Baystate Health Loyalty Programs to Hold Two Free Events in April

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health’s Loyalty Programs will offer two free events in April: “When Your Kiddo Says, ‘My Tummy Hurts’: Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children,” a virtual lecture on Tuesday, April 9 from 6 to 7 p.m., and “The Balancing Act” on Wednesday, April 10 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., in person at the Baystate Health Education Center on 361 Whitney Ave. in Holyoke (second building entrance).

Both events are open to the general public. Registration is required for each session at baystatehealth.org/events.

Some children with tummy hurts have symptoms that alternate between diarrhea and constipation. Dr. Timothy Menz, pediatric gastroenterologist at Baystate Gastroenterology & Nutrition, will offer a virtual discussion on April 9 about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including how overall diet affects IBS, as well as diagnosis and treatment options.

On April 10, participants can join neurophysical therapists and occupational therapists from Baystate Rehabilitation Care, including Jaines Andrades, a nurse practitioner from Baystate Trauma Services, and Diana Chung-Edwards, injury prevention nurse coordinator, Trauma, for an interactive event on fall prevention.

Each attendee will receive discussion about individual risk factors with a physical therapist, instructions for specific exercises to improve balance, information about environmental safety and equipment with an occupational therapist that may help prevent falls, a fall-prevention checklist and prevention strategies, and information about the types of fall injuries. Wearing comfortable clothing is recommended. Space is limited.