Have any health notes to submit to the paper? New class? New or ongoing support group? Blood drive? Fax a brief write-up to 703-917-0991 or e-mail maweber@connectionnewspapers.com
Donate Blood. There is an urgent need for donors with all blood types. Inova Blood Donor Services is open weekdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at its main location at 3289 Woodburn Road in Annandale. To inquire about appointments at a convenient donor center or blood drive, call 1-866-BLOOD SAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit www.inova.org/donateblood.
Other Inova blood donation sites are Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, 703-504-3500; Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria, 703-664-7229; CentreMed, Centreville, 703-322-1970.
Caregiver’s Meeting. On Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, family members can meet and discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer, its treatment, and more at the Inova Fairfax Woman’s Center in the Radiation Oncology Conference Room on 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue Parking Garage. 703-698-2841; www.lifewithcancer.org.
CanSurvive. On Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 12-1:30 p.m. A patient-led, drop-in, lunch-time cancer support group for those dealing with any type of cancer. The Life with Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. For more information, call 301-610-9146 or visit http://can-survive.net.
"Advances in the Treatment of Adult Leukemia." Living with leukemia? At the September meeting of the leukemia support group, Dr. John Feigert will be talking about new treatments for chronic and acute leukemias in a program titled, "Advances in the Treatment of Adult Leukemia." Dr. Feigert's presentation takes place Thursday, Sept. 9, 7-9 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, extension 231 or e-mail singers@dc.cap.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Couples Workshop. On Saturday, Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., a workshop facilitated by an oncology counselor includes discussion, various exercises and support. Open to all couples regardless of how long it has been since the diagnosis. Registration is necessary by Wednesday, Sept. 8. The Life with Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax.
United Ostomy Association. On Sunday, Sept. 12 from 1:30-3:30 p.m., colorectal surgeon Paul Savoca will discuss “Latest Advances in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases,” with questions and answers. For more information, call 703-802-3457. This is in the Inova Fairfax Hospital in Conference Rooms D, E and F located above the Skylight Cafe at 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue Parking Garage.
Spirituality Quest. On Tuesday, Sept. 14, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., there will be a discussion on “The Colorful Autumn of Our Lives” in Room E of the Life with Cancer Family Center. This support/education group meets monthly on the second Tuesday to explore the meaning of spirituality in life. The Life with Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. 703-698-2841; www.lifewithcancer.org.
Look Good, Feel Better. On Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center in Suite 203, Room B., a professional cosmetologist will share skin, hair and cosmetic tips for looking good before, during or after treatment. Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. Register by Sept. 9. A return call will confirm your registration. The Life with Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. 703-698-2841; www.lifewithcancer.org.
Moving On. On Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 25, 3-4 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center in Room 1D, join this exercise series for cancer survivors in treatment or in remission, led by a certified fitness instructor. Registration required for new participants by Friday, Sept. 10, to obtain necessary participation form. No new participants after Sept. 29. The Life with Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. 703-698-2841; www.lifewithcancer.org.
"Seminars for Survivors: Sex Matters!" On Thursday, Sept. 16, from 7:15-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center in Room IE, Sage Bolte, M.S.W., presents a seminar addressing issues related to cancer and sexuality. Registration requested by Monday, Sept. 13. The Life with Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St. (near the corner of Gallows Road and Lee Highway, between Taco Bell and Home Depot). 703-698-2841; www.lifewithcancer.org.
All About Wigs. On Friday, Sept. 17, 1-2:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center in Suite 203, Room B, wig specialist Laura Waites offers in-depth information on what to look for when shopping for a wig, the kinds of questions to ask wig retailers, how to choose a wig and how to care for a wig. Register by Thursday, Sept. 16. The Life with Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St. (near the corner of Gallows Road and Lee Highway between Taco Bell and Home Depot). 703-698-2841; www.lifewithcancer.org.
