The University of Chicago Medicine offers classes, events and support groups, both on- and off-campus and virtually, to help you lead a healthy, happy life. In addition, our Office of Community Affairs provides programs across the Chicagoland area. Although most of our classes are free and open to non-patients, some have a nominal fee. Registration is often required. Details for each class are below.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many of our group and class schedules. Please use the contact information listed within specific group/class details below to learn more.Classes & Events for Children
Annually, KidFest provides hundreds of children and adults with food, activities and entertainment while also providing children with access to school physicals and dental exams.
The Future: Type 1 Diabetes Youth and Parent Group offers a supportive, interactive environment for any youth with Type 1 diabetes, as well as parents and caregivers.
This group meets quarterly. Membership is free. Registration is required.
Health & Wellness
The first step in our Bariatric Surgery Program (surgical weight loss program) is to attend either an online webinar or in-person information session. Both options are free, but registration is required.
To watch the webinar or register for an information session, call 1-888-824-0200.
In-Person Information Sessions
When: First and fourth Monday of every month, 4 to 6 p.m. and the second Tuesday of every month from 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Center for Care and Discovery
5700 S. Maryland Ave., Room 7750
Basic Life Support course is intended for Health Care Providers. Self Study American Heart Association Course (No Instructor). Call for more information and to schedule your class.
Price: $65.00
Contact Information
708-915-5540
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, West 7
One Ingalls Drive
Harvey, IL. 60426
The Community Fitness Program at the Museum of Science and Industry boasts 60 to 80 members who regularly walk and do aerobic exercise inside the museum’s confines. The program takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
In existence more than 21 years, this free program is designed to encourage healthy fitness habits and to help seniors integrate a regular exercise program into their health routines.
Registration is required.
Our program focuses on the steps a patient needs to take to become an active participant in re-establishing and maintaining their nutritional health.
Our team of registered nurses, dietitians, therapists, social workers and home health aides work together to provide an individualized nutritional and exercise plan that includes:
- Monitoring caloric intake and ensuring enough of the right calories are consumed on a daily basis
- Providing nutritional screenings and education about following a balanced eating plan
- Providing instructions related to medications, nutrition and exercise
- Facilitating follow-up with doctor visits
- Ensuring professional support to patients and caregivers
- Therapy and counseling services
If you suspect a loved one may be suffering from malnutrition –especially following surgery, hospitalization or illness –the Restorative Eating Program can help restore proper nutrition and good health to the people you care about.
For more information about the Home Care Restorative Eating Program, call 708-331-0226.
What can you do to keep your kidneys healthy?
Learn more about kidney disease and what you can do to keep your kidneys strong and healthy for as long as possible. Pre-registration is required. Please call 773-702-6134 to register or for additional information.
When: Third Tuesday of every month from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine
5758 S. Maryland Ave., Room 1005
Helping You Choose the Best Treatment
Learn about normal kidney function, decreased kidney function (kidney disease), and the pros and cons of different therapies used to treat advanced kidney disease. Pre-registration is required. Please call 773-702-6134 to reserve your spot or for more information.
When: First Tuesday of every month from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine
5758 S. Maryland Ave., Room 1005
More than one in five people in the US who have diabetes don't know they have it
Diabetes is a health condition that can affect anyone, but it disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. This annual event is an opportunity to educate the Chicagoland community about the risks associated with diabetes and pre-diabetes.
The event includes a keynote speaker, panel discussion and resource fair, where attendees can connect directly with healthcare professionals and diabetes researchers to learn more.
Our highly trained lymphedema therapists use a variety of therapeutic techniques, including manual lymphatic drainage, multi-layered compression bandages, remedial exercises, and compression garment selection, application and proper fitting. For your convenience, lymphedema treatment is available at several Ingalls locations. Please call for more information and to schedule an appointment; this is an ongoing program. A physician referral is required.
Price: Based on needs & schedule.
Contact Information
Call for more information or to schedule an appointment at 708-915-8413
Lymphedema Coordinator
Call for a location near you
Do you need a speaker for your event or organization? A UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial dietetic intern (under the supervision of a registered dietitian) can present an interactive, informative session on a variety of food and nutrition topics personalized for your group or organization.
For more information about Nutrition to Go, call 708-915-5723.
The Family Birth Center offers a range of virtual prenatal and family classes. Our specialists will help you learn to prepare for childbirth and take care of your newborn. We also offer classes for family members, including partners and grandparents.
Read more about our Family Birth Center prenatal classes, what we offer, and what you can expect.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of exercise, education, and support to help you learn to breathe and function at the highest level possible. Through Ingalls' Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, you'll work with a team of specialists who'll help you improve your physical condition through exercise training, nutritional counseling, education on how to manage your lung condition, energy-conserving techniques and breathing strategies. Pulmonary rehabilitation is helpful for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and more.
Price: Call for more information and to set an appointment.
Contact Information
708-915-5590
UChicago Medicine-Ingalls Professional Office Building
71 W. 156th Street
Suite 103
Harvey, IL. 60426
Missed a Show?
