Screenings. Residents in the Fairfax area can be screened for risks of strokes. Appointments begin at 9 a.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 8922 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Screenings are fast, painless and low cost. A complete vascular package plus osteoporosis screening is $129. Call 1-800-697-9721 for an appointment.
Screenings. Residents in the Burke area can be screened for risks of strokes. Appointments begin on March 10 at 9 a.m. at Burke United Methodist Church on March 10th, 6200 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke. Screenings are fast, painless and low cost. A complete vascular package plus osteoporosis screening is $129. Call 1-800-697-9721 for an appointment.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia needs volunteers to provide emotional support to the bereaved, the seriously ill, the dying and their families and friends. HAVEN will have orientations for prospective volunteers during the month of February and will present a 30-hour training course in March. To register, call 703-941-7000 or e-mail havenofnova@verizon.net.
Burke United Methodist Church will have a community health fair, Saturday, March 11, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the corner of Burke Center Parkway and Burke Lake Road. The Life Line Screenings will take place on Friday as well as Saturday at the Burke United Methodist Church. Although the health fair requires no registration, Life Line Screening requires pre-registration at 800-324-1851. Visit www.burkeumc.org or call 703-250-6100.
Parents of Teens and Adults with Seizure Disorders meets on March 2, April 6, May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10 and Sept. 14, from 7-8:30 p.m., at West Springfield High School, Room 021, 6100 Rolling Road, Springfield. Free. Call 703-425-6660 or visit www.abilitiesnetwork.org.
Free hypnosis screening from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every Tuesday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at Positive Changes Hypnosis, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-352-5042.
Complimentary Nutrition Classes on Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Positive Changes Hypnosis, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call Dr. Coleman at 703-352-5042.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group. Meets the third Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at Pohick Library, 6450 Syndenstricker Road, Burke. Call Barbara at 703-913-0890 or Maxine at 703-451-4558.
The Jewish Social Service Agency sponsors services for older adults in Northern Virginia, including in-home support services such as Meals on Wheels, nonsectarian geriatric care management services and counseling for seniors and their family. Call 703-204-9100. The Jewish Social Service Agency is located at 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax.
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.
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. Call Dana Douglas at 703-425-6660.
The Ostomy Support Group of Northern Virginia, meets on Sunday, March 5, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church in the Physicians' Conference Center. Free. Park in Blue garage. Call 703-802-3457.
CanSurvive. Life with Cancer sponsors a patient-led, drop-in lunchtime general cancer support group for those dealing with any type of cancer on Thursdays at noon, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Call 301-610-9146 or visit www.can-survive.net.
Thyroid Cancer Support Group. Open to thyroid cancer survivors and their adult loved ones to share information and support in this monthly meeting co-sponsored with the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association. Call 1-877-588-7904.
Spirituality Quest. This support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Call 703-698-2841.
Multiple Myeloma Group meets monthly to discuss experiences, emotions and challenges of living with multiple myeloma. The Life With Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St. Call 703-698-2841.
Breast Cancer Group at the Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road. Call 703-698-2841.
The Church of the Nativity offers a general bereavement support group the first and third Thursday of each month from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the church, 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke. Open to adults of all faiths. Call 703-455-2400, ext. 17.
Metastatic Breast Cancer support groups, a closed group setting with other women living with metastatic breast cancer, take place on Thursdays and Fridays. Registration is required. Call Sage Bolte at 703-208-5620.
Birthmothers is an outreach ministry for pregnant women serving Fairfax county. They match pregnant women with a specially trained friend who listens to concerns about being pregnant, the baby's father and the future. The group also connects women with practical assistance like low-cost prenatal care, housing resources, or legal aid. Birthmothers is confidential and free. Call 1-877-77BIRTH.
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. Call 301-255-1944.
The Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group meets each Wednesday, from 7-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. Call 703-425-6660.
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.-noon. For the convenience of new moms, no preregistration needed. $5/session. Call 703-204-6455.
Fairfax County has partnered with Senior Navigator to provide up-to-date health and aging information and resources for seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers in Virginia. Features include online access to nearly 19,000 public and private services in Virginia, hundreds of informative articles on health and aging, and an "Ask the Expert" feature that allows specialists to provide confidential answers to your questions. Visit www.seniornavigator.org.
Achieve Fitness is offering free trial classes for its women-only outdoor fitness boot camps in Fairfax Station. To register, visit www.womensonlyfitness.com or call 1-888-872-7961. E-mail bobf@achieve-fitness.com.
Body and Soul aerobics and strength training classes meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9-10:30 a.m., at Burke Community Church, 9990 Old Keene Mill Road. Body and Soul is a complete cardiovascular and strength workout to contemporary Christian music. Call Suzann Albanese at 703-372-2332.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society sponsors the “First Connection” program, which matches patients newly diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or another blood-related cancer — and their families — with cancer survivors who have lived through a similar illness. For more information on this program, call 703-960-1100, ext. 231.
