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
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. Come to a meeting on Tuesday, March 2.
Head's Up! On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5:30-7 p.m., this educational support group for current and former head and neck cancer patients and significant others meets at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage. Register by visiting www.lifewithcancer.org.
GYN Cancer Group. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5:30-7 p.m., women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers are invited to drop in, share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly meeting. Facilitated by an oncology counselor and a nurse. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
"Blood Counts: What They Are and How Doctors Use Them." Living with leukemia? At the February meeting of the leukemia support group, Dr. Richard Binder delivers his presentation "Blood Counts: What They Are and How Doctors Use Them." The presentation is Thursday, Feb. 12, 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, Ext. 231, or e-mail singers@dc-cap-leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Leukemia Group. On Thursday, Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m., Dr. Richard Binder presents "Blood Counts: Learning What Your Blood Counts Mean and How Your Physician Uses Them in Making Treatment Decisions." Co-sponsored with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and MGI PHARMA. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Reston Epilepsy Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and caregivers, meets Friday, Feb. 13, 7-8:30 p.m., at Hunter Mill District Office, North County Government Center, meeting room, 12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston.
Balancing Hormones Naturally. On Monday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., this workshop gives a complete understanding of the cause of symptoms that occur during PMS and menopause as well as their solutions using diet, nutrition, chiropractic, allergy elimination, exercise and stress reduction. Free. To register, call New Life Wellness Center at 703-242-7474 or www.newlifewellness.com.
Dental Care and the Cancer Patient. On Monday, Feb. 16, 7:15-8:45 p.m., Richard Fischer, D.D.S., provides an overview of the possible effects of cancer treatment on existing dentistry and how to maintain good dental health during and after cancer treatment. Registration and specific questions to be asked requested by Feb. 13. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841, or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Young Adults with Cancer. On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 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. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Multiple Myeloma Group. On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., this monthly discussion group for patients and families meets to share experiences, emotions and challenges of living with multiple myeloma. Light lunch served. Co-sponsored with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens. Teenagers 13-18 who have lost a family member to cancer are invited to have dinner and share thoughts and feelings about the loss to help the grief process. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Lung Cancer Group. On Wednesday, Feb. 18, 5:30-7 p.m., join fellow lung cancer patients and family members to discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
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 next meeting is Feb. 18. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes caregivers and family members. For more information, call Angela Robb, 703-277-9666.
Tai Chi Chih! — Intro. On Thursday, Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Barbara Balsamo, newly certified TCC teacher and longtime Qi Gong instructor, presents this class in tai chi, a popular form of exercise in China. Tai Chi Chih! is a Westernized adaptation found to be useful to cancer patients, combining movement and relaxation techniques to enhance well-being, improve balance and energy, and reduce stress. Dress comfortably. Limited space, register early. Session is designed to introduce patients in TCC and gauge interest in a possible Thursday morning series during March or April. Register by Feb. 16. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841, or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Colorectal Cancer Group. On Thursday, Feb. 19, 6:30-8 p.m., meet with others affected by colorectal cancer to address issues and concerns of patients/survivors, caregivers and friends. Facilitated by an oncology nurse and a social worker. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-noon, 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, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Music the Native American Way. On Monday, Feb. 23, 7:15-8:45 p.m., National Institutes of Health music therapist Sheila Egan offers some American Indian (Cherokee) ways to healing, utilizing drumming, toning and more. Explore another path in good company. Registration requested by Feb. 20. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Dodi Christiano facilitates this basic, six-week, experiential series of relaxation and imagery techniques, proven effective in enhancing quality of life, symptom and stress management, and promoting insight. Registration requested by Feb. 20. Classes are on Thursdays — Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 — 6:30-8 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841, or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. On Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7-8:30 p.m., meet with others who have hereditary or secondary lymphedema resulting from surgery, radiation or trauma to the lymphatic system. During the first part of this session, Reiki Jin Kei Do master teacher Gilbert Gallego provides an overview of Reiki and its benefits for cancer patients. Registration requested. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room B. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
