Health notes are for support groups, exercise classes, blood drives and similar events open to the public at no or minimal cost. Send information to the Connection, by e-mail to vienna@connectionnewspapers.com, by mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean VA 22102, or by fax to 703-917-0991. Call 703-917-6449 with questions.
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m., Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St., NE, Vienna. A group for anyone with multiple sclerosis and/or their friends and family. Sponsored by the National Capital Chapter of the MS Society. The group meets the second Wednesday of every month. Call 703-768-4841.
A free t’ai chi beginners practice is held every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic School Gymnasium, 7005 Georgetown Pike, McLean through March 31, 2007. Free and open to all, including those who are brand-new beginners. Any comfortable, casual clothing and footwear are fine. For more information and directions, visit www.TaiChiCenter.com or call Warren at 703-759-9141.
Haven of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, Virginia, offers several ongoing free bereavement support groups. For information, call 703-941-7000, visit www.havenofnova.org or e-mail havenofnova@verizon.net.
One-on-One Support: A volunteer will meet with a person grieving the death of a loved one, as needed, to provide individual support. Volunteers will be carefully selected to match individual needs.
Widow/Widower Bereavement Support Groups for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One support group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. The other support group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
A suicide loss bereavement group provides education and support to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Northern Virginia Stuttering Support Group, a support group for people who stutter meets the third Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. For more information contact Matt Zenkowich at 703-319-8382 or e-mail virginia.nsa@earthlink.net.
Good Grief Bereavement Group. For anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one from cancer within the last year, this eight-week seminar can help with the grieving process and handle the changes that come after the loss. Discussion topics include: the process of grief; accepting and expressing one’s emotions; dealing with children, family and friends; role and lifestyle changes; coping with special dates; and community resources. Call 703-776-8798.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Counseling. Individual counseling for those and/or their partners, dealing specifically with metastatic breast cancer, is available. Call Sage Bolte, LCSW, breast cancer counselor at 703-208-5620 for an appointment.
Multiple sclerosis support group. For anyone with multiple sclerosis and/or their friends and family. 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St., N.E. Sponsored by the National Capital Chapter of the MS Society. Call 703-768-4841.
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 e-mail 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., room 1E. Call 301-610-9146 or visit www.can-survive.net from 2-2:45 p.m. Free.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s First Connection program brings patients recently diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood cancer and their caregivers the opportunity to share experiences with someone who has “been through it.” The new patient or caregiver can get insight from someone who also has experienced a blood cancer. With a national database of volunteers, patients with unusual diagnoses are matched by those closest to them in age, diagnosis, gender and treatment protocol.
Peers are trained in basic counseling skills and have access to local resource materials so that patients and their caregivers need not feel isolated as they begin the process of treatment. Anyone with a blood cancer is eligible to receive a call. There is no charge for this program. To request a call, contact Sarah Singer at 703-960-1100, ext. 231 or singers@lls.org.
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.
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.
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 nutritional status related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Call 703-776-8787.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a national non-profit group whose members help each other understand the pressures to eat and the ways to resist. Call 703-273-3741 or 703-532-3213.
Support meetings for parents of children with AD/HD are held every first Wednesday of the month at 7:15 p.m. at the offices of Annette Spector, 6845 Elm St., Ste. 710, McLean. E-mail Aspector@DER-online.com, call 703-641-5451 or visit www.novachadd.org. Free.
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. Call 703-960-1100, ext. 231.
The Epilepsy Foundation sponsors support groups and classes for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders, caregivers and parents of children of all ages with seizure disorders. All groups are free of charge. Call Dana at 703-425-6660 or visit www.abilitiesnetwork.org.
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 parking garage. Meetings held at Inova Fairfax Woman’s Center, radiation oncology conference room, at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. Call 703-698-2841 for registration and information.
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. Call Lee at 703-777-1708.
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 free in the garage for cars displaying handicapped placards or license plates. Call Irvin Axelrod at 703-222-7120 or e-mail asgnva@earthlink.net.
Sunrise Assisted Living of Oakton 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 Oakton is located at 10322 Blake Lane, Oakton.
Balance and Beyond. Persons with Parkinson’s Disease who can walk unassisted are invited to join a balance class that meets weekly on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. S.E. The classes are sanctioned by the Parkinson Foundation for the National Capital Area (PFNCA) and are led by a certified instructor of the American Senior Fitness Association. Call Cheryl Bartholomew at 703-281-1560. To register, call 703-255-6360 and specify the “Balance and Beyond” class.
