| Disease Specific Resources
Several diseases are listed below with resources and explanations. For information on other diseases, please contact your own doctor, an emergency line at your local hospital, the Medical Library number at the end of this section, or your local yellow pages.
AIDS/HIV
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is most commonly spread through sexual intercourse with an infected partner. It can also be spread via contact with infected blood, and women can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy or birth. By killing or damaging cells in the body’s immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body’s ability to fight infections. The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection.
AIDS/HIV Hotline - National 1-800-342-2437
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Referrals, answers to questions and free written materials.
AIDS Hotline - Montana 1-800-263-6668
AIDS and HIV Anonymous Counseling, Testing
Missoula County Health Dept. - 258-4745
Counseling & HIV testing by appointment. Hours: Mon 2-4, Wed 10-12, Thur 2-3.
Health Promotion - 258-3896 - 301 W Alder
Missoula County Health Department
Health Promotion answers questions about communicable diseases including HIV. Counseling and testing available.
Missoula Aids Counsel 127 N. Higgins, Ste 207
543-4770 mac@centric.net
Provides HIV prevention information and risk-reduction supplies. Offers HIV education, including at-risk youth program, HIV positive speakers bureau, and community presentations. Rapid testing is available free of charge; results are treated anonymously and confidentially. Support for HIV-positive individuals includes referrals, housing assistance, and support groups.
Partnership Health Center - 323 W. Alder St. - 258-4165
Assistance with medical, dental and pharmacy needs is available. Also offers mental health services and educational resources.
Yellowstone AIDS Project, 208 N 29th Street,
Suite 234, Billings, MT 59101 - (406) 245-2029
Provides direct services to people with HIV and AIDS, including prevention education and outreach, HIV counseling and testing.
ALZHEIMER’S AND OTHER DEMENTIAS
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition in which the brain’s nerve cells die. The onset of Alzheimer’s disease is typically gradual and may be mistaken for the ordinary forgetfulness that is associated with aging. As the disease progresses, cognitive abilities decline and personality changes and difficult behaviors may arise. In its later stages Alzheimer’s disease leads to dementia and death.
Alzheimer’s Association - Montana Chapter
3010 11th Ave N., Billings, MT - 1-877-252-3053
www.alz-mt.org
Safe Return Program for Montana - information available from this office along with educational materials about Alzheimer’s Disease.
Alzheimer’s Support Group - Colleen Nicholson
251-4608 in Missoula or 406-677-2517 in Seeley Lake
snicholson@blackfoot.net
For families and friends who have someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Meets the fourth Monday of month in Conference Room B at St. Pat’s Hospital.
Senior Information Line and Resource Center
Missoula Aging Services - 337 Stephens - 728-7682
1-800-551-3191 www.missoulaagingservices.org
Provides assistance to seniors, families of seniors or caregivers needing resource information. The Senior Information Line has over 600 resources listed in the database covering all aspects of senior needs. From transportation to Medicare insurance counseling, the trained staff can assist in finding answers.
ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint, often accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness, and structural changes.
Aquatic Movement Therapy for Arthritis - Community Medical Center, 2827 Fort Missoula Road - 327-4257
Warm-water pool exercise at Community Rehabilitation Center helps relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis, enhances movement and flexibility, and improves general strength. Call for fee and class schedule.
Arthritis Foundation - 1-800-283-7800
Arthritis Foundation Rocky Mountain Chapter/Montana Branch, 15 N 26th Street Suite 207 Billings, MT 59101
1-888-245-0231 or (406)245-0231
Education and support for people with arthritis and related diseases. Free informational brochures. Annual Camp Limber Limbs available for children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
The Women’s Club Fitness Center
2105 Bow - 728-4410
Offers programs specific for women with arthritis and other debilitating joint or bone disease. Call for fees and scheduled activities.
ASTHMA
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that often arises from allergies. Labored breathing, chest constriction, and coughing accompany the disease.
American Lung Association and “Camp Huff and Puff”
825 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
(406)-442-6556 or call the Lung Association of the Northern Rockies at 1-800-LUNG-USA
Information about lung disease & promoting lung health. A summer camp “Camp Huff and Puff” for children with asthma and other respiratory difficulties.
BACK, NECK, AND SPINE
According to the Mayo Clinic, back pain ranks second only to headaches as the most frequent pain location. Back pain can occur anywhere along the spine and for no apparent reason.
The Montana Spine Center at St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center - Level 3, Broadway Bldg
327-1670
Provides comprehensive care for back and neck conditions. The Center specializes in the evaluation and treatment of spine conditions.
