<lst>Inova Blood Donor Services will host "Fun Day" blood drives throughout April. April 17-19 and April 21 are "Blood Alert Days," when donors will receive a free t-shirt. On April 23, all donors will receive an Earth Day gift. April 24 is "Happy Administrative Professional Day." On April 25, donors can celebrate Arbor Day with a free sapling and mixed nut treats. On April 28, donors will receive t-shirts at the 'O'-Day party. Visit Woodburn Medical Park, 3289 Woodburn Road, Suite 010, Annandale, to participate in the festivities. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
An Inova Bloodmobile will be waiting for blood donors on Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at OakMarr RECenter, 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton. Donated blood saves lives. For more information, call 1-866-256-6372.
Parents are invited to join staff members at an Apraxia Workshop on Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, at the Quality Inn-Governor, 6650 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. The workshop is sponsored by The Bruce and Patricia Hendrix Foundation, The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America and Fairfax County Public Schools. This two-day workshop, "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech," will focus on assessment and treatment. The speaker will be Edythe Strand, Ph.D., of the Department of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Medical School. The cost is $120 for parents. For more information or to register, parents can visit the foundation's Web site at http://workshops.apraxia-kids.org/, call The Hendrix Foundation at 760-632-5020, or e-mail Workshop@hendrixfoundation.org.
Nutrition Classes, on Thursdays, April 17, 24. 7-8 p.m. Come see how hypnosis can help in losing weight easily and permanently. Informative classes help those who want to lose weight without dieting or pills. $15. Register with Hypnosis - Fairfax, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. 703-352-5042 or e-mail hypnosis11@hmp.net.
Hypnosis Screening. Mondays, April 21, 28; and Wednesdays, April 23, 30. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Make a New Year's resolution to lose weight or stop smoking? Come to an hypnosis screening and find out if hypnosis can help. Hypnosis video included. Free. Register with Positive Changes, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. 703-352-5042.
Meditation. Fridays, April 18 and 25, 1-2 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Become more aware in the present moment. Learn about and experience the benefits of various types of meditation. Dress comfortably. Registration required.
Gentle Yoga. Mondays, April 21 and 28, 7:15-8:45 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Explore the benefits of gentle yoga movements and meditation with certified Extra Gentle Integral Yoga Instructor, Noralea Dalkin. Dress comfortably and bring a mat or blanket. Registration required.
Reiki for Relaxation. Thursday, April 17, 10-11:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Jennifer Moore will teach how to use "hands-on healing" and energy direction to rejuvenate through the ancient practice of Reiki. Dress comfortably. Registration appreciated.
Colorectal Cancer Group. Thursday, April 17, 4:30-6 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Meet others affected by colorectal cancer and address the issues and concerns of patients, survivors, caregivers and friends.
Free Workshop on Migraines and Headaches, Friday, April 18, 4-6 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Discuss the triggers and a non-drug treatment for these vascular headaches that affect more than 28 million Americans. To learn more or to register, call the Quantum Healing Center at 703-937-3993 or e-mail info@quantumhealingcenter.com.
Good Grief for Children, 5-12 years old. Mondays, April 21-June 9, 6-7 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Through age-appropriate activities and art therapy, children can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process.
Good Grief for Teens, 13-18 years old. April 21-June 9, 7:30-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Through age-appropriate activities and art therapy, teens can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process.
The Jewish Social Service Agency is offering social and therapy groups. For children, in small, age-appropriate groups children who have difficulty will be taught skills for various social interactions. $55/$65 per session; may be insurance reimbursable. For adults, men and women ages 21 and older gain support and develop social skills by learning practical approaches to making friends, initiating conversation, making decisions, expressing feelings, understanding non-verbal cues and managing disappointment. Tuesdays, April 22- May 27, 5:30-6:20 p.m. at 3018 Javier Road, second floor, Fairfax. To register, call 703-204-9100.
