Have any health notes to submit to the paper? New class? New or ongoing support group? Blood drive? Fax a brief write-up to 703-917-0991 or e-mail maweber@connectionnewspapers.com
Donate Blood. There is an urgent need for donors with all blood types. 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; Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria, 703-664-7229; CentreMed, Centreville, 703-322-1970.
"Shifting the Power in the Family System." Wednesdays, beginning March 31, 7-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. Sponsored by The Epilepsy Foundation of the Chesapeake Region. Free. For more information, call 703-425-6660.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Fridays, April 2, 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.
Thyroid Cancer Support Group. Saturday, April 3, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Thyroid cancer survivors and their adult loved ones are invited to share information and support at this monthly meeting. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. For more information, call the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, 1-877-588-7904.
United Ostomy Association. On Sunday, April 4, 1:30-3:30 p.m., the program, "Maintaining Healthy Hearts at Every Age," is presented. Free. Parking is in the Blue Garage. For information, call 703-802-3457. Program takes place at Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, in Rooms D, E and F.
Gentle Yoga. Mondays, April 5, 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.
Brain Tumor Group. Tuesday, April 6, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meeting. On Wednesdays, April 7, 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 Garage.
Breast Cancer Group. On Wednesdays, April 7 and 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 Garage.
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.
Good Grief for Children 5-12. 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 Garage. Visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
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 Garage.
Children's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, April 14-June 2, 5:15-6:15 p.m. 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.
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, which 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.
Book Signing at Burke Used Books. A group of local novelists are signing books on April 17, 2-4 p.m., at Burke Used Books in the West Falls Church Outlet Center, 7395-F Lee Highway, Falls Church, to benefit Parkinson's disease research. The novelists write horror, medical thrillers, crime-suspense, science fiction, biographies and historical fiction for young adults.
Local authors include Steven Spruill of Arlington, Douglas E. Winter of Oakton, Matthew Warner of Falls Church, L. Marie Wood of Herndon, and A.B. Wallace of Fairfax. Authors coming in for the event include F. Paul Wilson, Elizabeth Massie, Brian Keene, J.F. Gonzalez and Mary SanGiovanni. A portion of the sales proceeds will be given to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, www.michaeljfox.org. For more information about the event, call 703-206-9230.
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.
Ukranian Easter Eggs. On Thursday, April 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room B, learn to make Ukranian Easter eggs by applying wax and dyes. Materials provided. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org by April 19.
Colorectal Cancer Group. Thursday, April 22, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Register by April 20. For information, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
After the First Year. Thursday, April 22, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Drop in on this monthly group for people who have lost a loved one to cancer more than one year ago. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
BMT/Stem Cell Support Group. On Thursday, April 22, 12:30-1 p.m., this monthly meeting, open to past, current and upcoming bone marrow transplant and/or stem cell transplant patients and caregivers meets at Fairfax-Northern VA Hem-Onc, 8503 Arlington Blvd. No, 320, Fairfax. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Cellular Immune Therapy for Blood Cancers. On Tuesday, April 27, 7-9 p.m., Aaron P. Rappaport, M.D., associate professor of medicine, director of gene/medicine lymphoma at University of Maryland School of Medicine and medical oncologist at Greenebaum Cancer Center in Baltimore, who has special interests in hematological malignancies and blood and marrow transplantation will present. Register by April 23. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. On Wednesday, April 28, 7-8:30 p.m., meet with others who have hereditary or secondary lymphedema resulting from surgery, radiation, or trauma to the lymphatic system. A certified lymphedema therapist and an oncology counselor will facilitate discussion about physical and emotional concerns. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room B. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Virginia consumers have a new tool to compare the state's Medicare-certified home health agencies. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched the Home Health Quality Initiative in November 2003. As part of the initiative, consumers can access objective quality of care information through www.medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Home Health Compare, as the Web tool is known, allows consumers to see how well the patients of an agency fare compared to other agencies, to the state average and to other states. Consumers can compare the care provided by nearly 7,000 Medicare-certified home health agencies in all 50 states. Nursing Home Compare, which provides quality information on Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes in Virginia and nationwide, continues to be available at www.medicare.gov.
The Virginia Health Quality Center, the Medicare quality improvement organization for Virginia, is providing ongoing quality improvement assistance to the state's nursing homes and home health agencies.
Medicare beneficiaries in Virginia can now resolve quality of care complaints against health care providers through an optional mediation program that began this fall. The new program, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, brings together a provider or physician and a patient or his/her representative for a face-to-face meeting facilitated by an impartial mediator and is an alternative to the traditional medical record review process. It is being offered at no cost to the provider or beneficiary. The types of cases eligible for mediation include cases that do not exhibit significant clinical quality-of-care concerns and communications and perception issues that beneficiaries generally translate into quality-of-care complaints. All mediated discussions and outcomes are confidential and cannot be used in other legal proceedings. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE or check with the Virginia Health Quality Center, the Medicare quality improvement organization,www.vhqc.org.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets on the third Thursday of the month, at 2 p.m., at the Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. No charge. For more information, call Leon at 202-966-4450.
