The Health Education Department at Bakersfield Family Medical Center/Heritage Physician Network is committed to providing a comprehensive education that will impact and improve the quality of life for our patients by offering a variety of related classes and programs.
Click here for the Health Education Calendar
Services Offered
Registered Dietitian
Our registered dietitians are Food and Nutrition Experts that provide an individualized program to meet your needs and to successfully reach your nutrition goals.
Diabetic Testing Supplies
We provide diabetic testing supplies for select senior HMO and commercial HMO health plans.* Pick up or mail out are available. Please call the Health Education department for more details. This service requires an annual referral from your provider.
* Does not include Aetna Senior, Aetna Commercial, Blue Shield Commercial, or Cigna Commercial health plans.
Lifestyle Classes and Services
Advance Health Care Directive
Call the Health Education Department today if you would like to learn more about the document and why it is important to have one. We also have employees that can provide notary services for completing the Advance Health Care Directive.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a self-managed disease. In this 2-part class, you will learn how to manage your diabetes by making healthy food choices, being active, monitoring your glucose, and taking your medication.
Heart Healthy
This class utilizes concepts from the American Heart Association to help you learn how to reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke through eating smart and moving more for weight loss, cholesterol control, blood pressure and blood sugar management, and smoking cessation. This class is taught by a Registered Dietitian.
Life Balance
Learn how to effectively manage your stress for emotional and mental wellbeing. You will learn coping techniques that can be used in everyday life to create healthy habits around stressful situations.
Nutritional Counseling
Meet one-on-one with a Registered Dietitian. Our dietitians are here to help you live a healthy lifestyle by assessing your needs and creating a plan that works for you. Our dietitians will consider your likes/dislikes, schedule, dietary needs, and culture when working with you.
Slip and Fall Prevention
Learn the risk factors and hazards associated with falls, how to prevent falls, and what to do if you suffer from a fall.
Smoking Cessation
Learn how to make a personalized quit plan to help you avoid and manage your triggers to stay smoke free.
Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle “Steps”
This 2-part class that will provide you with the knowledge to make long-lasting and health-promoting changes to your eating and physical activity habits. Topics covered will include food and nutrition to help you maintain your healthiest weight, reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic disease; strategies to incorporate regular physical activity; mindful eating techniques and habit change. This class is taught by a Registered Dietitian.
Fitness Classes
Body Motion
This slow-paced class is for anyone exercising for the first time, recuperating from a procedure or for those with a limited range of motion. This class will help improve your range of motion, balance, and flexibility. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Physician Clearance Required.
Fun 2B Fit
While done mostly seated, this class uses low impact exercises to improve your strength, endurance, range of motion, coordination, and balance. Physician Clearance Required.
Other Services (Authorization Required)
Pre-Bariatric Surgery Program “Pre-Bari”
A six-month program designed to ensure patients are prepared for bariatric surgery by supplying them with the essential tools for weight loss and maintenance, requirements for bariatric surgery, and guidelines for post-bariatric surgery lifestyle. Completion of this program is required for bariatric surgery.
Pre-Joint Surgery Program
Prior to receiving hip or knee replacement surgery, a patient must attend this class. This class discusses surgery, expectations, outcomes, risks, fall precautions, and home support. Call for details. Completion of this program is required for joint replacement surgery. Prior authorization required.