<lst>Inova Blood Donor Services is in critical need of all blood types and of blood platelets. Donating blood now will ensure that supplies will be plentiful during the summer months, a time when supplies decrease and need increases. 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.
Breast Cancer Group. Wednesdays, June 4 18, 5:30-7 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. A semi-monthly support group for women living with early-stage breast cancer. At the Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Center, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage.
Caregivers meeting. Wednesdays, June 11, 18 and 25, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Meetings for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern, including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer and its treatment. Use the Blue parking garage.
Children's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, June 11 and 18, 5:15-6:15 p.m. Continuation of an eight-week discussion and activity group for children age 5-12. 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, 2832 Juniper St., suite 203, room B. Call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623 to register. Next session runs July 2-Aug. 13.
Teens' Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, June 11 and 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Continuation of an eight-week discussion and activity group for teenagers, 13-18 years old. 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, 2832 Juniper St., suite 203, room B. Call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623 to register. Next session runs July 2-Aug. 13.
Nutrition Classes, on Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26 from 7-8 p.m. Come see how hypnosis can help in losing weight easily and permanently. Informative classes help those who want to lose weight without dieting or pills. $15. Register with Hypnosis - Fairfax, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. 703-352-5042 or e-mail hypnosis11@hmp.net.
The Jewish Social Service Agency will present "Focus in on College," sponsored by Jewish Vocational Services. This workshop will help attendees identify their skills, interests and personality style in order to select an appropriate college plan and career path. Thursdays through June 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at 3018 Javier Road, second floor, Fairfax. Call 703-204-9100 Ext. 27 with questions. Cost is $50 for the series.
Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Fridays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27, and July 11 and 18, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn to take advantage of the mind-body connection by participating in this six-week experiential series of relaxation and imagery techniques proven effective in enhancing quality of life, symptom and stress management and promoting insight. Registration necessary. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
"What Your Mother Never Told You About Surviving Perimenopause, Menopause and Beyond." Workshop offered through Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education on Saturday, June 7, 1-4 p.m., at Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Highway. Patricia H. Gibberman, a clinical social worker; Carol G. Epner, a registered nurse; and Pat Foreman, a certified personal trainer, will lead the presentation. Topics include the physical, cognitive and psychological changes of menopause, as well as help with nutrition and fitness after age 40. The session costs $39.00. To register, call 703-227-2377. For more information, call 703-217-2022.
La Leche League of Burke meets on the first Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Meetings take place at the Burke Presbyterian Church on Oak Leather Drive off of Burke Center Parkway. The next meeting will be Saturday, June 7. 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 "Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby," but all questions and concerns will be addressed. The meeting is free and babies are welcome. For more information, contact Leslie at 703-256-2754 or Marisa at 703-323-7301.
Thyroid Cancer Support Group. Saturday, June 7, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Monthly opportunity for thyroid cancer survivors, family members and friends to share information and support. Co-sponsored by the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association. For more information, call 1-877-588-7904.
Hypnosis Screening. Mondays June 9, 16, 23, 30; and Wednesdays, June 11, 18, 25 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Made a resolution to lose weight or stop smoking? Come to a hypnosis screening and find out if hypnosis can help. Hypnosis video included. Free. Register with Positive Changes, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. 703-352-5042.
Good Grief for Children, 5-12 years old. Mondays, through June 9, 6-7 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Through age-appropriate activities and art therapy, children can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process.
Good Grief for Teens, 13-18 years old. Through June 9, 7:30-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Through age-appropriate activities and art therapy, teens can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Mondays, June 9 and 23, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Practice techniques learned in previous relaxation classes. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Tai Chi Chih. Mondays, June 9 and 16, 5:45-7 p.m. Funsun Dogu will teach the Western version of traditional Eastern exercises, combining gentle movements with relaxation techniques in order to enhance well-being, improve balance and reduce stress. Registration appreciated. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Spirituality Quest. Tuesday, June 10, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. "Listening to Your Spirit in the Silent Spaces," with guest speaker Lyn Billingsley, RN, MPH. Spirituality Quest takes place on the second Tuesday of each month. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
"Urinary Incontinence and the Prostate Cancer Survivor," presentation by B.J. Reid-Czarapata, GRNP, CUNP. Meeting of the prostate cancer support group, an "Us Too" affiliate. Tuesday, June 10, 7:30-9 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Physicians Conference Center Auditorium, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue garage.