CANCER
Cancer is the general term for the abnormal, malignant growth of cells in the body. The growth is purposeless, parasitic and flourishes at the expense of the human host. The cause of cancer is unknown, but it is not contagious. Cancer is considered curable if it is discovered early and if all cancer cells are removed by surgery or destroyed by radiation.
 Carcinoma: Carcinoma refers to malignant tumors of the skin or mucus membrane.
Sarcoma: Sarcoma refers to tumors of the connective tissue.
The ABCDS of Melanoma:
American Cancer Society
Missoula Office: 3550 Mullan Rd, Ste 105
542-2191 Option 3
For cancer information and services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org
Benefits Cancer Programs and Services
400 13th Avenue S Great Falls, MT 59405
406-355-3636
Benefits Cancer Programs and Services offers comprehensive cancer care for both inpatients and outpatients. Services include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, inpatient care, supportive services such as genetics counseling, pastoral care, social work, nutritional support, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, ostomy care, support groups, appearance center, learning center, and outreach programs. Benefits Cancer Programs is an approved program through the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The program has been approved for 23 years as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program.
The Breast Center at Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Road - 327-4010
Services include diagnostic mammography, diagnostic studies of breast disease with breast ultrasound, sterotactic core biopsy, mammotome biopsy, fine needle aspiration of the breast, and MRI of the breast, breast health education and resource information for women, families and groups, breast center rehabilitation including lymphedema management and water exercise, nutrition counseling and social services. All machines are dedicated only to mammography and have been certified and accredited by the American College of Radiology, the Food and Drug Administration, and meets the Mammography Quality Standards Act requirement. The staff consists of registered mammography technologists, board-certified radiologists, and a registered nurse.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America
Rocky Mountain Chapter
5353 W Dartmouth Avenue, Denver, CO 80227 - 303-984-2110 - 1-800-955-4572 (information resource center)
Missoula County Cancer Association
3005 Queen Street - 540-857-2373
Offers up to $1500 in financial aid for transportation, drugs, and devices for diagnosed cancer patients in crisis. Clients must reside in Missoula County and be referred by medical provider.
Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program - Partnership Health Center, 323 W. Alder - 258-4167 OR 1-888-803-9343.
State funded program for women 50-64 years of age who are uninsured or underinsured and who meet income criteria. Montana women receive ongoing, accessible, and appropriate breast and cervical cancer screening. FREE.
National Cancer Institute - 1-800-4-Cancer
Clothing, Wigs, Videos, and Support Items for Cancer Patients
American Cancer Society - Loan Closet
3550 Mullan Rd., Ste 105 - 542-2191 Option 3
Wigs, hats, scarves, videos and books made available to cancer patients and caregivers free of charge.
“TLC” Catalog by American Cancer Society
1-800-850-9445
Items include breast prosthesis, hairpieces, wigs and head coverings. Items cost less than retail. For a free copy, call number listed above.
Cancer Patient Support Groups and Resources
American Cancer Society - Reach to Recovery
1-800-ACS-2345
Trained breast cancer survivor volunteers visit with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to provide support and local resources. Call to schedule a visit or for more information.
Breast Cancer Resource Guide - (877)-314-6728
This comprehensive list of resources and information across the state is available at no cost.
Breast Cancer Support Group - 329-5713
Meets every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, 420 W. Pine. Call Jan at 329-5713 for more information.
Breast Cancer Survivors Water Fitness - Community Medical Center, 2827 Fort Missoula Road - 327-4257
This warm-water pool class was designed for women who have or have had breast cancer by a licensed physical therapist to reduce lymphedema, improve general flexibility and strength, and increase endurance and circulation. Call for fee and class schedule.
Breast Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Treatment
Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Road - 327-4050
Therapists with specialized training can provide the breast cancer patient with an individualized program to restore pain-free movement, maximize upper extremity function, and manage edema when necessary.
Cancer Support Group - 500 W. Broadway
Sponsored by St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, the group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the MT Cancer Center in the Oncology Conference Room.
For One Another - Cancer Family Network
1-406-587-8080 - foroneanother.org
Networking Montana families affected by cancer through summer camps and events during the year.
Living Art - 2925 N Reserve Street, Missoula, MT 59808
549-5329 - livingart@inwspace.org
Living Art supports whole person healing through the expressive arts and nature-based experiences for people facing illness and loss through a variety of programs, including workshops. Our biennial community event, Winterfeast, will be held January 2, 2005. An annual educational art exhibit that addresses the experiences of illness will be on display at St. Patrick’s Hospital during the month of November.
