Child Medications. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights aids parents who question the use of prescribed drugs for their children with mental "disorders" to improve educational performance or overall behavior. Call 1-800-869-2247 or visit www.fightforkids.org.
Burke Internal Medicine, 5631 Burke Center Parkway, offers free health evaluations for individuals ages 55 and over who have no current health coverage. Included in the offer is a free cholesterol screening, blood pressure screening, diabetes screening, personal risk assessment and consultation. To make an appointment, call Dr. Nabil Andrawis or Dr. Nashwa Gabra at 703-250-5171.
Orthopedic Options. Inova Fairfax Hospital hosts a free class on hip and knee pain and joint replacement options. The session is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. Call 703-204-3366 or go to www.inova.org and click on "Health Info and Classes."
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group. Meets the second Wednesday of each Month at 1 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For more information call the Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800, Ext. 3026 or Barbara at 703-913-0890.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. A community lecture takes place Wednesday, March 3, from 6:30-8 p.m., at Fair Oaks Medical Office Building auditorium, 3700 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax. Allen Blosser, M.D. explains Enteryx, a minimally invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis. The event is free. Call 703-204-3366.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy. Group meets every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. Upcoming meetings include March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Guest speakers. Free. For information, call 703-425-6660.
American Cancer Society's 26th annual Daffodil Days Campaign. Annual event allows individuals, businesses, churches and community organizations to place an order for daffodils, known as the flowers of hope, to benefit the research, public education, advocacy and patient services programs of the American Cancer Society. Through mid-March, those who wish to participate in "Daffodil Days" can choose from fresh-cut daffodils, with a suggested donation of $6 per bunch of 10, and potted bulbs, with a suggested donation of $8.50 per pot. Advance orders may be placed through March 5, and daffodils will be offered to the public for a donation at day sites during the week of March 15-21. For more information about "Daffodil Days," call the American Cancer Society at 703-938-5550 or learn more at www.cancer.org.
The United Ostomy Association, Northern Virginia Chapter. A monthly support group at Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, Conference rooms D-E-F. Refreshments and social hour begins at 1:30 p.m., and the program runs from 2-3:30 p.m. The Sunday, March 7 program features Dr. Joshua A. Katz, a colorectal surgeon and professor at George Washington University. No admission fee. Parking in Blue Garage. For information, call UOA at 703-802-3457.
Leukemia & Lymphoma. A telephone support group is offered to blood cancer patients with experts on transplant treatments about the risks, procedures and returning to routines post surgery. Participants chat from the comfort of home. The 4-week program begins Monday, March 8, at 7 p.m. To register for free programs, call the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 703-960-1100 Ext. 231 or e-mail singers@dc-cap-leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Drunk Driving Victim Support Group. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) sponsors groups for injured victims and for relatives and friends of those who have been killed in drunk driving crashes. The next Injured Victim Support Group meeting takes place Tuesday, March 9, at 6 p.m. New participants are always welcome. Free. For more information call 703-978-3025.
Suicide Survivors Support. Haven of Northern Virginia offers a free, six-week program for anyone who has had a loved one die by suicide. Group meets Monday, March 15, from 7:30-9 p.m., at 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale. Space is limited. Reservations are required. Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org.
Smoking Cessation Program. The American Cancer Society offers "Freshstart" for adults on March, 15, 18, 22 and 25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The class takes place at Pender United Methodist Church, 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax. Information and strategies for smokers to quit. Class size limited. Call 703-938-5550 to register.
Women's Health Workshops. The annual "Fit for Life" workshop takes place Sunday, March 21, from 12:30-4:40 p.m., at George Mason University in Fairfax. The afternoon features workshops for both "body and soul" and benefits the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization National Capital Area Affiliate. For more information and registration, call 703-461-9595, or visit www.y-me.org/nca.
Donate Blood. 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, Va.
703-504-3500
Hours: Monday and Wednesday; noon-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
* Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria, Va.
703-664-7229
Hours: Monday-Thursday; 4-7 p.m.
* CentreMed, Centreville, Va.
703-322-1970
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; noon-8 p.m.
