Whole Foods Market Cooking Demonstration Join us for another culinary adventure at Whole Foods with Jennifer Reilly RD, dietitian and managing director of The Cancer Project. This month's demonstration will feature Fueling Up on Low-Fat Foods. Participants will receive copies of recipes and have an opportunity to sample dishes. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Whole Foods Market, 143 East Maple Ave.,Vienna. VACo-sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Seating limited, please register by Monday, Feb. 20 .
Breast Cancer: A Tour of Care - Pre-op Classes for Mastectomy and/or Reconstruction
A Breast Cancer Nurse Educator will provide information and support for women who have scheduled a mastectomy and/or reconstruction. Learn how to prepare for surgery, what to expect during your hospital stay, how to care for yourself after surgery, and see samples of implants, prostheses, drains, and comfortable undergarments. Learn ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis and talk with others that have similar concerns. Choose one session and call 703-776-2820 to register. If your surgery is before class date, call to speak with Deborah Cook, RN. Wednesdays, February 8 or 22, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Vienna., Rm. 1B.
Colorectal Cancer Group: "Ask a Nurse"
This meeting offers an opportunity to get your questions, regarding cancer and its treatments, answered by a seasoned oncology nurse. Discussion will follow. Meet with others affected by colorectal cancer to address issues and concerns of patients/survivors, caregivers and friends. Thursday, Feb. 23, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Vienna., Rm. 1E
The Ostomy Support Group of Northern Virginia, LLC monthly support group meeting is March 5 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, Physicians' Conference Center. Conversation and refreshments begin at 1:30 p.m.; program begins at 2 p.m. Dr. Lawrence Stern of Fairfax Colon and Rectal Surgery, presents the most up-to-date information along with video clips of actual surgery, as he discusses "Laparoscopic Colon Surgery." Free and open to all. Groups are for mutual aid, assistance and information. Call 703-802-3457 or visit www.osgnvllc.org.
Workshop to Teach Sept. 11 Survivors How to Make Career Breakthroughs. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) invites individuals directly affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon to attend this workshop, part of an ongoing series created to assist survivors, their families and first responders. Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at NVFS’ Oakton office, 10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100. Lunch included. Free. Presentation by award-winning career coach Gene Gitelson, a New Jersey-based career consultant and executive coach who has over 25 years of experience. He has worked with surviving family members, survivors, responders, evacuees and others whose careers were impacted by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Following the workshop, participants will be able to receive individual coaching on an “as-needed” basis. Weather date is Saturday, March 4. For information or to register, contact Karen Fischer at 703-219-3920 or kfischer@nvfs.org.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is offering several telephone support groups for people considering transplant treatment. Each session features a different topic. March 8: Ask the Expert. March 15: A Day in the Life of a Transplant Patient. March 22: Life After Transplant. March 29: Follow-up Discussion. Contact the Society for a registration form and get a toll free number to call. Dial in at 7:30 p.m. to be connected to the group. Contact Darcy Richards-Bauer at 703-960-1100, ext. 238 or richardsd@lls.org. Preregistration is required.
Caregivers Meeting. Meetings for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer, its treatment, and more. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use BLUE parking garage.
Breast Cancer: A Tour of Care - Pre-op Classes for Mastectomy and/or Reconstruction A Breast Cancer Nurse Educator will provide information and support for women who have scheduled a mastectomy and/or reconstruction. Learn how to prepare for surgery, what to expect during your hospital stay, how to care for yourself after surgery, and see samples of implants, prostheses, drains, and comfortable undergarments. Learn ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis and talk with others that have similar concerns. Choose one session and call 703-776-2820 to register. If your surgery is before class date, call to speak with Deborah Cook, RN. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Vienna., Rm. 1B.
BMT/Stem Cell Support Group This monthly group meeting is open to past, current, and upcoming Bone Marrow Transplant and /or Stem Cell Transplant patients and caregivers. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. Please register. Thursday, Feb. 23,12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Fairfax-Northern VA Hem-Onc, 8503 Arlington Blvd., No. 320, Fairfax.
Young Adult Group This month's meeting explores the use of relaxation techniques. Meet 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. Facilitated by an oncology counselor and a nurse. Thursday, Feb. 23, 7:30 - 9 p.m., Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Vienna., Suite 203, Rm. A
Healing artist Maureen Wolford will guide students in the use of creative endeavors such as collage, self portrait, clay sculpture and spontaneous art, to explore some of the common emotions and feelings people experience during the cancer journey. Each step in the journey contains a small jewel of knowledge that can be discovered when given the opportunity. Thursday, Feb. 23, Mar. 2, and 9 from 10:30 a.m. - noon. Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Rm. Space limited. Please register by Friday, Feb. 17 for all three sessions.
Colorectal Cancer Group: "Ask a Nurse" This meeting offers an opportunity to get your questions, regarding cancer and its treatments, answered by a seasoned oncology nurse. Discussion will follow. Meet with others affected by colorectal cancer to address issues and concerns of patients/survivors, caregivers and friends. Thursday, Feb. 23, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Vienna., Rm. 1E
Communication Skills for Couples in Difficult Times. A cancer diagnosis has an effect on a couples relationship. Previous communication difficulties may be complicated by the stress which cancer places on individuals and families. Open and clear communication leads to better understanding of sensitive issues, allows individuals to feel supported, and allows couples to work together more effectively. In this workshop, couples will be introduced to effective communication tools and given an opportunity to practice techniques provided. Facilitated by oncology counselor Anne Minor, MSW. Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a. m.-12:30 p. m., Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Rm. 1B Vienna.
