The Tobacco Free Program provides peer support and help overcoming nicotine addiction and quitting smoking or using smokeless tobacco. A new series of classes will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays starting Jan. 6 through Feb. 10 at the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association in Steamboat Springs, 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101.

Participation is free. It is recommended participants attend all six classes, but drop-ins also are welcome. To sign up or speak to a Tobacco Cessation Counselor, call 970-871-7338.

Support groups to meet this week

• A bereavement support group meets from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at Rollingstone Respite House. The group is open to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Call 970-871-7628 prior to attending your first meeting.

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• A Christian support group for parents of children have been called home by God is at 6:30 p.m. Monday at 27441 Brandon Circle. For more information, call 970-870-7879.

• A domestic violence support group for women is from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Advocates Building Peaceful Communities. Call Diane at 970-879-2034 before attending.

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• A depression, anxiety and bipolar support group meets from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in Conference Room 2 at Yampa Valley Medical Center, 1024 Central Park Drive. The group provides support, education and tools to help with everyday life. Family and friends are welcome. Call 970-819-6751 for more information.

• The Steamboat Meditation Recovery Group meets Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Buddhist Center of Steamboat Springs, 2250 Copper Frontage Road, No. 202. The group also has a recovery-based yoga beforehand at 4:30 p.m. The group will explore recovery through meditation, book study and all open discussion. Meetings are open to all faiths and addictions. For more information, call 720-670-8642.

• The Heartbeat of Steamboat support group meets Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rollingstone Respite House, 480 Rollingstone Drive. The group is for those who have lost a loved one or friend.

Open enrollment for health insurance is through Feb. 10

Open enrollment sessions for health insurance will be held every Tuesday through Feb. 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Yampa Valley Medical Center.

Drop in for a one-on-one assistance from a certified health coverage guide. Learn more about qualifying for free or low-cost health insurance through Colorado Medicaid for adults, CHP+ for children or reduce-cost plans through Connect for Health.

Schedule an appointment by visiting http://northwestcoloradovisitingnurseassociation2.fullslate.com.

VNA offers low-cost vaccinations

The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus is a serious disease caused by a toxin (poison) made by bacteria that’s commonly found in soil. Tetanus does not spread from person to person. The bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin — usually cuts or puncture wounds.

Tetanus vaccination is recommended for everyone and should be repeated every 10 years. Immunizations including Tdap and other routine recommended vaccinations are covered by insurance.

If you are uninsured, the cost is $21.50 per shot. Call the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association in Craig at 970-824-8233 or in Steamboat Springs at 970-879-1632 to make your appointment.

Baby and Me Tobacco Free Program offered through VNA

The Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association is offering the Baby and Me Tobacco Free Program.

This free program offers four prenatal smoking cessation sessions. Expectant moms who quit smoking and stay smoke free during their pregnancy and after their baby is born will receive a monthly voucher for free diapers, for as many as 12 months.

For more information, call Hope Cook, RN, at 970-871-7622.

Casey’s Pond Senior Living in need of bingo prizes

Donations now are being accepted for jewelry, small stuffed animals or similar items to be used as bingo prizes at the Doak Walker House at Casey’s Pond Senior Living in Steamboat Springs.

Drop them off at the concierge desk or call Celia with questions at 970-457-4883.

Parkinson’s exercise class runs on Fridays

The Parkinson’s exercise class consists of exercises developed by neuroscientist Becky Farley (http://www.pwr4life.org) and Gary Sobol (who has Parkinson’s and is the founder of GZ Sobol’s Parkinson’s Network: http://www.parkinsonsnetwork.org) to specifically address Parkinson’s symptoms (eg., dexterity, rigidity, balance, bradykinesia, voice softness). The class participants warm up their muscles, focus on big, powerful movements and loud voices, and work together as a group to encourage one another, share tips and revel in good humor.

The classes are from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Fridays at the United Methodist Church of Steamboat Springs, Eighth and Oak streets. Use the alley entrance.

The first class is no charge, and after that, it’s $10 for drop in and $80 for a 10-punch card. Care partners are no charge. Contact Jacqueline Teuscher at 303-829-2869 or jacqueline.teuscher@gmail.com or Eva Gibbon at 970-846-9887.

VNA offers birth control, STD screenings

The Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association’s Community Health Center is offering low-cost birth control, STD screenings (for men and women), pap smears, breast exams and general women’s health care based on income. All income levels are welcome. Make an appointment in Steamboat by calling 970-879-1632 or in Craig by calling 970-824-8233.

Planned Parenthood can help with annual exam costs

Planned Parenthood can cover the cost of an annual exam for women who are uninsured or underinsured, according to a news release. Call 970-879-2212 for information or to make an appointment or stop by the health center on 11th Street between Lincoln Avenue and Oak Street.

To submit a health brief, email happenings@SteamboatToday.com.