Southcoast Health has released its schedule of upcoming support groups and information sessions on a variety of health-related topics. For more information, see below.

General Bereavement Group

Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association, known in the community as Southcoast VNA, offers free bereavement programs for grieving adults during the month of October. Registration is preferred. Call Bereavement Manager, Lindsay Coe, LCSW, at 508-973-3227 for more information. General Bereavement Groups are designed for adults grieving the loss of a loved one. The group will meet in Tobey Hospital, 43 High St., on Oct. 18, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. in the Stillman Library, use the main entrance.

Bariatric informational session

Southcoast Center for Weight Loss will offer a free informational session on the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, on Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. Tobey Hospital, 43 High St. in the operating room waiting area.

Millions of Americans fall into the category of clinically severe obesity — more than 100 pounds overweight with a body mass index greater than 40. Body mass index is a calculation of weight in relation to height.

The Southcoast Center for Weight Loss’s community-based program is designed to incorporate a thorough approach to weight loss surgery utilizing a team comprised of dietitians, psychologists, nurses and surgeons to provide a safe and comprehensive surgical weight loss program.

For more information or to register for a free seminar call 508-273-4900. For more information on the Southcoast Center for Weight Loss visit www.southcoast.org/weightloss/.

Medical Fitness Program

This individualized exercise program is designed for those with cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, cancer, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, overweight and chronic orthopedic conditions. The program is offered for $60 per month at three classes a week or for $40 per month with two classes a week. A doctor’s prescription is required to participate.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

An ongoing, structured exercise and education outpatient program for individuals recovering from heart attack, heart surgery, heart disease or are high risk for the same. A physician referral is required. The cost of this program is covered by most insurances.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This is a structured exercise and education program with oxygen saturation monitoring during exercise. It is designed for individuals with pulmonary diseases including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and COPD. The cost of the program is covered by most insurances. The program meets year-round. A physician referral is required.

Medical fitness, cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation classes are being offered Tobey Hospital. Call 508-961-5435 for details.