American Cancer Society - Look Good...Feel Better
1-800-ACS-2345
Trained cosmetologists offer free group sessions to teach female cancer patients beauty techniques to help enhance their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Caregivers/Housing/Transportation for Cancer Patients and Their Families:
American Cancer Society - Road to Recovery
1-800-ACS-2345
Volunteers provide ground transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and home again free of charge.
Support Housing
Discounts at local hotels - contact St. Patrick Hospital at 543-7271.
St. Patrick House - 501 W. Alder - 541-2828
CEREBRAL PALSY
Cerebral palsy is a general term referring to the abnormal motor control caused by damage to a child’s brain in early development. Damage resulting in cerebral palsy can occur during fetal development, during the birth process or during the first few months of an infant’s life.
United Cerebral Palsy - 1-800-USA-5-UCP
CHRONIC FATIGUE
CFIDS (chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome) is also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), CEBV (chronic Epstein-Barr virus), M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis), “yuppie flu” and many other names. It is a complex illness characterized by incapacitating fatigue (experienced as exhaustion and extremely poor stamina), neurological problems and a constellation of symptoms that can resemble other disorders including: mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, AIDS-related complex (ARC), Lyme disease, post-polio syndrome and autoimmune diseases such as lupus. These symptoms tend to wax and wane but are often severely debilitating and may last for many months or years. All segments of the population (including children) are at risk, but women under the age of 45 seem to be the most susceptible.
CFIDS Association of Americas Inc. - P.O. Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398 - 1-800-442-3437
DEPRESSION
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
Loss and Depression Support Group - 721-3351
4-session commitment, $50 charge, 6-person minimum
Partnership Health Center - 323 W Alder St - 258-4789
Provides access to therapy services through a network of 50 local therapists. Cost may be discounted based on family size and income.
Recovery Inc. - 825-3063 or 542-7372
www.recovery-inc.org
Meets Fridays 1:30-3:00 in the board room just inside the front door of the Missoula Public Library, 301 East Main
Improve mental health and reduce suffering. Learn skills and acquire tools to help cope with difficult emotions and nervous symptoms.
Senior Help Line, Missoula Aging Services - 728-7682 or 1-800-551-3191, Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 p.m.
DIABETES
There are several types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually develops during childhood and is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by the inability of the pancreas to create enough insulin. The most common form of diabetes is type 2, which usually develops in adults and is not an autoimmune disease. Pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes if their hormones increase the body’s resistance to insulin. Gestational diabetes typically goes away after the pregnancy.
Diabetes Care Services - St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, 500 W. Broadway - 329-4325
Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. in the Wellness Center Conference Room at the St. Patrick Hospital. No charge and no registration needed. No meetings in June, July, Aug and Dec.
Diabetes Management Program - Community Medical Center, 2835 Fort Missoula Road - 327-4325
Community Medical Center’s Diabetes Management Program offers individual and group sessions designed to help you manage your diabetes and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Sessions are led by a nurse and dietitian certified in diabetes education. Physician referral required. Call for more information.
Free Diabetes Screening - St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center - 329-5781
Call to schedule an appointment. Overnight fast required.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
251-4972 or 549-0556
Driven by the needs of people with diabetes, the mission of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is to find a cure for diabetes and it’s complications through the support of research. We work to accomplish this by finding and funding the best and most relevant research to help achieve a cure for this devastating disease. The Western Montana Branch of JDRF holds annual fundraisers such as the Walk to Cure Diabetes. We offer a “Bag of Hope” to newly diagnosed children.
Missoula Diabetes Support Group
500 W Broadway - 329-5781
Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. in the Wellness Center Conference Room at the St. Patrick Hospital. No charge and no registration needed. No meetings in June, July, Aug and Dec.
Missoula Indian Center
Ft. Missoula, Bldg. 33 - 829-9515
On-site blood sugar testing with glucose monitor, quarterly offers of immunizations, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and thyroid panel.
Partnership Health Center - 323 W. Alder - 258-4789
As a participant in the National Diabetes Collaborative, Partnership Health Center practitioners are armed with the best and latest information in diabetes management. Costs may be discounted depending on family size and income.
Public Health Nursing Program
301 W Alder - 523-4750
Gestational Diabetes Counseling for low-income pregnant women provided to patients of the MCC Health Department Prenatal Case Management Program. No charge.
Self-management Education Classes - 329-5781, ext. 1.
For people with diabetes and their loved ones learn how to manage the disease on their own.
Sweet’n Low Aquatic Exercise for Adults with Diabetes
Community Medical Center, 2827 Fort Missoula Road
327-4257
This warm-water therapy pool class helps adults with diabetes increase endurance, improve flexibility, strength, increase circulation, and improve control of diabetes. Call for fee and class schedule.