Mind-Body-Spirit Medicine: The Course. Tuesdays, April 22-June 24, 5-7 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Colleen Blanchfield, M.D., directs this ten-week series featuring for learning and experiencing various modalities conducive to wellness when living with cancer. Each session features a particular modality (yoga, tai chi, humor, relaxation, journaling, nutrition, etc.) along with a discussion and an experimental component. Registration for entire series required by April 18.
Catamenial Seizures will be presented by Pavel Klein on Wednesday, April 23, from 7-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Cafeteria. Additional information on GTU Neurological Studies will be available. Sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation. For more Information, call 703-425-6660.
Ear infection workshop. April 23, 7 p.m. Learn natural, safe and effective corrections for the causes of children's ear infections at Twinbrooke Chiropractic Family Health Center, Twinbrooke Shopping Center, 9567 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Free. Call 703-425-0048 to reserve a space.
Inova Blood Donor Services will host a blood drive on Thursday, April 24, 12-5 p.m., at Evolution Fitness, 216 Dominion Road, N.E., Vienna. For more information, call 703-255-9707.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. Wednesday, April 23, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Education support group meeting for patients with hereditary or secondary lymphedema. The meeting will address physical therapy and emotional needs and finish with a relaxation/imagery exercise. Facilitated by a professional counselor and a certified lymphedema therapist.
An Introduction to Healing Touch will be presented to the Reston Epilepsy Group on April 24, 8:30 p.m., at South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, in the cafeteria.
Seminars for Survivors: Ask a Nurse What You Always Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask. On Thursday, April 24, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E, a panelist of oncology nurses from various disciplines and moderator Jean Bronson Conway, RN, will dialogue with cancer survivors about quality of life issues during cancer treatment. Registration required.
Nutrition for the Cancer Survivor (and Caregivers, too!) Thursday, April 24, 10-11:30 a.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Gloria Caceres-Roman, RD, CNSD, provides an overview of optimum nutrition for the person with cancer during and after treatment. Registration is appreciated.
Good Grief for Children, 5-12 years old. Mondays, April 24-June 12, 7:15-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Through age appropriate activities and art therapy, children can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process.
Stress Workshop. Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m. Discover simple ways to reduce the negative effects of stress. Led by Dr. Sush Simms, D.C., at the Roselle Alternative Care Center, 8316 Arlington Blvd., Suite 400, Yorktown 50 Building, Fairfax. Seating is limited, so call ahead. Free.
Join Parents of Children with Epilepsy for a presentation/discussion with Dr. Sandra Cushner-Weinstein, LCSW, on Monday, April 28, 7-8 p.m., Braddock Supervisors Office, Meeting Room, 9002 Burke Lake Road. Sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation. For more Information, call 703-425-6660.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Monday, April 28, 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. A refresher course for those who have learned these skills and wish to stay in practice.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group will meet Wednesday, April 30, 7-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. Sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation. For more Information, call 703-425-6660.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia will offer a program for adults grieving the death of a parent, April 30, 7:30-9 p.m., at 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale. Free. For more information and reservations, call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org.
Special Seminars for Caregivers. April 30, May 14, May 28 and June 11, 7-8:30 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. A four-session program for caregivers to address emotional and illness-related issues and to help the caregiver care for him/herself as well as the patient. Come to any or all sessions. Use the "blue" parking garage.
Children's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, April 30- June 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Discussion and activities for children, 5-12 years old. Participants find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer.
Teen's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, April 30- June 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Discussion and activities for teens, 13-18 years old. Participants find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer.
Conquer Asthma and Allergies Naturally. On May 7, at 7 p.m., learn techniques to reduce or eliminate the need for inhalers and medications at a free workshop. Twinbrooke Chiropractic Family Health Center, 9567 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Call 703-425-0048 to reserve a space.
Balance Women's Hormones Naturally. Participate in an interactive free workshop on May 14, 7 p.m., at Twinbrooke Chiropractic Family Health Center, 9567 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Call 703-425-0048 to reserve a space.
