Body and Soul Strength Training Class. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-1:15 p.m. in the McLean Presbyterian Church Multipurpose Room, 1020 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Demonstration classes are March 15 and 17, and the new 10-week session starts March 29 if enough interest is shown. Demonstration classes are free. The 10-week session costs $50 for two classes per week, $27.50 for one class per week. Wear comfortable fitness clothing, bring a set of dumbbells if you have some, elastic resistance training equipment you might have, an exercise mat or large towel and a friend. Body and Soul is a non-profit ministry in Christian fitness that offers a Christ-centered alternative to secular fitness programs. Everyone exercises at their own level, so this class is appropriate for beginners through advanced students, young and older. Contact Dana Elsnick at 703-847-9814 or greatdane@speedymail.org to reserve a spot or voice interest.
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.
Individual Reiki Appointments--Early Afternoon. Schedule an individual session with a certified Reiki practitioner and experience the benefits of this ancient practice involving the placement of hands on different parts of the body to direct energy in order to release tension and discomfort and enhance well-being. Wednesday, March 16 from 12:30-2 p.m. by appointment at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Appointments must be scheduled by Monday, March 14. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Breast Cancer: A Tour of Care: Pre-Op Classes for Lumpectomy and/or Nodal Biopsy. A breast cancer nurse educator will provide information and support for women who have scheduled a lumpectomy and/or nodal biopsy. Wednesday, March 16 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Register by calling 703-776-2820. If your surgery is before the class date, ask to speak with Deborah Cook, RN.
Breast Cancer Group. This semi-monthly support group is for women living with early-stage breast cancer. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Nutrition: Favoring Fiber. This month's demonstration will highlight recipes featuring fiber with Jennifer Keller, RD, dietitian and managing director of The Cancer Project. Wednesday, March 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the Whole Foods Market at 143 E. Maple Ave., Vienna. Please register by Friday, March 11. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Learning About Ports and Catheters. Learn more about how ports work--useful information for those living with chemotherapy. Wednesday, March 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Please register by Monday, March 14. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Expressive Arts: Mandala for the Soul. Mandala is an ancient word meaning "circle." A mandala can be used to depict the pictures and patterns of our soul that guide thoughts and actions. Artist Debbie Gudelsky will facilitate simple exercises to help identify different "compartments" within ourselves, and "soul" materials that foster care and enrich our lives. Three-dimensional collage is the medium. Wednesday, March 16 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Please register by Monday, March 14. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lung Cancer Group. Medical oncologist Ajay Dar, MD, will present an update on lung cancer. Join fellow lung cancer patients, family members and friends. Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens 13-18 Years Old. This monthly dinner offers teens an opportunity to meet others who have lost a loved one to cancer, share thoughts and feelings, and learn about the grief process. Wednesday, March 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Registration is necessary. Call 703-208-5623.
Seminars for Survivors: Coping with Trauma and Medical Illness. Psychiatrist Navid Rashid, M.D., will address coping and the spiritual aspects and themes often heard from those living with cancer. Thursday, March 17 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room 1B. Register by Monday, March 14 at 703-208-5623.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Past participants of our Relaxation and Imagery series are invited to attend this ongoing drop-in workshop that uses various techniques for relaxation, imagery and meditation to promote physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Topics such as communication skills, anger management, self-esteem building, spiritual exploration and others may be incorporated. Friday, March 18 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Register at 703-208-5623.
"Doing the Right Thing: Taking Care of Your Elderly Parents Even If They Didn’t Take Care of You." Friday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Borders Books at Tysons Corner. Roberta Satow, MD, a psychoanalyst and chairperson of the Department of Sociology at Brooklyn College, discusses her compassionate, healing approach to middle-aged caregiving in a strained parent-child relationship.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Meet with other carcinoid cancer patients and their adult loved ones to share experiences and learn from one another. Saturday, March 19 from 10-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Call 703-255-0519.
Expressive Arts: Ukranian Easter Eggs. Learn how to create Ukrainian Easter eggs with Lesia Mandzia. All materials will be provided. Artistic ability is not necessary. Monday, March 21 from 6-9 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Registration necessary by Friday, March 18. Call 703-208-5623.
Super Sibling Support Day. A chance for children who have a brother or sister with cancer to learn about cancer, talk about their concerns and feelings, do medical play, arts and crafts and play games. Monday, March 21 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House. Registration is necessary. Call Jenny Eckert, children's program manager, at 703-208-5623.
A Parkinson's Disease Support Group, newly formed, meets on the fourth Tuesday monthly at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike. The first meeting is March 22. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. They are dedicated to mutual self-help and the enhancement of coping skills for those with Parkinson's Disease. There is no fee. For more information, contact Glenn Lawrence, 703-406-2732.
All About Wigs. Wig specialist Laura Waites provides information on how to shop for a wig and how to care for and style your wig. A variety of "alternative hair" products will be available for demonstration. Wednesday, March 23 from 7-8 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room A. Please register by day before class. Call 703-208-5623.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. 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. Wednesday, March 23 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Call 703-208-5623.
Young Adult Group. Meet with others, ages 18 to 30-something, to discuss issues such as intimacy, dating, body image, work and health insurance concerns, treatment side effects, fears of recurrence and sustaining a normal lifestyle. Thursday, March 24 from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room A. Call 703-208-5623.
Colorectal Cancer Group. Dr. Donald Colvin provides a "Medical Update on Colorectal Cancer." Thursday, March 24 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Register by March 21 at 703-208-5623.
Learning More About Auyurvedic Medicine. Auyurvedic practitioners David Mathis, M.K., and Debbie Mathis, M.A., combine the stringths of western family medicine and eastern Auyurveda. Auyurvedic therapies include diet and daily routine, herbs, massage, yoga and meditation, thus addressing the person as a whole. Monday, March 28 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Register by March 25 at 703-208-5623.
Expressing Yourself through Color: "Spiritbeads." Artist Debbie Gudelsky will explain the symbolism of color as it relates to our lives. We will apply what we learn to design our own 'spiritbead" project. Wednesday, March 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Call Jenny Eckert, children's program manager, at 703-208-5623.
Celiac Disease Lectures and Workshops. April 3 from noon-8:30 p.m. at Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner, 8661 Leesburg Pike. Free and open to the public. At the CSA/USA Regional Conference learn about living and loving every aspect of the gluten-free life. Includes adult and children's programs and workshops. Practical guidelines on preparing for social events and discovering wonderful ways for children to feel special and not set apart. Call 703-471-5047, e-mail mvineyard40@comcast.net or visit www.csaceliacs.org/RegConfChp100.php.
United Ostomy Association, Northern Virginia Chapter's monthly support group meeting is April 3 at Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, in the Physicians' Conference Center. Fellowship and refreshments begin at 1:30 p.m. At 2 p.m., Dr. Dan Albrant, a pharmacist with great experience with ostomates, will discuss prescription and over-the-counter medications, actions, interactions and much more, particularly in regard to the unique requirements of ostomates. There will also be an "Ask the Pharmacist" question-and-answer. No admittance fee. Anyone interested welcome to attend; parking in Blue garage is free with ticket stamped at meeting. Call 703-802-3457 or visit www.novachapteruoa.org.