Know something that should be listed in Health & Fitness? Send a brief write-up to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA, 22102, fax to 703-917-0991 or call Lea Mae Rice at 703-917-6459.
Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia offers the Lebed method "Focus On Healing" classes Thursdays 6:15-7:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 28. Meets in the adult lounge at JCCNV, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Focus on Healing is a therapeutic program of exercise and movement to music designed especially for breast cancer survivors. First class is free. Call Jacki at 571-212-3347 or e-mail lebedmethod@verizon.net.
The seventh annual Mental Illness Awareness Week Conference is 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at the Marriott Fairfax at Fair Oaks, 11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax. The theme is "Transforming Mental Health Care in the Age of Recovery." Keynote speaker is Scott Diering, M.D. A morning workshop is "Transforming Mental Health Care in the Age of Recovery." Contact the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board at 703-324-7000; TTY 703-802-3015.
iPilates Open House offers exercise tips at Stynchula Chiropractic, 8704 Lee Highway, Suite 200. For 45-minute free workshops register by calling 703-207-9120. Visit www.ipilatesworkout.com. Events include:
* An open house on counteracting back and neck pain caused by cell phone, laptop and iPod use, Sept. 28 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 10 a.m.
* "Pilates for Golf," Sept. 29 at 12 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 10 a.m.
"Meditation Made EZ" is the third Sunday of September from 5-6:15 p.m. at 9870 Main St., Fairfax. Practice, teaching and discussion on breathing, mantra and more. Facilitated by Dr. Bo Hoffman. Hosted by Creative Healing Institute, 703-591-9600 x101, www.mainstreetchi.com.
Life Line Screening offers a day-long stroke test for Springfield community residents on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church, 8508 Hooes Road, Springfield. Cost for complete vascular screening package is $109, while with osteoporosis $129. Appointments begin at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is required. For more or to schedule an appointment call 1-800-697-9721.
Breast Health Education Day with Inova Fairfax Hospital's Cancer Center Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the atrium on the ground floor of Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. The public can interact with doctors, nurses, counselors, and therapists to learn more about breast health and breast cancer. Learn how to perform a breast self-exam correctly and what role genetics play in determining a risk for cancer. Door prizes and refreshments available. Contact Deborah Cook, RN, at 703-204-3763.
The Ostomy Support Group of Northern Virginia, LLC will be holding its monthly support group meeting on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Alzheimer's Association's Barbara deAngelis presents an overview of the disease and discusses latest treatment advances and ways to keep one's brain active and alert.The meeting will take place at Physicians' Conference Center, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Rd., Fairfax. Park in Blue garage. For more information call 703-802-3457 or visit www.ostomysupportofnova.org.
Haven of Northern Virginia offers several free bereavement support groups. Groups meet at Haven, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale. Registration required. Call Haven at 703-941-7000 or e-mail havenofnova@verizon.net.
* A six-week support group begins Oct. 4 from 7:30-9 p.m. for those who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives.
* An eight-week support group begins Oct. 16 from 7:30-9 p.m. for those who have experienced the death of a loved one by suicide.
The Youth Suicide and Depression Task Force (YSAD) of the Fairfax Partnership for Youth sponsor free mental wellness screenings, in English and Spanish, for teens, adults, and senior citizens Thursday, Oct. 5 from 2-6 p.m. at the South County Teen Center at the South County Government Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 309, Alexandria. For more on the screenings, call Susan Lydick at 703-324-5292. For more on the Fairfax Partnership for Youth, call Elise Neil Bengtson 703-324-5703 or visit www.fairfaxyouth.org.
La Leche League of Fairfax City has its next meeting Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. at Fairfax Christian Church, 10185 Main St. The topic is "The Family and the Breastfed Baby." Pregnant and nursing women as well as their children are welcome to attend. Free. For more information or questions, call a La Leche League leader at 703-323-6683 or 703-385-0527, or visit www.fairfaxcitylll.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).
Epilepsy Health Info. The Epiliepy Foundation of the Chesapeake region provides support groups and classes for parents of children (of all ages) with seizure disorders, adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and their caregivers. Free. For additional information call Diana at 703-425-6660 or go to www.abilitiesnetwork.org.
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.
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.
Donate Blood. 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
Hours: Monday and Wednesday; noon-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
* Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria
703-664-7229
Hours: Monday-Thursday; 4-7 p.m.
* CentreMed, Centreville
703-322-1970
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; noon-8 p.m.