EPILEPSY
According the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, epilepsy is a brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes signal abnormally. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.
Epilepsy Foundation - 1-800-332-1000
FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.
Fibromyaglia Education and Treatment Strategies Classes
St. Patrick Hospital Wellness Center-329-5895
8-week classes include lecture presentations on various topics such as Fibromyaglia Syndrome, exercise, stress management, nutrition, work simplification, rational thinking, and alternative therapies. Call to register.
HEART DISEASE/CHOLESTEROL
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. When too much cholesterol is in the blood, it can build up in the arteries. Blood flow to the heart may be slowed down or blocked. If the blood supply to the heart is completely cut off, a heart attack will result.
Everyone over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. A “lipoprotein profile” is a blood test that measures the types of cholesterol in your blood. “Bad” blood cholesterol is called low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, and this is the kind that clogs arteries. “Good” blood cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol, and it actually protects against clogging arteries.
Maintaining a normal blood pressure helps to prevent heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure should be checked at least once a year and more often if you take blood pressure medication.
American Heart Association - 1-800-242-8721
Pacific/Mountain Affiliate
1900 Brooks, Ste. 115 - 829-3377
Community Medical Center Cholesterol Testing
2827 Fort Missoula Road - 327-4077
Community Medical Center offers a walk-in cholesterol panel each weekday from 5:30 to 10:00 a.m. and Saturday from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at a cost of $15. A physician’s order is not needed and no appointment is necessary. A 10-hour fast (water permitted) is required. To participate, go to the hospital’s front reception desk.
Community Medical Center Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Classes - 2827 Fort Missoula Road
327-4009
Healthcare Provider CPR for the Public: The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider course is designed to teach the skills of CPR for victims of all ages, use of an automated external defibrillator, a relief of foreign body airway obstruction. Please call for class schedule and fee.
International Heart Institute of Montana
554 W. Broadway - 329-5668
A joint venture between St. Patrick Hospital and the University of Montana, the not-for-profit institute bring together an internationally recognized team of physicians and researchers to perform the most advanced cardiac procedures and to search for new and improved ways to treat heart disease.
The Montana Heart Center at Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Road
327-4646 or toll-free 1-866-4646
Testing services include echocardiography, stress echocardiography, Adenosine Cardiolyte nuclear scans, electrocardiograms, Holter and event monitoring and others. Diagnostic angiograms, angioplasties, stent placement, and PFO closures are performed in the cardiac catheterization lab. A congestive heart failure program includes patient teaching by cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists, and there is a support group for patients and their families. Cardiac rehabilitation services are available for inpatients and outpatients.
KIDNEY DISEASE
The kidneys remove waste products from the body and regulate fluids, electrolytes, blood pressure and PH within the body. When the kidneys stop working, blood pressure rises and harmful wastes build up in the body. In the case of end-stage renal disease the body will not produce enough red blood cells. High blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes of kidney disease.
American Kidney Fund - 1-800-638-8299
6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center Dialysis Center - 615 W Alder - 327-1750 or ext. 1750
Renal team consists of board-certified nephrologists, registered nurses, a medical social worker, registered dietitian, chaplain and financial counselors. Treatment includes in-center hemodialysis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and continuous cycle peritoneal dialysis (CCPD).
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple sclerosis is a disorder of the brain and spinal cord caused by progressive damage to the outer coverings of nerve cells.
Missoula Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
Nancy - 721-0877
Self-help group for individuals with MS, their families and caregivers. Monthly meetings offered from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month at Community Medical Center’s rehab conference room, 2827 Fort Missoula Road. Guest speakers offer education at meetings. Please call to receive a monthly newsletter.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America,
Northwestern Region - 1-800-565-6722 x 131
600 Central Plaza, Suite 13, Great Falls, MT 59401
Information and education for people living with MS. Offers a monthly newsletter, home assessment/modifications for safety and accessibility, equipment distribution program, and social events for those with MS and their families. Coordinates with support groups, provides aquatics and therapeutic horseback riding, and offers assistance with MRI funding.
National MS Society - 1-800-344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but research and treatments are giving hope to those affected by the disease. National MS Society provides equipment loan, respite care, advocacy, and programs.
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscles which control movement. Although some forms first become apparent in infancy or childhood, others may not appear until middle age or later.