Food Addicts In Recovery Anonymous is a program for individuals recovering from addictive eating and anorexia based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins at our meetings. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m., at Westwood Baptist Church, 8200 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. Call 1-877-805-2823 for more information and other times and locations.
Sunrise Assisted Living of Fairfax offers a short-term stay program for aging persons. Fees vary depending on the community and personal care needs. Three meals per day are included. Program is designed for a week's stay to several months. Call 703-691-0046. Sunrise of Fairfax is located at 9207 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax.
Individual Nutrition Counseling. Schedule an individual appointment with registered dietitian Julie Thorsen from Inova Fairfax Cancer Center's Cancer Patient Nutrition Support Program and learn how to optimize your nutritional status related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Call 703-289-8787 to schedule an appointment.
Short-term Counseling Services offers an opportunity to discuss the challenges that follow a cancer diagnosis and to explore effective ways of coping. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Life with Cancer office at 703-698-2820.
Brain Tumor Group, first Tuesday of the month at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Adult patients and families are invited to share and learn ways to meet the challenges of living with primary malignant or benign brain tumors. For more information, call 703-698-2841.
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. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.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.
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.
The Women’s Center of Vienna offers a number of classes and workshops designed to help navigate the different aspects of separation and divorce, starting in April and continuing through August at various locations in Vienna, Fairfax and McLean. Some of the program topics include Divorce Through Mediation, Divorce Without Litigation, Dollars and Sense of Divorce, Financial Planning for Separation and Divorce, Helping Your Child Cope With Separation and Divorce, Legal Aspects of Child Support and Understanding Your Right To Marital Assets and others. Visit www.thewomenscenter.org or call 703-281-2657.
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.
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.
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.
The Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area accepts used car donations through its partner cars4charities. Call 1-866-448-3487 or visit www.cars4charities.org. Vehicles are towed away free of charge. Some restrictions apply.
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. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Weight Management. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets Thursdays, at 6:45 p.m., at Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church, 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax. Annual membership is $20. Call 202-622-6042 or visit www.TOPS.org.
DivorceCare is offered as a support group at First Baptist Church of Springfield, 7300 Gary St., Springfield, each Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Parlor. Call the church office at 703-451-1500
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.
Breastfeeding Mom's Group. New Mom and Baby topics, including breastfeeding. Experienced maternal-infant nurse/lactation consultant facilitates group discussions. Weekly prize drawing. Complimentary parking, baby weight check, refreshments and resource information. Groups meet on Thursdays, at 10:30 a.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital Women's Center, 7 South Dayroom, 3300 Gallows Road. Cost is $5 per session. Call 703-776-MILK (6455).
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 at 703-641-0100.
Fairfax Sun and Moon Yoga Studio sponsors "Mindfulness Meditation Class" on Sundays at 7 p.m., at the studio, 9998 Main St., Fairfax. Free. E-mail ErikaKL@aol.com or call 703-864-2807.
Christian yoga classes are offered Thursdays, through March 23, at either 9:30-11 a.m. or 6-7:30 p.m., at St. Stephens' United Methodist Church, 9203 Braddock Road, Burke. Call 703-978-8724, Ext. 106.
The "Kids Living Fit" course and research study runs each Saturday, through April 8, from 11 a.m.-noon, at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital's Medical Office Building, 3700 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax. The program is for children ages 8-12 who are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. Cost is $100 per child. Registration is required, call 703-391-3781.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia sponsors the following bereavement support groups. HAVEN of Northern Virginia is located at 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale. For more information, call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org:
* Widow/Widower Bereavement Support Groups, for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. Meetings take place on the first and third Thursday of the month or on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The next Thursday meeting takes place Feb. 16 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 the month from 7:30-9 p.m.
* Children Bereavement Support Groups, for children needing help understanding and coping with the death of a loved one, meets for six weekly sessions starting Thursday, Feb. 2, from 5-6 p.m., for children ages 6-12. Registration is required.
* Teen Bereavement Support Groups, for teens coping with the death of a loved one, meets from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Feb. 18 for a workshop to learn how to cope with the death of a loved one. In the event of snow, the workshop will be moved to Saturday, Feb. 25.
Mothers & More is a support group for women who have altered their career path to care for their young children at home. The group offers playgroups, children's and family activities, guest speakers, book club, mom's night out, movie night, chat group and more. For more information, call 1-866-716-7766 or visit www.novamoms.org. The group meets at the following:
* The third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., in the Braddock Hall at the Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke.
* The first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Caregiver Support. A support group in Burke will offer support and information to people caring for elderly or disabled adults, whether these loved ones live in their home, nearby residences or miles away. Meetings are free and open to the public. This caregivers support group meets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, 1-2:30 p.m., at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, Burke. Call 703-451-8631 or e-mail jjclement@earthlink.net.