<lst>Inova Blood Donor Services is in critical need of all blood types and of blood platelets. With more traffic accidents on busy highways, the only Level 1 trauma center in Northern Virginia, Inova Fairfax Hospital, will be needing more blood. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Each facility has morning and evening hours. Must be 17 or older and weigh 100 pounds or more. Call 1-866-BLOODSAVES or log onto www.inova.org/donateblood to schedule an appointment.
Parkinson's Disease Exercise Class meets weekly every Thursday, except Dec. 25, at 2 p.m., at Greenspring Village, 7400 Spring Village Drive, Town Center Building (classroom), Springfield. The instructor is Monica Phillips. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members and care partners. Fee. For a class schedule and more information, call Michel Margosis at 703-569-2630.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 years old. Mondays, through Jan. 29, 5-6 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room B, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. This is the continuation of an eight-week series utilizing group activities and art therapy through which children can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group is a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and their caregivers. The group will meet on Dec. 17 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. Free.
Children's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, through Jan. 21, 5:15-6:15 p.m. This continuation of an eight-week discussion and activity group for children ages 5-12 helps participants learn about cancer and find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room B, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Mindfulness Meditation. Wednesdays, Dec. 17, 12-1 p.m. Mediation is an activity that aids awareness of the present moment. Learn about and experience the benefits of mindfulness meditation during this three-week series with an oncology counselor. Dress comfortably. Register by Dec. 1. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Breast Cancer Group. Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5:30-7 p.m., this semi-monthly support group for women living with early-stage breast cancer will meet at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meeting. On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7-8:30 p.m., family members can meet and discuss topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer, its treatment and more. No meeting Dec. 24 or 31. At Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques: Strengthening Skills for Well-being. Fridays, Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. This ongoing drop-in workshop incorporates various techniques for relaxation and meditation to promote physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Special topics such as communication skills, anger management, self-esteem building, spiritual exploration and others may be included. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. On Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., meet with other carcinoid cancer patients and their adult loved ones to share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly group meeting. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Individual Reiki Session. On Monday, Dec. 15, schedule an individual session with a certified Reiki practitioner and experience the benefits of this ancient healing practice that involves the placement of hands on the body to direct energy and release tension and discomfort and enhance well-being. Dress comfortably. Registration is limited and necessary by Dec. 12. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Managing Anxiety in Your Life with Cancer. Monday, Dec. 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Oncology wellness counselor Dodi Christiano will help examine triggers and manage anxieties such as those related to appointments, procedures and receiving test results. Register by Dec. 12. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Young Adults with Cancer. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30-9 p.m., meet with others ages "18 to 30-something" to discuss issues such as sexuality, dating, body image, work and health insurance concerns, treatment side effects, fears of recurrence and sustaining a normal lifestyle.
Multiple Myeloma Group. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. To close the year in a mutually nurturing manner, bring to share food for the body (A-L main dish, M-Z desert or salad) and food for thought (an inspirational thought, quote poem, etc.). R.S.V.P. required. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Coping with the Holidays After the Death of a Loved One. Come to this presentation for support, encouragement and tools for this difficult time. The presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 16, offers Christmas support. The group meets 7:30-9 p.m., at Haven of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, 703-941-7000. Presentations are free. For more information visit www.havenofnova.org or e-mail info@havenofnova.org.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7-8:30 p.m., meet with others who have hereditary or secondary lymphedema resulting from surgery, radiation or trauma to the lymphatic system. A certified lymphedema therapist and an oncology counselor will facilitate discussion about physical and emotional concerns. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room A, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lung Cancer Group. On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5:30-7 p.m., join fellow lung cancer patients and family members on the discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Group meets the third Wednesday of each month. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets at 2 p.m., on the third Thursday at the Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. The next meeting is Dec. 18. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. No charge. For more information, call Leon at 202-966-4450.
Gifts for the Season. On Thursday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., artist Maureen Wolford will assist participants in making beaded key chains, scented eye pillows filled with lavender and peppermint, and beaded sun catchers. Register by Dec. 15. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room B, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
GYN Cancer Group. On Wednesday, Dec. 19, 5:30-7 p.m., meet with other women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers to share experiences and learn from one another. Group facilitated by an oncology counselor and a nurse. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Hypnosis for Weight Loss. Dec. 22 and 29, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Eating too much over the holidays? Hypnosis can teach new behavioral techniques to lose weight. Come for a free screening. It’s easy, safe and fun. Register with Hypnosis-Fairfax, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. 703-352-5042.
Social Skills/Therapy Group. In small groups, children who have difficulty in social situations because of ADHD or other challenges learn appropriate social behaviors such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions and making friends. Classes are $55-$65 a session and may be insurance-reimbursable. Sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. To register, call 703-204-9100.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and caregivers, meets Wednesday, Jan. 7. Dr. Don King speaks to the group from 6-7 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. For more information, call 703-425-6660. Sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation.
United Ostomy Association Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter meets Sunday, Jan. 11, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, Conference rooms D-E-F, above Skylight Cafe. Refreshments begin 1:30 p.m.; meeting and program, 2-3:30 p.m. January is UOA/NVC's annual VideoFest. Interesting, informative, humorous, uplifting videos. Possible video features: psychologist Loretta LaRoche; healing power of prayer; ostomy management. No admission fee; parking in Blue garage. For more information, call UOA/NVC at 703-802-3457.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., at the Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. The next meeting is Dec. 10. For more information, call Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800, ext. 3026 or Barbara at 703-913-0890.
Girl’s Group. Middle school girls can meet weekly to discuss school, friends and peer issues. Includes two parent meetings. Classes will be Thursdays, times to be announced, at 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. Call 703-204-9100. $55 per session. May be insurance-reimbursable.
Divorce/Separation Group. Middle school boys and girls meet weekly to discuss issues related to their parents’ separation/divorce. One meeting for parents. Thursdays; time and date to be announced. Sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. To register, call 703-204-9100.
Parkinson's Disease Exercise Class meets weekly at 10 a.m., at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. No charge; patients and family members welcome. For class schedule and more information, call the Senior Center at 703-503-8703.
Coping with the holidays after the death of a loved one. Come to this presentation to be given support, encouragement and tools for this difficult time. Come on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30-9 p.m., for Christmas support, or come to both. The meetings will take place at Haven of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, 703-941-7000. Free. Visit www.havenofnova.org.
La Leche League of Burke meets on the first Saturday of each month, at 9:30 a.m., at Burke Presbyterian Church on Oak Leather Drive off of Burke Center Parkway. The next meeting will be Saturday, Jan. 3. The breastfeeding support group offers help and support to mothers who are currently breastfeeding a child or anyone who plans to breastfeed. Expectant and new mothers are encouraged to attend. The topic will be "Nutrition and Weaning: What Else Do We Feed Them?" but all questions and concerns will be addressed. The meeting is free and babies are welcome. For additional information, contact Leslie at 703-256-2754 or Marisa at 703-323-7301.