All the World’s a Stage. On Mondays, Sept. 20-Nov. 15, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Come and explore the drama workshop. Story telling, role-playing and visualization are known to promote a state of well being and personal growth. No acting experience necessary. Facilitators are veteran actors Linda Ray and Joyce Montgomery, M.S.W. This class also includes a field trip to local production of the Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” (matinee performance, $15). Register by Sept. 10. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief Bereavement Group. On Tuesdays, Sept. 28-Nov. 16, 7:15-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center in Suite 203, Room B, this eight-week seminar can help participants understand the grieving process and handle the changes that come after the loss of a loved one. Discussion topics include the process of grief, accepting and expressing one’s emotions, role and life style changes, coping with special dates, dealing with children, family and friends, and community resources. Registration is necessary. Call for a registration form by Monday, Sept. 20. The Life with Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. 703-698-2841; www.lifewithcancer.org.
Coalesce: Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group. Meet weekly in a closed support group setting with other women living with metastatic breast cancer to share life’s joys and sorrows. A breast cancer counselor and a psychiatry fellow facilitate this group. Register before the meeting. Call Sage Bolte, M.S.W., breast cancer counselor, 703-208-5620, for registration, more information, day, time and location.
Walk-in Cholesterol Testing. No physician’s request or appointment needed, and results are mailed directly to a residence. Tests include glucose, cholesterol, lipid profile, PSA, glycohemoglobin and lead. Test costs range from $5 to $15. Check or money order accepted. Inova Patient Service Center, 110 Maple Ave. E., Suite 110, Vienna; Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed 12:30-1 p.m. daily. Call 703-938-4039 for more information. Full-service testing with physician’s prescription also available.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group. 2-3 p.m., on the second Tuesday of each month, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2315 South Grant St., Arlington. Free. Patients and family members welcome. For more information, contact Leon Paparella at 202-966-4450.
Parkinson's Disease Support Groups (exercise, patient discussion and care partners) meet weekday mornings at the Cherrydale Baptist Church, 3910 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) invites persons with PD and their care partners. Call ahead. For schedules and more information, call Leon at 202-966-4450.
The Parkinson's Disease Young Onset Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Library lower level meeting room at 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. in McLean. There is no charge. Patients, caregivers and family members are welcome. Call Hilary Blue at 703-821-1393 for more information.
Parkinson's Disease Caregivers/Carepartners Support Group meets third Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, lower level meeting room, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes caregivers and family members. For more information, call Angela Robb, 703-277-9666.
Neurology Epilepsy Support Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and caregivers, meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 6 - 7 p.m., at Georgetown University Hospital, Lombardi Cancer Center, Floor 2, Podium A - Conference Room, 3800 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., at the Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For more information, call Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800, Ext. 3026, or Barbara at 703-913-0890.
The Parkinson's Foundation offers weekly support groups (previously located at the Providence Recreation Center) for patients and caregivers. They meet every Tuesday at 10 and 11 a.m., at the Lewinsville Senior Center, 1609 Great Falls St., McLean. Call 703-891-0821 if interested in joining or for more information.
Good Grief for Teens. For those 13-18, group activities and art therapy will help teenagers share thoughts and feelings about loss and help with the grief process. On Mondays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Call for upcoming group schedule. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B, Fairfax. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org to register.
TLC: Teens Living with Cancer. Monthly social activities for 13- to 18-year-olds who have cancer give them a chance to meet others with cancer, share a little, have fun. Call 703-208-5623 for details. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, offers several ongoing, free bereavement support groups.
A general bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
A widow/widower bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets the first and third Thursdays of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, from 7:30-9 p.m.
A suicide survivors bereavement support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Groups are facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Support groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and caregiving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit.
In Oakton, the group meets the third Monday of the month from 7:30 p.m. at Sunrise Senior Living (10322 Blake Lane). Call Betty Moore, group leader, at 703-255-2050, before attending for the first time. For a complete listing of Alzheimer’s Association support groups meeting throughout the National Capital Area, call toll-free 1-866-259-0042 or visit www.alz-nca.org. Support groups are subject to change. Contact the support group leader to verify date, time and location.
The Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area is starting a new caregiver support group that will meet on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at The Sylvestery, 1728 Kirby Road in McLean. The Sylvestery is Vinson Hall Retirement Community's new assisted living residence for the care of people with memory impairments. Barbara Adams, M.S.W., will be the support group leader .
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Hyperactivity Disorder) of Northern Virginia. A support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7:15 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Contact Annette Spector, aspector@der-online.com, with questions. The support group schedule is also posted online at www.novachadd.org. For more information about these and other upcoming meetings, call 703-641-5451 or e-mail nova_chadd@hotmail.com.
The Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group meets every Wednesday, 7-8 p.m., at the Falls Church High School Career Center, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail. For additional information, call 703-425-6660.
Life with Cancer Caregivers Meeting. Every Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Meetings for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer and more. Use Blue Garage. Meetings held at Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, radiation oncology conference room, at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. 703-698-2841 for registration and information.
Social Skills/Therapy Groups. In small, age-appropriate groups, children who have difficulty in social situations learn and practice appropriate behavior, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions, and making friends. $55-$65 per session. (May be insurance-reimbursable.) For registration, call the Jewish Social Service Agency at 703-204-9100.
Recovery Inc., a nonprofit support group for depression, bipolar disorder and other nervous diseases, meets every Friday at Boulevard Baptist Church, 7000 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Contact Lee, 703-777-1708.
The American Red Cross is offering Infant and Child CPR at Dunn Loring United Methodist Church, 2501 Gallows Road, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The fee is $40. To enroll, call 703-964-0004 or visit www.redcrossnca.org.
Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent Today. A chance to make a difference in a child’s life. Call Fairfax County’s Foster Care and Adoption Program at 703-324-7639.
Amputee Support Group of Northern Virginia. A support group for amputees, their families and friends. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, 7:30-9 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Physician's Conference Center, Room 1D, first floor, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. There is no cost to participants, and parking is provided free in the garage for cars displaying handicapped placards or license plates. Contact Irvin Axelrod at 703-222-7120 or e-mail asgnva@earthlink.net for more information.
Depression and Manic Depression Support Group. The Sterling/Reston Chapter of DRADA meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month, 7-9 p.m. For location, contact Ginny at 703-966-2510. DRADA stands for Depressive and Related Affective Disorders Association, a nonprofit, self-help group sponsored by Johns Hopkins, which has been in existence for over 20 years.
Shoplifters Anonymous. Group offers a new 12-step meeting program for those who wish to stop compulsive shoplifting. The group meets every Thursday, 7-8 p.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7426 Idylwood Ave. Call Sue at 703-759-0396 or Carol at 703-764-0347 to confirm the meeting date.
Individual Metastatic Breast Cancer Counseling. Call Sage Bolte, M.S.W., breast cancer counselor, at 703-208-5620 for an appointment.
Volunteer Opportunities: Odyssey Healthcare, a hospice provider, is seeking volunteers in the Northern Virginia community to visit and/or assist terminally ill patients and their families during their end-of-life journey. Compassionate individuals with a desire to help one or two hours a week, share with a patient or their family, assist with office support, or help with bereavement care can become an Odyssey volunteer. Training will be provided. Call Karen Baroody at 703-821-9200, or e-mail abaroody@odsyhealth.com.
Individual Nutrition Counseling. Schedule an appointment with Julie Thorsen, registered dietitian for the Cancer Patient Nutrition Support Program at Inova Cancer Center, and learn how to optimize nutrition related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Short-term Counseling Services. A cancer diagnosis often leads to fears about life, and causes disruptions in life. Family members may also experience their own sets of concerns. Short-term counseling can provide an opportunity to discuss challenges and explore ways of coping. For an appointment, call the Life with Cancer office at 703-698-2820.