Saturday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Registration for weekday and weekend Lamaze childbirth classes in Springfield is available at www.lamaze-dc.com or by calling 703-549-2226.
Anger Management Class. The Intensive Family Services division of Northern Virginia Family Service is teaching a weekly anger management series beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. and ending Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the NVFS Oakton office, 10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100. $25 per session or $175 if all sessions are paid in advance. Pre-registration and an intake interview required. Call 703-219-2185, ext. 1.
Teen Anger Management Class. The Intensive Family Services division of Northern Virginia Family Service is teaching a seven-week anger management/life skills class for youths between the ages of 15 and 18 beginning Thursday, Sept. 21 at the NVFS Oakton office, 10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100. $175 for all seven classes or $150 if paid in advance. An intake interview required. Call 703-219-2116.
Foster Care Training. The Intensive Family Services division of Northern Virginia Family Service is teaching a class to train potential special foster care and therapeutic respite care parents. Learn how to support children with special needs and therapeutic parenting techniques. Classes are Saturday, Sept. 16, Sept. 23 and Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the NVFS Woodbridge office, 2200 Opitz Blvd., Suite 100. To register or for more information, call 703-219-2184.
Registration forms are available for seniors 50 and older to enter the 2006 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics from Sept. 16-28. Registration deadline is Sept. 1. Participants must be 50 years of age by Dec. 31 of this year and live in a sponsoring jurisdiction. In addition to traditional Olympic events such as track and field and swimming, other events include activities such as cards and board games, tennis, bowling, golf and more. Registration fee is $10 which includes one event; additional events are $1. Call 703-228-3600, ext. 9996 or visit www.novaseniorolympics.com.
Alzheimer's Family Day Center, located at 2812 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, hosts various classes. Reservations are required, and classes are open to people who are caring for a relative or friend with dementia. For more, call 703-204-4664 or visit www.alzheimersfdc.org/classes.htm.
King of Kings Lutheran Church, 4025 Kings Way, Fairfax, will conduct a support group for loved ones with Alzheimer's on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Call toll-free 1-866-272-3900 or visit www.alz-nca.org/fs/supgrpid.php. Support groups are subject to change, so please contact the Alzheimer's Association prior to attending for the first time to verify date, time and location.
The Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area offers the following support group opportunities:
* Fairfax Sully Group and Exercise Class. The Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets monthly on the fourth Saturday, from 10-11 a.m., with an exercise class at 11 a.m., at the Fair Oaks Sunrise Assisted Living Facility, 3750 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. Co-leaders are Bill Robbins 703-830-3823 and Darryl Edwards 703-378-9213. Visit www.parkinsonstories.com.
* Fairfax Little River Glen Group. The Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m., at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members, and carepartners. No charge. Call Leon Paparella at 202-966-4450.
* The Springfield Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., at Greenspring Village, 7400 Spring Village Drive, Town Center Building, Music Room, Springfield. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members and carepartners. Call Michel Margosis at 703-569-2630 or Mitch Mills at 703-913-0270.
* The Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets on the fourth Saturday of the month from 10-11 a.m., with an exercise class normally reserved at 11 a.m., at the Fair Oaks Sunrise Assisted Living Facility, 3750 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. For more information, contact Bill Robbins at 703-830-3823 or e-mail wbr_yanks@cox.net and Darryl Edwards at 703-378-9213. Visit www.parkinsonstories.com.
* Fairfax Little River Glen Exercise Class. The Parkinson's Disease Exercise Class meets weekday mornings at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members and carepartners. Call the LRG Senior Center at 703-503-8703.
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, and have fun. Call 703-208-5623 for details. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Screenings. Residents in the Burke area can be screened for stroke risk. Appointments begin at 9 a.m. at Burke United Methodist Church, 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.
Positive Changes Hypnosis offers free hypnosis screenings Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. with appointment. It also offers a complimentary nutrition class Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m. Lectures on specific health topics to be announced. Located at 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. For questions contact 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.
A summer camp for middle-school children at the Medical Education Campus (MEC) of Northern Virginia Community College has received three grants from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. The grants, which total over $20,000, will help defray the operational costs of the camp, which provides attendees with an up-close look at a workday in a variety of medical professions.
Home Instead Senior Care offers pamphlets for seniors on how to prepare for disasters. The best protection for seniors and caregivers is to make a plan of action long before any emergency arises. To receive a free copy of "10 Ways to Help Seniors Prepare for Disaster," call Jason Sager at Home Instead Senior Care at 703-750-6644.
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.
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.
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.