Optimum Nutrition for the Whole Family. Learn nutrition information and hear tips to boost nutrition and overall health at a free workshop, May 21, 7 p.m., at Twinbrooke Chiropractic Family Health Center, 9567 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Call 703-425-0048 to reserve a space.
ICAN of Northern Virginia (International Cesarean Awareness Network) will meet on the following dates at 7 p.m., at Inova HealthSource, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax: May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. For more information, visit www.icanofnova.org/ or call 703-237-6136.
The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation has awarded Inova Health System a $5 million challenge grant to develop the Claude Moore Health Education Center on the campus of Inova Fairfax Hospital/Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children. This is the largest grant ever awarded to Inova Health System. The grant will fund an educational facility to train physicians, nurses and allied health professionals and expand the medical knowledge of health care professionals throughout Virginia.
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. 301-255-1944.
The American Lung Association of Virginia’s youth tobacco prevention program, “Smoke Free — That’s Me!” will give students in Fairfax County the opportunity to participate in the program when it comes to selected schools in the 2002-03 school year. It is a one-hour, interactive program taught by certified American Lung Association facilitators and geared toward children 9 to11. The program is designed to prevent young people from starting to use tobacco by educating them using a non-threatening approach. For more information, visit www.lungusa.org/virginia.
The Fairfax County Health Department is making flu vaccinations available for adults over 65 and children or adults with chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Vaccinations will be available at the following locations: Joseph Willard Health Center, 3750 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax and the Springfield District Office, 8136 Old Keene Mill Road, Suite A-100 in Springfield. There is a charge of $11 for the flu vaccine and $20 for the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. Medicare Part B (non-HMO) will be accepted. Medicaid will be accepted only for those in a high-risk category.
Recipients must bring their identification cards and should call one of the following numbers to schedule an appointment: Joseph Willard Health Center, 703-246-7100, or Springfield District Office, 703-569-1031.
Persons who would like to get a flu shot but are not eligible to receive the vaccine from a Health Department clinic should contact their personal physician or call the Fight the Flu Hotline at 1-877-895-5284 for information.
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.-12 p.m. For the convenience of new moms, no preregistration needed. $5/session. Call 703-204-6455.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group meets every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church.
The Caregivers Meeting is a 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. 703-698-2841 or visit 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 offers 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.
Social Skills Group for children who have difficulty in social situations will meet at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, second floor, Fairfax. In small, age-appropriate groups, children can learn and practice appropriate behaviors, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions and making friends. Call 703-204-9100 for dates and times. $55/65 a session, may be insurance-reimbursable.
“You and Your Aging Parents” will meet at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, second floor, Fairfax, on the second Monday of each month, September–December, from 7-8:30 p.m. Adult children with aging parents meet to discuss communicating about sensitive issues, responsibilities to parents, responsibilities to family and the need for time to yourself. Call 703-204-9100. $15 a session.
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 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Financial Aid program offers people up to $5,500 a year to help pay for chemotherapeutic medication, transportation and blood work associated with cancer treatment to those with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood-related cancers. To get an application for the program, call 703-960-1100, Ext. 232, 1-888-576-6878, or e-mail singers@dc-cap.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Schedule a home safety survey to spot any 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.
Inova Health System's annual gala, "The Beat of Inova," will be on Saturday, May 10. More than 1,400 local business and community leaders will come together for an evening of dining, dancing plus silent and live auctions to raise money to benefit Cardiovascular Services. The silent auction reception begins at 6:30 p.m., at the Washington Hilton and Towers, Connecticut and T St., N.W., in Washington, D.C. Doors open at 7:45 p.m., with dinner and dancing from 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $350 per person; $3,500 for a table of 10 and listing in the event program. A variety of sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. For more information and to make reservations, call 703-289-2057 or visit www.inova.org/gala2003.