<lst>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, Va.
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, Va.
703-664-7229
Hours: Monday-Thursday; 4-7 p.m.
* CentreMed, Centreville, Va.
703-322-1970
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; noon-8 p.m.
Saturday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Virginia State Health Commissioner recently granted permission for Inova Health System to add 22 acute care beds to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. The additional beds will accommodate the growing number of medical/surgical and obstetric patients in the area. The addition of these beds will bring the total number of beds at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital to 182.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, offers several ongoing free bereavement support groups:
General Bereavement Support Group. For anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Widow/widower Bereavement Support Group. For anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets the first and third Thursday of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday each month, from 7:30-9 p.m.
Suicide Survivors Bereavement Support Group. For anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org for more information on any of these support groups.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Fridays, April 16 and 30, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Past participants of the Relaxation and Imagery series can attend this series to incorporate various techniques for relaxation, imagery and meditation. Registration appreciated. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Gentle Yoga. Mondays, April 12, 19 and 26, 4:15-5:15 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Lisa Squire offers a four-week introductory series of gentle yoga exercises. Register by April 2. Dress comfortably. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meeting. On Wednesdays, April 14, 21 and 28, 7-8:30 p.m., family members can discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer and more. At Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage.
Breast Cancer Group. On Wednesday, April 21, 5:30-7 p.m., this semi-monthly support group for women with early-stage breast cancer convenes. At Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month, 1 p.m., at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane Alexandria. The next meetings are April 8 and May 8. Shaan Suleman, D.C., will speak on Chiropractic Physical Therapy to Help Arthritis & Fibromyalgia at the April 8 meeting. For more information call the Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800. Ext.3026.
The National Capital Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society hosts an Education Night on "Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis," on Thursday, April 8, from 7:30 - 9 p.m. Heidi Maloni, MSN, RN, CNRN, CRNP, will lead the discussion on physical wellness, focusing on positive lifestyle choices that can help persons with multiple sclerosis exert a measure of control over their health. This free event takes place in the Physicians Conference Center at Inova Fairfax Hospital, located at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. For more information, call 202-296-5363.
Good Grief for Children, 5-12 years old. Mondays, April 12-May 31, 5-6 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Eight-week program of group activities and art therapy for children going through the grief process. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Individual Reiki Appointments. Schedule an individual session with a certified Reiki practitioner, and experience the benefits of this ancient healing practice. Dress comfortably. Appointments are available Monday, April 12, 7-9 p.m., or Wednesday, April 21, 12:30-2 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
On My Own. On Monday, April 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m., meet other singles in their 40s and beyond to discuss the challenges and coping strategies of having cancer and living alone. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 2C. Individual Reiki healing sessions are available afterwards. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Spirituality Quest. Tuesday, April 13, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Sherri Waas Shunfenthal, author of "Journey into Healing," is the guest speaker on "Healing with Words," a presentation focusing on journaling and meditation. This support/education meeting meets monthly on the second Tuesday. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841 or www.lifewithcancer.org.
Prostate Cancer Support Group, an "Us Too" affiliate. Tuesday, April 13, 7:30-9 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Physician's Conference Center Auditorium, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage.
Teens' Meet and Eat. On Wednesday, April 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., hang out and have dinner with other teenagers who have a family member with cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Expressive Arts: Creativity and Wellness. Wednesday, April 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Create a group collage exploring personal strengths. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room B. Register by April 12. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Head's Up! On Wednesday, April 14, 5:30-7 p.m., this educational support group for current and former head and neck cancer patients and significant others meets at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage.
Children's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, April 14-June 2, 5:15-6:15. Discussion and activities group for children 5-12 who are learning to cope with someone in the family having cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
GYN Cancer Group. On Wednesday, April 14, 5:30-7 p.m., women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers are invited to drop in, share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly meeting. Facilitated by an oncology counselor and a nurse. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Leukemia Group: "Ask the Pharmacist." On Thursday, April 8, 7-9 p.m. Robert Bretzel, pharmacist at Fairfax-Northern Virginia Hematology-Oncology, PC, takes questions. Family and friends are welcome to attend this educational support group. Co-sponsored with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Expressive Arts: Creating "Burning Bowls and "Affirmation Boxes." Thursday, April 15, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Create two containers for special messages. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room B. Register by April 12. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Seminars for Survivors: The Healing Power of Humor. Thursday, April 15, 7:15-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Learn to use laughter as a coping skill. Spend an evening with cancer survivor, health educator and author of "Live Life Laughing," Roz Treiber. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m.-noon, meet with other carcinoid cancer patients and their adult loved ones to share experiences and learn from one another in this group meeting that meets on the third Saturday of every month. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Living with lymphoma? Learn more about the disease and strategies for coping with it at a new support group. The first group meeting is Monday, April 19, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Sunrise Assisted Living Facility on the grounds of Inova Fair Oaks Hospital at 3750 Joseph Siewick Drive in Fairfax. The group will meet monthly on the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 703-960-1100, x 231 or singers@dc-cap.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Music: Drumming. On Monday, April 19, 7:15-8:45 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E, Sheila Egan, National Institutes of Health music therapist, offers some Cherokee ways of healing, focusing on drumming. Registration requested by April 16. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lung Cancer Group. On Wednesday, April 19, 6:30-8 p.m., join fellow lung cancer patients and family members to discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief Bereavement Group. Tuesdays, April 20-June 8, 7:15-9 p.m., join others who have experienced the death of a loved one within the last two years for this eight-week seminar. Discussion topics include the process of grief; accepting and expressing emotions; dealing with children, families and friends; role and lifestyle change; coping with special dates; and community resources. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Registration Necessary; call to receive all forms, 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Young Adult Group. Tuesday, April 20, 7:30-9 p.m., meet with others ages 18 to 30-something to discuss issues such as sexuality, dating, body image, work and health insurance concerns, treatment side effects, fears of recurrence, and sustaining a normal lifestyle. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Multiple Myeloma Group. On Tuesday, April 20, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., patients and families share experiences, emotions and information. Light lunch. Co-sponsored with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens. Wednesday, April 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dinner for teens who have lost a family member to cancer. Share thoughts and feelings and learn about the grief process. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Writing for Wellness. On Wednesday, April 21, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room B, use poetry and writing to explore and express thoughts and emotions. Experience not necessary. Register by Monday, April 19. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.