Parkinson's Disease Support Groups (exercise, patient discussion and care partners) meet weekday mornings at the Cherrydale Baptist Church, 3910 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) invites persons with PD and their care partners. Call ahead. For schedules and more information, call Leon at 202-966-4450.
The Parkinson's Disease Young Onset Support Group will meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Library lower level meeting room at 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. in McLean. There is no charge. Patients, caregivers and family members are welcome. Call Hilary Blue at 703-821-1393 for more information.
Parkinson's Disease Caregivers/Carepartners Support Group meets third Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, lower level meeting room, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes caregivers and family members. For more information, call Angela Robb, 703-277-9666.
Neurology Epilepsy Support Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and caregivers, meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 6 - 7 p.m., at Georgetown University Hospital, Lombardi Cancer Center, Floor 2, Podium A - Conference Room, 3800 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., at the Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For more information, call Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800, Ext. 3026, or Barbara at 703-913-0890.
The Parkinson's Foundation offers weekly support groups (previously located at the Providence Recreation Center) for patients and caregivers. They meet every Tuesday at 10 and 11 a.m., at the Lewinsville Senior Center, 1609 Great Falls St., McLean. Call 703-891-0821 if interested in joining or for more information.
Teens' Educational Support Program. A new eight-week program, for youths 13-18 who have a family member who is a cancer patient, is forming for Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Through discussion and activities, participants can express themselves and understand the changes that come when someone in the family has cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B, Fairfax. Call 703-208-5623 for upcoming schedule.
Good Grief for Teens. For those 13-18, group activities and art therapy will help teenagers share thoughts and feelings about loss and help with the grief process. On Mondays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Call for upcoming group schedule. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B, Fairfax. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org to register.
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, have fun. Call 703-208-5623 for details. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, offers several ongoing, free bereavement support groups.
A 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.
A widow/widower bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets the first and third Thursdays of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, from 7:30-9 p.m.
A 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.
An early mother loss bereavement support group for anyone who lost a mother before age 21 meets the third Tuesday each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org for more information.
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Groups are facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Support groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and caregiving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit.
In Oakton, the group meets the third Monday of the month from 7:30 p.m. at Sunrise Senior Living (10322 Blake Lane). Call Betty Moore, group leader, at 703-255-2050, before attending for the first time. For a complete listing of Alzheimer’s Association support groups meeting throughout the National Capital Area, call toll-free 1-866-259-0042 or visit www.alz-nca.org. Support groups are subject to change. Contact the support group leader to verify date, time and location.
The Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area is starting a new caregiver support group that will meet on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at The Sylvestery, 1728 Kirby Road in McLean. The Sylvestery is Vinson Hall Retirement Community's new assisted living residence for the care of people with memory impairments. Barbara Adams, M.S.W., will be the support group leader .
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Hyperactivity Disorder) of Northern Virginia. A support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7:15 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Contact Annette Spector, aspector@der-online.com, with questions. The support group schedule is also posted online at www.novachadd.org. For more information about these and other upcoming meetings, call 703-641-5451 or e-mail nova_chadd@hotmail.com.
The Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group meets every Wednesday, 7-8 p.m., at the Falls Church High School Career Center, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail. For additional information, call 703-425-6660.
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 Garage. Meetings held at Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, radiation oncology conference room, at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. 703-698-2841 for registration and information.
Social Skills/Therapy Groups. In small, age-appropriate groups, children who have difficulty in social situations learn and practice appropriate behavior, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions, and making friends. $55-$65 per session. (May be insurance-reimbursable.) For registration, call the Jewish Social Service Agency at 703-204-9100.
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. Contact Lee, 703-777-1708.
The American Red Cross is offering Infant and Child CPR at Dunn Loring United Methodist Church, 2501 Gallows Road, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The fee is $40. To enroll, call 703-964-0004 or visit www.redcrossnca.org.
Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent Today. A chance to make a difference in a child’s life. Call Fairfax County’s Foster Care and Adoption Program at 703-324-7639.
Amputee Support Group of Northern Virginia. A support group for amputees, their families and friends. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, 7:30-9 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Physician's Conference Center, Room 1D, first floor, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. There is no cost to participants, and parking is provided free in the garage for cars displaying handicapped placards or license plates. Contact Irvin Axelrod at 703-222-7120 or e-mail asgnva@earthlink.net for more information.
Depression and Manic Depression Support Group. The Sterling/Reston Chapter of DRADA, meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month, 7-9 p.m. For location, contact Traci at 703-433-1448 or Jan at 703-669-5177. DRADA stands for Depressive and Related Affective Disorders Association, a nonprofit, self-help group sponsored by Johns Hopkins, which has been in existence for over 20 years.
Shoplifters Anonymous. Group offers a new 12-step meeting program for those who wish to stop compulsive shoplifting. The group meets every Thursday, 7-8 p.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7426 Idylwood Ave. Call Sue at 703-759-0396 or Carol at 703-764-0347 to confirm the meeting date.