SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — Spectrum Health Lakeland will be offering several wellness events next month.

• Bones in Balance classes to help individuals with osteoporosis

ST. JOSEPH — Lakeland Orthopedic Physical Therapy is now enrolling participants for Bones in Balance, a four-week program designed to teach those diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia how to successfully live with these conditions through self-management. Bones in Balance incorporates education and exercise and is led by specially trained physical therapists. The program includes valuable self-management tips from a pharmacist, registered dietitian, and nurse educator.

Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a four-week period at the Center for Outpatient Services, located at 3900 Hollywood Road in St. Joseph. Registration is now open for the next set of classes which will run from July 9 to Aug. 1 and be hosted at 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects over 44 million Americans, and although both men and women can develop the disease, over 80 percent of sufferers are women over the age of 45, said Lakeland officials. Osteoporosis is commonly referred to as “the silent disease,” because bone loss occurs without any visible symptoms at first. Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until their bones are so weak that the smallest strain or fall causes a bone to fracture.

A physician’s order is required to participate. There is a $25 registration fee to cover the cost of materials; the remaining amount is billable to your insurance. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-7150.

• Lakeland offering class on learning to live with heart failure

NILES — Spectrum Health Lakeland will offer “Living Well with Heart Failure,” a free class for community members about congestive heart failure, a chronic condition characterized by the heart’s inability to meet the blood flow needs of the body. The program will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, in the Buchanan Area Health Resource Library at Lakeland Hospital Niles, located at 31 N. St. Joseph Ave.

Participants will learn to identify common causes and symptoms of heart failure, as well as new daily routines that can improve one’s quality of life, said organizers.

Preregistration for the class is required. Call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

• Lakeland offering free wellness event in Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR — Community members are invited to attend an upcoming Neighborhood Centered Health Home event from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at Elite Barbershop, located at 1301 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered during the event. A clinical educator will be on-site for personal health coaching sessions. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to meet with a Lakeland resident physician and participate in discussion about key medical topics. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, call (269) 556-2808.

• Free pre-diabetes class to be offered in Niles

NILES — Spectrum Health Lakeland is offering a free program designed to help anyone with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels learn about lifestyle changes which may help them avoid or delay the onset of diabetes. The class will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, July 11, in the Buchanan Health Resource Library at Lakeland Hospital Niles, located at 31 N. St. Joseph Ave.

During the first hour of the program, a registered nurse will guide attendees through the disease process of diabetes and introduce healthy lifestyle changes. The final hour will be spent with a registered dietitian who will suggest meal selections that can help you maintain health and manage weight.

This program does not require a physician referral. Pre-registration for this free class is required, and class size is limited. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-2868.

• Bariatric surgeons to discuss weight loss options

ST. JOSEPH — The Lakeland Weight Loss Center is offering a series of free seminars titled, “Lose Weight…Find Health.”

The first seminar will take place on Wednesday, July 10, in the community room at Caring Circle, located at 4025 Health Park Lane in St. Joseph. A second seminar will be hosted on Wednesday, July 17 in the community conference room at Lakeland Medical Suites, located at 41 N. St. Joseph Ave., Niles. Both seminars will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Bariatric surgeons Michael Schuhknecht, DO, and Seth Miller, MD, will discuss programs available for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight for years to come. The Lakeland Weight Loss Center specializes in working with each person to create a customized lifestyle plan through bariatric surgery, diet and nutrition counseling and monthly support groups.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 190 million adults in the U.S. are overweight and obese. Individuals more than 40 percent overweight are twice as likely to die prematurely as someone of average weight.

“However, the good news is that losing as little as five to 15 percent of your initial body weight can reduce your risk of diabetes and other illnesses and can even eliminate your need for some medications,” said Jessica Springer, a Lakeland representative.

For more information or to register for the seminar, visit lakelandweightlosscenter.com/events  or call (269) 927-5361.