Explore our archives on SoundCloud.com. Lorem IpsumThe Community Health Focus Hour is UChicago Medicine's weekly talk radio show exploring community health topics. Each week, one of our hosts facilitates an interactive conversation with featured guests. Listeners are encouraged to call in and contribute to the conversation.
Tune in to WVON 1690 AM at 1 p.m. on Saturdays to join in the Community Health Focus Hour discussion.
Support Groups
Helping Families & Caregivers Cope with Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia
When: First Thursday of every month from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: The University of Chicago Medicine's Outpatient Senior Health Center at South Shore
7101 S. Exchange Ave.
Held In conjunction with Alzheimer's Association – Greater Illinois Chapter
Call us for more information: 773-702-4269
The amputee support group is for individuals with leg limb loss and their family members, caregiver and friends.
The purpose of amputee support group is to:
- Provide a safe and supportive environment for those affected by leg limb loss
- Motivate and empower individuals to achieve a fulfilling life
- Educate individuals on various topics related to living with leg amputation
Location
Goldblatt Pavilion Conference Room H103
Enter through 860 E. 59th St. Chicago, IL 60637
First meeting:
Thursday, June 11, 2020
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Guest speaker: Trissa A. Babrowski, MD, Vascular Surgeon
Future Meeting Dates:
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Contact Information:
For more information please contact Cecilia at 773-702-6128 or Cecilia.Ramirez@uchospitals.edu
Light snacks will be provided
No fee to participate
This has been canceled until further notice. Please check back for more information.
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder resulting from damage to the language centers and pathways of the brain. It can limit listening comprehension, a person’s ability to recall words and produce sentences, and hinder reading and writing. People with aphasia know what they want to say, but cannot find the words to express it.
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Aphasia Conversation Group provides a comfortable and supportive environment for persons with aphasia to socialize and practice communication skills, converse with others who are dealing with aphasia, gain confidence and improve overall quality of life. The group is facilitated by a speech pathologist at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial.
Meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Price: Free
Contact Information
708-915-4232
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, North Building, 1st Floor
One Ingalls Drive
Harvey, IL 60426
In this free, weekly support group, we welcome moms to return after delivery for expert guidance on personal breastfeeding challenges and successes. Registration not required.
Breast Cancer Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for encouragement and comfort for breast cancer patients.
Price: Free
Location
UChicago Medicine at Ingalls- Tinley Park
6701 West 159th Street
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Contact Information:
Diane Ross: 708-738-0956
Please call to RSVP
To give strength, guidance and support to anyone living with a cancer diagnosis.
Free Services: The center provides an array of classes, support groups and other networking opportunities, whether you are a patient or a caregiver.
Contact Information:
708-798-9171
Cancer Support Center
2028 Elm Road
Homewood, IL 60430
Meet us at our Grief and Loss Therapeutic Support Group.
Date/Time
Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Contact information
Call to schedule an assessment: 708-915-7500
Location
Ingalls Memorial Hospital
Tinley Park Family Care Center
6701 West 159
159th Street, Suite 2
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Price: Free
Contact Information
Call for more information 708-915-4675
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, North Building, 2nd Floor
One Ingalls Drive
Harvey, IL
Helping Patients & Families Cope with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
UChicago Medicine hosts a monthly support group for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and their families. We also offer educational events throughout the year.
For more information: Call us at 773-702-6140.
Living through Schizophrenia is weekly support group for patients diagnosed with Scizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder an their families. This group is designed to provide emotional, educational and social support to help patients and families navigate through life while managing their mental health.
Day/Time:
Tuesdays from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Contact Information
Call for more information 708-915-5050
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Outpatient Behavioral Health
40 W. 156th St.
Harvey, IL
Join Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP) Staff, Child Life Specialist and Providers.
This information session will provide an overview of MHFP Services, an opportunity to talk in person with providers and a chance to connect with families. Food will be provided.
MHFP Information Session – In Person
Date/Time
These support groups will be offered on a quarterly basis.
Location
Gordon Center for Integrative
Science
929 E. 57th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
MHFP Resources
- Support Groups
- Financial Assistance
- Education Advocacy
- Resources on Transitioning to Adulthood
- Employment Advice
- Access to State and Federal Programs
- Adaptive Sports
- Programming
- IEP and 504 Assistance
Never Forgotten is a free support group for parents and loved ones who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. Registration is required.
The Future: Type 1 Diabetes Youth and Parent Group offers a supportive, interactive environment for any youth with Type 1 diabetes, as well as parents and caregivers.
This group meets quarterly. Membership is free. Registration is required.
Tours
Our free virtual tour offers a preview of the Family Birth Center - Hyde Park and our Mother and Baby Care (postpartum) suites.
To help protect our patients, staff and community during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the Family Birth Center is currently offering virtual tours only. We look forward to offering live in-person tours again when it's safe according to public health guidelines.
Why Choose UChicago Medicine
We are advancing the forefront of health every day by bringing research to reality and advanced care closer to our patients. Welcome to the forefront.