La Leche League of Fairfax City hosts its next meeting on Wednesday, June 11. The topic is "The Family and the Breastfed Baby." Pregnant and nursing women as well as their children are welcome to attend. Meeting location is Fairfax Christian Church, 10185 Main St. Free. For more information or questions, call a La Leche League Leader at 703-471-7762 or 703-385-0527.
"The Quiet Problem At Work: Business and Community Solutions for Employed Caregivers." Wednesday, June 11, 9 a.m. -2:15 p.m., at Hunters Crossing Conference Hall at Greenspring, 7430 Spring Village Drive, Springfield. The program is being funded by the AT&T Family Care Development Fund and is sponsored by the National Council on the Aging. The program is free and lunch is provided. Reservations required. R.S.V.P. to Farrell Didio at fdidio@erols.com or 703-242-6635.
GYN Cancer Group. Wednesday, June 11, 5:30-7 p.m. Victoria Wood, MPH, RD, certified nutrition specialist specializing in nutritional issues related to hormonal cancers, will address the group. The group includes women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers. Partners welcome at the meeting. Registration appreciated. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Special Seminars for Caregivers. Wednesday, June 11, 7-8:30 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. "Vital Health Partners" seminar will help caregivers explore ways of caring for themselves while supporting or caring for a loved one who is dealing with cancer. Use the Blue parking garage. Registration appreciated. Call 703-698-2841.
Heads Up! Educational support group for current and former head and neck cancer patients and their significant others. Wednesday, June 11, 5:30-7 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage.
Leukemia Support Group. Inova Fairfax Chaplain Phil Brooks will be talking about the role of spirituality in coping with cancer in a presentation titled "12 Steps to Spirituality." The presentation will take place on June 12, 7:15-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield. To register for this free program, call The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 703-960-1100 Ext. 231, or e-mail singers@dc-ca.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Expressing through Art: Using Watercolors. Thursdays, June 12, 19 and 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Art instructor Barbara Ottke will guide participants in the basics of using watercolor paints. All materials provided. Artistic ability not necessary. Registration required due to limited space and supplies. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., suite 203, room B. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Animal-assisted care program. A course to help pet owners become certified with their pets as an animal-assisted therapy team will take place on June 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pet owners must be available to volunteer for at least four hours per week. Animals must be well-mannered in public and with other animals, including dogs, cats and rabbits. Please do not bring pets to this class. For more information, call Inova Fairfax Hospital Rehabilitation Center at 703-204-6080.
Nutrition 101. Learn to boost nutrition and total health at a free workshop on Tuesday, June 17, at 7 p.m., at the Twinbrooke Chiropractic Family Health Center, Twinbrooke Shopping Center, 9567 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Reserve seats by calling 703-425-0048.
Young Adults with Cancer. Tuesday, June 17, 7:30-9 p.m. Meets others aged 18 to 30-something to discuss issues such as sexuality, dating, body image, work and health insurance concerns, side effects, fears of recurrence and sustaining a normal lifestyle. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., suite 203, room A. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Multiple Myeloma. Tuesday, June 17, 11:45-1:15 p.m. Monthly discussion group for parents and families to share the experiences, emotions and challenges of living with multiple myeloma. Co-sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Children's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, through June 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Discussion and activities for children, 5-12 years old. Participants find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer.
Improving the Chemotherapy Experience. Wednesday, June 18, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mary Ellen McFadden, RN, MA, OCN, a clinical support specialist with Amgen, will tell how the physical and psychological experience of chemotherapy can be improved. Overview of cancer, management of side effects, ideas for communicating with health care teams. Program and lunch provided by Amgen. Registration required by Monday, June 16. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lung Cancer Group. Update on lung cancer and its treatments. Wednesday, June 18, 5:30-7 p.m. Medical oncologist Raymond Cuevo will address patients, family members and friends at a special session of the monthly group. Light refreshments. Registration appreciated. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Teen's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, through June 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Discussion and activities for teens, 13-18 years old. Participants find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer.
ICAN of Northern Virginia (International Cesarean Awareness Network) will meet on the following dates at 7 p.m., at Inova HealthSource, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax: June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. For more information, visit www.icanofnova.org/ or call 703-237-6136.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group will meet on Thursday, June 19, 2 p.m., at Little River Glen, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. No charge; patients and family members welcome. For more information, call 703-891-0821.
Seminars for Survivors. Identification and treatment of depression in cancer. On Thursday, June 19, 7:15-9 p.m., Psychiatrist Alexander Isaac will help patients and family members recognize signs of depression, distinguish it from sadness and grief and learn about various treatment approaches. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.