Managing Side Effects of Cancer and Its Treatments. For many years Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner Maureen Ross, MSN, MPH, has been helping oncology patients deal with side effects of treatments using both conventional and complementary medicine approaches. She will provide an overview of common concerns and what's been useful to address those, followed by Q & A. Monday, Feb. 27, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Vienna., RM. 1B, Please register by Friday, Feb. 24 and indicate specific questions you would like to be addressed.
"Toxins Make You Fat." Join a free “Cleansing for Health and Fitness Forum” on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m.-noon at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road in Oakton. Toxins and chemicals cause weight gain, premature aging, loss of energy and numerous chronic degenerative illnesses. . Contact Deborah Whitford at 703-319-3384.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Counseling Individual counseling for those, and/or their partners, dealing specifically with metastatic breast cancer, is available. Please call Sage Bolte, LCSW, Breast Cancer Counselor at 703-208-5620 for an appointment.
The Accessibility Summit 2006, presented by Access Ministry, McLean Bible Church, will be held Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 at various locations in Tysons Corner. This 7th annual conference for the disability community brings together persons with disabilities, families and caregivers, churches, government agencies and community organizations. With 25 new sessions, an exhibit hall hosting nearly 100 industry exhibitors and sponsors, and summit keynotes like Joni Eareckson Tada, founder of Joni and Friends; Gene Stallings, former football coaching legend; and this year’s special guest, Gracie Rosenberger. For information or to register, visit www.AccessibilitySummit.org or call 703-770-2938.
A brand-new television program launched on Fairfax County cable channel 10, "Forever Young." The show features issues of interest to active seniors, as well as organizations, activities and resources available to them. Upcoming episodes will feature a segment on the benefits of exercise for seniors, with an interview with McLean resident Doyle Dodge. He is a fitness enthusiast who works out regularly. McLean resident Cliff Crittenden is involved behind the scenes on the new show, providing background photography and editing. Visit www.ForeverYoungTV.org, contact Jim Seeley at 703-655-4205 or e-mail JSeeley@aol.com.
Shoplifters Anonymous Meeting. A 12-step meeting which meets every Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 7628 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-475-9278 or email hpower60@verizon.net.
Seated Motion: A fitness instructor will guide the class through exercises for people while sitting in a chair. Wednesdays at Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Rm 1E. Call 301-610-9146 or visit www.can-survive.net from 2-2:45 p.m. Free.
CanSurvive is a patient-led, drop-in, lunchtime, general cancer support group for those dealing with any type of cancer. From 12-1:30 p.m., Thursdays at Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Rm 1B. Call 301-610-9146 or visit www.can-survive.net. Free.
Family members of those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder meet the first Mondays of every month from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. Call 703-250-1126.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group meets the every Monday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. Call 703-250-1126.
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.
Inova Blood Donor Services has opened a new donor center: Inova Blood Donor Services, 45745 Nokes Blvd., Dulles. Hours are Sunday, noon-4 p.m, Monday, noon-8 p.m, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m and Friday, 6 a.m-4 p.m. Closed Thursday and Saturday. Call 1-866-256-6372.
Drunk Driving Victim Support Group. Mothers Against Drunk Driving sponsors a group for injured victims and for relatives and friends of those who have been killed in drunk driving crashes. New participants are always welcome. Free. Call 703-978-3025 for location and information.
Depressive and Manic Depressive Group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. at Sunrise of Falls Church, 200 N. Washington St., Falls Church. Call Marshall Epstein at 703-641-5460.
Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorders Support Group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, 3302 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Call Loren Booda at 703-524-9474.
Reston Epilepsy Group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the North County Government Center, Hunter Mill District supervisor's office, community room, at 12000 Bowman Towne Drive.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and their caregivers, meets every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church.
Coalesce I: Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group. Meets Fridays in the late morning at Inova Fairfax Women’s Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. Registration is required. Call Sage Bolte, M.S.W., breast cancer counselor, for time, information and to register at 703-208-5620.
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.
Great Falls Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike. The Parkinson Foundation 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. Contact Glenn Lawrence at 703-406-2732.
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, contact Leon Paparella at 202-966-4450.
The Parkinson's Disease Young Onset Support Group meets on the first Wednesday 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 Tuesday 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.
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.
Partners of Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Partners' Meeting. Facilitated by an oncology counselor, partners of women with metastatic breast cancer meet on a monthly basis at the Silver Diner to relate to others who are faced with similar challenges. Call Sage Bolte, MSW, breast cancer counselor, 703-208-5620, for information, including day, time and location.
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 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org to register.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 Years Old. Continuation of an eight-week group with age-appropriate activities, discussion and art therapy to help children share their thoughts and feelings and to help with the grief process. Mondays through June 6 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B, Fairfax. Registration is necessary. Call 703-776-2841.
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 703-776-2841 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. A six-week suicide survivors bereavement support group begins Monday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and is open, free of charge, to anyone who has had a loved one die by suicide. Reservations required. Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org.
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.