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 Great Falls Connection, by e-mail to mclean@connectionnewspapers.com, by mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean VA 22102, or by fax to 703-917-0991.
Peer support group for survivors of clergy abuse and others affected by the abuse, meets the last Wednesday of every month. The next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., in the downstairs meeting room at the Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Road, McLean. Contact Ellen Radday at 703-538-6128.
Life Line Screening will be at the Dining Hall at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, 1960-A Chain Bridge Road, McLean, on Friday, Oct. 27. Appointments begin at 9 a.m.
A stroke, also known as a “brain attack”, is ranked as the third leading killer in the world, and the second among women. Through preventive screenings, the risk of having a stroke can be greatly reduced.
Screenings involve the use of ultrasound technology, and scan for potential health problems related to blocked arteries which can lead to a stroke, aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta, and hardening of the arteries in the legs, which are a strong predictor of heart disease. Also offered for men and women, is a bone density screening to assess their risk for osteoporosis.
Each screening requires 10 minutes or less to complete. A complete vascular screening package, including the Stroke/Carotid Artery, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Ankle Brachial Index (hardening of the arteries) screenings is $109. A complete vascular package, including the osteoporosis screening, is $129.
For more information regarding the screenings or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-697-9721. Pre-registration is required.
Tenth annual Vienna Health Fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Vienna Adventist Academy Gymnasium, 340 Courthouse Road, Vienna. Flu shots, cholesterol and glucose screenings, spinal evaluations, consultations, exhibits and referrals. Call 703-938-8383.
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 from Nov. 4 through March 31, 2007. Free and open to all, including those who are brand-new beginners. Any comfortable, casual clothing and footwear are fine. Visit www.TaiChiCenter.com or call 703-759-9141.
Haven of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, 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.
Widow/Widower Bereavement Support Groups for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. The other 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. Contact Matt Zenkowich at 703-319-8382 or virginia.nsa@earthlink.net.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is offering telephone support groups for people considering transplant treatment. Each session features a different topic. 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. Pre-registration is required.