Saturday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA). JSSA offers programs for parents and their children at 3018 Javier Road, second floor, Fairfax:
Girl Talk: Middle School Group. Meets on Thursdays, from 5-6 p.m. Program participants will discuss school, family, and peer issues.
Controlling Chaos: Learning to Live with ADHD. Takes place Mondays, through March 29, from 6:30-8 p.m. The program is designed for girls ages 13-15 with ADHD.
How to Make and Keep Friends. Takes place on Tuesdays through March 30, from 5:15-6:05 p.m. The program is designed for boys in grades 3-4 with Asperger's Syndrome/PDD.
The Friendship Group. For boys and girls ages 9-11 who meet Wednesdays, through March 30, from 5:15-6:05 p.m., at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. Call 703-204-9100 to register.
Social Skills/Therapy Groups. Offers small groups where children who encounter difficulty in social situations because of ADHD or other challenges will learn appropriate social behaviors, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions and making friends.
For more information, or to register for any JSSA program, call 703-204-9100.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, offers several ongoing free bereavement support groups:
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. Next meeting is March 17.
Widow/widower Bereavement Support Group. For anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets the first and third Thursday of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday each month, from 7:30-9 p.m. The next meetings are held March 18, from 2-3:30 p.m., and March 23, from 7:30-9 p.m.
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 March 2.
An Early Mother Loss Bereavement Support Group. For anyone who lost a mother before the age of 21 meets the third Tuesday each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org for more information on any of these support groups.
Good Grief Bereavement Group. Tuesdays, through March 9, 7:15-9 p.m., join others who have experienced the death of a loved one within the last two years for this eight-week seminar. 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 emotions; dealing with children, families and friends; role and lifestyle change; coping with special dates; and community resources. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Meet with other carcinoid cancer patients and their adult loved ones to share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly group meeting. Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Call for information at 703-698-2841. Visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. A certified lymphedema therapist and an oncology counselor facilitates discussions about physical and emotional concerns. 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 years old 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. Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 Years Old. 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.
Lung Cancer Group. 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.
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.
Parkinson's Programs. An exercise program for individuals with Parkinson's Disease meets weekday mornings at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. Instructor is Anne Martin. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. No charge. For class schedule and more information, call the Senior Center at 703-503-8703.
A Fairfax support group for individuals with Parkinson's 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.
A 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.
A Springfield Parkinson's group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, at 2 p.m., at Greenspring Village, 7400 Spring Village Drive, Town Center Building, Springfield. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members and care partners. No charge. For more information, call Michel Margosis at 703-569-2630.
"Controlling Chaos: Learning to Live with ADHD." Girls ages 13 to 15 with ADHD can meet Mondays, through March 29, 5-6 p.m., at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. To register, call 703-204-9100.
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.
Young Widowhood Support Group. A support group for persons under the age of 50 who have been widowed two years or less, meets the second and fourth Monday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m., at The Washington Regional Transplant Consortium, 8110 Gatehouse Road, Suite 101, W., Falls Church. It is an open group with an open agenda each meeting. Persons can join any time throughout the year, but it is important to register. Free of charge/free parking. RSVP to Lisa Colaianni or Maureen Balderston at 703-641-0100.
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. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group. Meets the third Monday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m., at Manor Care of Fair Oaks, 12475 Lee Jackson Highway. Facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Support groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and care giving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit. Call Anita Newsome, group leader, at 703- 352-7172 prior to attending for the first time.
Melanoma Meeting. This fall, the Life with Cancer Inova Health System Program will start a meeting for individuals with melanoma. Call to indicate interest or for more information: 703-698-2841. Visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief for Children. Children 5-12 years old meet in age-appropriate groups for activities and art therapy. Children can express feelings to help with the grief process. Group forming. Call Jenny Eckert, MSW, at 703-208-5623.
