Marlborough Hospital presents these free health information classes on several different health topics for fall 2009. All community education classes are held  7 to 8:30 pm in the Leahy Conference Center, Marlborough Hospital, 157 Union Street, Marlborough. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Call 508-486-5805.

Sports Injuries and the Weekend Athlete
Tuesday, October 20, 7 pm
Paul Pongor, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Marlborough Hospital
Katherine Riggert, DO, Family Medicine/Sports Medicine, UMass Memorial Medical Group

It is estimated that sports injuries are now the second leading reason that people visit a physician's office, and that six out of 10 people who start exercising sustain a sports injury within six weeks. Join Paul Pongor, MD, a Harvard-trained orthopedic surgeon, and Katherine Riggert, DO, a family medicine physician with fellowship training in sports medicine, as they explains how best to avoid serious injury in your athletic endeavors and what options to consider when dealing with ongoing pain that is affecting your ability to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Breast Cancer Today - What Every Woman Should Know
Wednesday, October 28, 7 pm
Peter J. Miotto, MD, FACS
General and Breast Surgeon, Marlborough Hospital

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The fear of finding a lump or having a breast cancer diagnosis is a frightening thought for most women. Join Peter Miotto, MD, Marlborough Hospital surgeon for a frank discussion about breast cancer, an overview of the newest findings and a look at options for both diagnosis and treatment.

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Thursday, November 12, 7 pm
Susan Shih, MD,
Rheumatologist, Marlborough Hospital

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints, which causes warmth, redness, and swelling of the joints.  Over time, this can cause damage to the joints which may eventually progress to significant joint deformities.  Although there is no known cure, there are many new treatment options available that can limit the progression of the disease.  Join Susan Shih, MD, rheumatologist, and one of the newest members of the Marlborough Hospital medical staff, as she explains the most recent developments in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and how you can best manage the disease.