Muscular Dystrophy Association of Montana
2070 Overland Avenue, Billings, MT 59102
1-406-655-9000
Provides evaluation, treatment, therapy, family counseling, and adaptive equipment services for clients affected with neuromuscular disease. Offers a week-long summer camp for children with MD.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that can affect both men and women as they grow older. People lose bone strength as they age, making the bones weaker and prone to fracture. Osteoporosis is symptomless and may not be diagnosed until after a bone has been broken. A person suffering from osteoporosis can suffer broken bones even after a minor fall.
Osteoporosis Prevention, Screening and Referral Services
258-4837
Missoula City-County Health Department Wellness Program offers services to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in our county. Services include risk assessment, heel scans using an FDA-approved Peripheral Testing device, explanation of testing results, brief nutrition counseling related to bone health and referrals to health care providers for bone density follow-up. Call for more information or to schedule individual appointments or worksite osteoporosis prevention programs.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Parkinson’s Disease is a slowly progressive disease of the central nervous system, characterized by stiffness, fine tremors of resting muscles, a mask-like expression, and a peculiar shuffling gait.
American Parkinson Disease Association - 251-5338
Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at St. Pat’s Conference Room B. No meetings June, July, or August.
POLIO
Poliomyelitis is an infectious viral disease occurring mainly in children. In its acute form it attacks the central nervous system and produces paralysis, muscular atrophy, and often deformity.
Post-Polio Clinic, Community Medical Center - 327-4050
Multidisciplinary team provides assessment to individuals experiencing symptoms of late effects of polio.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Sexually transmitted diseases are epidemic and many people do not know that they have them. Questions and referrals can be directed towards any of the following resources.
Health Promotion - 258-3896
301 W Alder - Missoula County Health Department
Health Promotion answers questions about communicable diseases including HIV and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
Herpes Hotline - 1-919-361-8488
Sexually Transmitted Disease Hotline - 1-800-227-8922
Spanish Hotline - 1-800-342-7432
Hearing Impaired Hotline - 1-800-243-7889
SLEEP DISORDERS
A variety of sleep disorders can have a significant negative impact on health and work, and can lead to increased accidents in the workplace and on the highways. Common sleep disorders include sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. They not only rob a person of a good night’s sleep, but can also lead to serious medical problems including heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke. Many motor vehicle accidents are the result of drivers falling asleep behind the wheel.
Missoula Sleep Medicine
910 Brooks, Suite 201 - 829-8053
Services include consultation, formal diagnostic testing facility with CPAP & BiPAP therapy capability, treatment recommendations and patient follow-up.
Sleep Apnea Support Group - 329-5650
Support group for patients, spouses and other family members who would like education and information about CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment for sleep disordered breathing. Meets 4 times a year, free of charge. Call for date, time, and place.
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center Sleep Center - 500 West Broadway - 329-5650
An occasional bad night’s sleep is no cause for concern, but a continued sleep problem, such as snoring, restless legs and insomnia, can affect your health and the quality of your waking hours. At St. Pat’s Sleep Center, we offer complete in-laboratory testing under the supervision of Registered Polysomnography Technicians. We also offer a CPAP support group for patients on CPAP and their families. The St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center Sleep Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
STROKE
A stroke occurs when either the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. The symptoms of a stroke include: sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or difficulty understanding speech; sudden trouble in seeing with one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking; dizziness; or loss of balance or coordination.
Stroke/Head Injury Support Group - First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W Main St., Hamilton - Contact Frank at 821-3891 or Delores at 363-1850
Meets second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
OTHER DISEASES and RESEARCH HELP
Family Caregiver Program & Resource Library
Missoula Aging Services - 337 Stephens Avenue
728-7682 www.missoulaagingservices.org
The family caregiver program and resource library provides information and consultations for people caring, informally, for older family members at home. The resource library provides information for caregivers on such topics as personal care, self-care strategies, diagnosis-specific information and resource information available locally and nationally.
Medical Library - St. Patrick Hospital,
Center for Health Information, 500 W. Broadway
329-5710 - www.saintpatrick.org/chi
The Medical Library is open to the public for self-service, in addition, a full array of information services are available to physicians, patients, employees, students and corporate customers. You may request that library staff perform a thorough search of the medical literature for articles on a particular topic. Searches may be requested via phone, fax, email, or in person. Library holdings include medical and nursing textbooks and journals; consumer information; as well as book and journal full-text databases. The Library’s archives provide access to the history of the Sisters of Providence and St. Patrick Hospital, founded in 1843. Archive holdings include documents, artifacts, photographs, and medical instruments. Go to “Our Heritage” at www.saintpatrick.org or call to make an appointment. The Medical Library is a depository for advance directives to be deposited in the Choices Bank. Library hours are Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Please call of check the library’s website for extended hours. |