Good Grief for Teenagers Ages 13-18. Meetings on Mondays to be decided, 7:30-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, room B. Through group activities and art therapy, teens can share thoughts and feelings about their loss to help with the grief process. Call 703-698-2841 for information and upcoming group schedule, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Financial Aid. Program offers people up to $5,500 a year to help pay for chemotherapeutic medication, transportation and blood work associated with cancer treatment to those with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood-related cancers. To get an application for the program, call 703-960-1100, Ext. 231, 1-888-576-6878, or e-mail singers@dc-cap.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
La Leche League. The Fairfax City La Leche group holds regular monthly meetings. The next meeting is March 10, at 10 a.m., at Fairfax Christian Church, 10185 Main St. (east of old Town Fairfax). The topic is "The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties." Pregnant and nursing women as well as their children are welcome to attend. For more information or questions, call the La Leche League leader at 703-280-0986 or 703-255-6808 or e-mail FairfaxCityLLL@yahoo.com.
Burke group meets 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 breastfeeding support group offers help and support to mothers who are currently breastfeeding a child or anyone who plans to breastfeed. Meetings are free and babies are welcome. For additional information, contact Leslie at 703-256-2754 or Marisa at 703-323-7301.
Parent-to-Parent. A support group for parents of young children with special needs, co-sponsored by Jewish Social Service Agency and the Board of Jewish Education, Northern Virginia. Fourth Friday of every month at a location to be announced. $65/individual, $90/couple for entire series, $10/session for drop-ins. 301-255-1944.
New Mom's Group. Meets at Inova Fairfax Hospital Women's Center, 7 South Dayroom, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. New mom and baby topics and concerns, including breast-feeding. Experienced maternal-infant nurse/lactation consultant facilitates the group discussions. Weekly prize drawing. Complimentary parking, baby weight check, refreshments and resource information. Ongoing, Thursdays 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. For the convenience of new moms, no preregistration needed. $5/session. Call 703-204-6455.
Parents of Children with Epilepsy. A support group for parents of children of all ages diagnosed with seizure disorders, meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7-8 p.m., at the Braddock supervisor's office in the meeting room, 9002 Burke Lake Road. For more information, call Dana Douglas at 703-425-6660.
The Caregivers Meeting. Weekly drop-in group for family members and friends of those with cancer to discuss various concerns. Wednesdays, from 7-8:30 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital in the Radiation Oncology Conference Room. Use the blue garage. 703-698-2841 or visit lifewithcancer.org.
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Groups. Facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. For schedules, call 1-866-259-0042.
Burke/Springfield/Fairfax Compassionate Friends Support Group. Friendship and understanding to families grieving the death of a child. The support group meets monthly at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church, 5222 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, at 7:30 p.m. Call 703-425-9504.
Birth Mother’s Support Group. Meets weekly in Northern Virginia. It is for any woman who has ever placed a child in adoption and would like to meet with others who have done the same. The group will be led by a licensed clinical social worker and a national certified counselor. Call Pat Cunningham or Stephanie Hayden at Catholic Charities at 703-425-0100. A modest fee is charged based on income.
Social Skills Group for Children. For those with difficulty in social situations at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, second floor, Fairfax. In small, age-appropriate groups, children can learn and practice appropriate behaviors, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions and making friends. Call 703-204-9100 for dates and times. $55/65 a session, may be insurance-reimbursable.
“You and Your Aging Parents.” Meet at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, second floor, Fairfax, on the second Monday of each month, September–December, from 7-8:30 p.m. Adult children with aging parents meet to discuss communicating about sensitive issues, responsibilities to parents, responsibilities to family and the need for time to yourself. Call 703-204-9100. $15 a session.
Recovery Inc. A nonprofit support group for depression, bipolar disorder and other nervous disease meets every Friday at Boulevard Baptist Church, 7000 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Contact Lee at 703-777-1708.
Chapter 5300 of the AARP. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Greenspring Retirement Community in Springfield in the theater at Village Square at 1 p.m.
Home Safety Survey. An opportunity to spot fire or life safety hazards. The life safety education officer or a City of Fairfax fire inspector will perform a home walk-through to inspect all smoke detectors, review fire escape plans, check to see that all emergency numbers are posted, scan for other safety hazards and make suggestions to remedy any problems. Call Lt. John Henderson at 703-273-8109 to make an appointment.