.

Dr. Andy Cook Pediatric Behavioral Health Series 2025: 

Autism Spectrum Disorder Part 2: Advanced Topics and Interventions in the Pediatric Setting for School Aged Children,

October 7 | 7-9 a.m.

This series was created in memory of Andy Cook, MD, who dedicated his career to providing, improving and advocating for behavioral health services for children, adolescents and their families.

SCHEDULE:

7:00 -7:30 Breakfast and conversation

7:30-7:35 Dr. Chris Bowe, President, Mid Coast-Parkview Health

7:35-8:50

• Michelle Rock, DO Medical Director of MH Behavioral Health Autism Services
• Matt Nilson, MD MaineHealth Behavioral Health Pediatrics
• Cathleen Small, PhD, BCBA-D Director-Psychologist, MaineHealth Behavioral Health
• Review & Overview
  
  • Quick overview, building on the first seminar’s content
  • In-depth discussion on specific challenges and complexities
  • Framework to use when feeling “stuck”
• Behavioral Interventions
  
  • Review behavioral models and their applications
  • Case studies and practical examples
  • In pediatric office vs. referral to specialty care
  • Which specialist?
• Medication Management
  
  • Further discussion on medication nuances and management strategies
  • Use of atypicals?
  • Addressing specific scenarios and challenges
• Collaboration and Resources
  • When to refer to specialty care and what to expect for provider/family
  • Collaborating with schools and other providers
  • Connecting families with resources and support systems

8:50-9:00 Questions, Wrap-up and Resources

Providers are eligible to earn 1 CME for this seminar.

This seminar is being recorded and will be available soon. 

Registration is required.

MCH Lifestyle Medicine, 329 Maine St, Brunswick, ME, 207-373-6585

The Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness is now MaineHealth Lifestyle Medicine Brunswick! 

Join us for a celebratory Open House on October 9, from 5-7 pm

We will have live music, food, and class demonstrations representing the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine.

What is Lifestyle Medicine?

Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses evidence-based therapeutic lifestyle interventions as to treat chronic conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.

There are six pillars of lifestyle medicine which include:

• a whole-food, mostly plant diet
• physical activity
• restorative sleep
• stress management
• avoidance of risky substances
• positive social connections

Lifestyle medicine can be combined with traditional clinical care and integrative therapies to prevent, manage and even reverse chronic disease.

329 Maine St, Brunswick, ME | 207-373-6585

MORE DETAILS TO COME!