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 greatfalls@connectionnewspapers.com, by mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean VA 22102, or by fax to 703-917-0991. Call 703-917-6449 with questions.
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. The next meeting is Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Contact Matt Zenkowich at 703-319-8382 or virginia.nsa@earthlink.net.
The Truth About Osteoporosis: Fact vs. Fiction is the topic of a free seminar on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 7-8 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., S.E. Dr. Kathryn Thomas of New Life Wellness Center will discuss the causes of osteoporosis and what you can do to prevent or reverse this condition.
The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360 or visit www.viennava.gov.
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. 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.
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.
Peer support group for survivors of clergy abuse and others affected by the abuse, on the last Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m., in the downstairs meeting room at the Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Road, McLean. Meetings are sponsored by Voice of the Faithful-Northern Virginia affiliate. Contact Ellen Radday at 703-538-6128.
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 703-55-6360 and specify the “Balance and Beyond” class.
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.