Body and Soul Cardio and Strength Training classes take place at the following locations this fall:
v Active for Life/Low Impact. Fridays, from 9:15-10:30 a.m., at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna. For more, call Lynn Mosteller at 703-698-8624.
v Active for Life/Low Impact. Mondays, from 9:15-10:30 a.m. at Epiphany United Methodist Church, 1014 Country Club Drive N.E., Vienna. Call Lynn Mosteller at 703-698-8624.
v Body and Soul. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:45-11 a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2381 Cedar Lane, Vienna. Call Lynne Brents at 703-242-8826.
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.
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. Call Glenn Lawrence at 703-406-2732.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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 Blood Services Region is seeking volunteers to assist its blood collections staff at blood operation sites in and around Washington, D.C. Red Cross volunteers assist with providing a high level of customer service to donors during shifts of approximately five hours. A commitment of two blood drives per month is requested. This position is offered to people who are at least 14 years old, have transportation, and weekday, daytime availability. Specific responsibilities include greeting donors and providing them with essential reading materials, serving refreshments, and observing donors for post-donation reactions to giving blood. Training is provided. Call 1-800-272-0094x1, or E-mail karlofft@usa.redcross.org.
Trinity United Methodist in McLean hosts Grief Recovery Support Group to find out about weekly GriefShare seminar/support group for adults to be held Monday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m., through Dec. 4 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., in McLean. The non-denominational curriculum includes a Bible-based video series and support group discussion. $12 covers the cost of a workbook. Scholarships and childcare available. Call 703-356-3312 or visit www.umtrinity.org
Free Hypnosis Screenings offered at Positive Changes Hypnosis, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Tuesday through Thursdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to noon (with appointment). Call 703-352-5042.
Complimentary Nutrition Class offered at Positive Changes Hypnosis, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.. Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m. Lectures on specific health topics to be announced. Call Dr. Coleman at 703-352-5042.
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.
The NoVA Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) Support Group meets on third Saturday of the month meeting, in the Large Conference Room of Mason Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale. No registration required; no fee. For more information, contact Elly Brosius at 703-968-9818 or CFSupport-owner@yahoogroups.com. Visit www.geocities.com/cfsnova.
Parkinson’s Disease Carepartners Support Group meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month, at Dolley Madison Library, lower level meeting room, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes carepartners and family members. Call Angela Robb at 703-277-9666.
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, call 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.
Volunteer Opportunities: Odyssey Healthcare, a hospice provider, is seeking volunteers in the Northern Virginia community to visit and/or assist terminally ill patients and their families during their end-of-life journey. Compassionate individuals with a desire to help one or two hours a week, share with a patient or their family, assist with office support, or help with bereavement care can become an Odyssey volunteer. Training will be provided. Call Karen Baroody at 703-821-9200, or e-mail abaroody@odsyhealth.com.
Short-Term Counseling Services. A cancer diagnosis often leads to fears about life and causes disruptions in life. Family members may also experience their own sets of concerns. Short-term counseling can provide an opportunity to discuss challenges and explore ways of coping. For an appointment, call the Life with Cancer office at 703-776-2841.
Vienna Weight Watchers. Meetings at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., S.E., Vienna are every Tuesday from noon-1:15 p.m. Cost is $150 for 12 weekly luncheon sessions, payable in advance. To register call 703-255-6350.
Shoplifters Anonymous. Group offers a new 12-step meeting program for those who wish to stop compulsive shoplifting. The group meets every Thursday, 7-8 p.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7426 Idylwood Road. Call Sue at 703-759-0396 or Carol at 703-764-0347 to confirm the meeting date.
The Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area accepts used car donations through its partner cars4charities. To participate, call 1-866-448-3487 or visit www.cars4charities.org. Vehicles are towed away free of charge. Some restrictions apply.
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. Cost is $55-$65 per session. (May be insurance-reimbursable.) For registration, call the Jewish Social Service Agency at 703-204-9100.
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, PRS, Inc, is a private non-profit organization that provides a full range of rehabilitation services for persons in Northern Virginia suffering with mental illness. PRS offers day programs, employment services, and residential programs. Hope and Recovery Tours are offered on a regular basis to those interested in learning more about mental illness and services available in Fairfax County. For information on attending a tour, call 703-531-6303 or visit www.prsinc.org.
Multiple Sclerosis. Held at 7 p.m. at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street. A group for anyone with multiple sclerosis and/or their friends and family. Sponsored by the National Capital Chapter of the MS Society. The group meets the second Wednesday of every month. Call 703-768-4841.
Heart and Sole. Persons with Parkinson’s Disease are invited to join an exercise class that meets weekly on Fridays or Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. S.E., Vienna. The classes are sanctioned by the Parkinson Foundation for the National Capital Area (PFNCA) and are led by a certified instructor of the American Senior Fitness Association. Care partners and family members are welcome to come and assist the PD patient. For session dates, fees and information, call Cheryl Bartholomew at 703-281-1560. To register, call 703-255-6360 and specify the “Heart and Sole” class.