"Activating the Mind-Body Connection." On Thursday, Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon, explore ways to enliven the mind-body connection; explore feelings, relax tense muscles, increase breathing capacity and find self-expression to allow healthy physical and emotional growth. Facilitated by Sherry Sutherland, M.S.W., M.A., A.D.T.R., a licensed clinical social worker and registered movement therapist. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841, or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Reiki Jin Kei Do. Reiki has been shown to help in reducing pain and promoting recovery from injury and illness. It can also help maintain a state of inner balance and wellness, and it complements traditional and complementary styles of healing. Reiki Jin Kei Do is the practice of Reiki with compassion, meditation and wisdom, and integrating these aspects into one's life. On Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., holistic heath practitioner and Reiki Jin Kei Do master teacher Gilbert Gallego and teaching assistants teach a day-long session in this healing art. Participants learn about the evolution and principles of Reiki, are introduced to mindfulness meditation and Gathering Stars Qi Gong. Learn and experience the attunement process and self-treatment protocol. Registration necessary by Feb. 25. Overview of Reiki and its benefits for cancer patients will be presented Wednesday, Feb. 25, in conjunction with the lymphedema group meeting at 7 p.m. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Virginia consumers have a new tool to compare the state's Medicare-certified home health agencies. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched the Home Health Quality Initiative in November 2003. As part of the initiative, consumers can access objective quality of care information through www.medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Home Health Compare, as the Web tool is known, allows consumers to see how well the patients of an agency fare compared to other agencies, to the state average and to other states. Consumers can compare the care provided by nearly 7,000 Medicare-certified home health agencies in all 50 states. Nursing Home Compare, which provides quality information on Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes in Virginia and nationwide, continues to be available at www.medicare.gov.
The Virginia Health Quality Center, the Medicare quality improvement organization for Virginia, is providing ongoing quality improvement assistance to the state's nursing homes and home health agencies.
You or someone you're with feels pressure/discomfort in your chest (possibly also in the jaw, shoulders or down the arm), perhaps accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea or a cold sweat. Act fast. Call 9-1-1 immediately! These could be heart attack symptoms and time is crucial to save your heart and your life. The first 60 minutes after experiencing heart attack symptoms are the most crucial because this is when clot-busting medications and other artery-opening procedures are most effective. These drugs can limit the damage to the heart muscle by removing the blockage and restoring blood flow. Studies have found that if a patient receives medication and technical help within 60 minutes of the onset of symptoms, the death rate for heart attack drops to only 1.2 percent. As matters of the heart are celebrated this Valentine's Day, the Virginia Health Quality Center, the Medicare quality improvement organization for Virginia, urges fast action at the first possible warning signs of a heart attack.
Medicare beneficiaries in Virginia can now resolve quality of care complaints against health care providers through an optional mediation program that began in Fall 2003. The new program, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, brings together a provider or physician and a patient or his/her representative for a face-to-face meeting facilitated by an impartial mediator and is an alternative to the traditional medical record review process. It is being offered at no cost to the provider or beneficiary. The types of cases eligible for mediation include cases that do not exhibit significant clinical quality-of-care concerns and communications and perception issues that beneficiaries generally translate into quality-of-care complaints. All mediated discussions and outcomes are confidential and cannot be used in other legal proceedings. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE or check with the Virginia Health Quality Center, the Medicare quality improvement organization,www.vhqc.org.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets on the third Thursday of the month, at 2 p.m., at the Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. No charge. For more information, call Leon 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. Interested participants must call ahead. For schedules and more information, call Leon at 202-966-4450.
The Parkinson's Disease Young Onset Support Group will meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Library lower level meeting room at 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue in McLean. There is no charge. Patients, caregivers and family members are welcome. Call Hilary Blue at 703-821-1393 for more information.
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.
Teens' Educational Support Program. A new eight-week program, for youths 13-18 who have a family member who is a cancer patient, is forming for Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Through discussion and activities, participants can express themselves and understand the changes that come when someone in the family has cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B, Fairfax. Call 703-208-5623 for upcoming schedule.
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. The next meetings of the group are Jan. 7 and 21.
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., with the next meeting on Jan. 15. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, from 7:30-9 p.m. The next meetings of the evening group are Jan. 13 and 27.
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. The next meeting is Jan. 6.
An early mother loss bereavement support group for anyone who lost a mother before age 21 meets the third Tuesday each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org for more information.