Body and Soul Strength Training Class. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-1:15 p.m. in the McLean Presbyterian Church Multipurpose Room, 1020 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Demonstration classes are March 15 and 17, and the new 10-week session starts March 29 if enough interest is shown. Demonstration classes are free. The 10-week session costs $50 for two classes per week, $27.50 for one class per week. Wear comfortable fitness clothing, bring a set of dumbbells if you have some, elastic resistance training equipment you might have, an exercise mat or large towel and a friend. Body and Soul is a non-profit ministry in Christian fitness that offers a Christ-centered alternative to secular fitness programs. Everyone exercises at their own level, so this class is appropriate for beginners through advanced students, young and older. Contact Dana Elsnick at 703-847-9814 or greatdane@speedymail.org to reserve a spot or voice interest.
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.
Learning More about Hospice. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 7-8:30 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Special session of the Caregivers series, all are welcome to hear an overview of services offered to patients and family through hospice. Use the Blue parking garage. For information, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
"Nutrition: Fueling Up on Low-Fat Foods." Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2-4 p.m., at Whole Foods Market, 143 East Maple Ave., Vienna. Jennifer Keller, RD, managing director of The Cancer Project, features low-fat foods. Register by Feb. 18. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. On Wednesday, Feb. 23, 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 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
BMT/Stem Cell Support Group. Thursday, Feb. 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m., at Fairfax-Northern VA Hem-Onc, 8503 Arlington Blvd., #320, Fairfax. Call to register at 703-698-2841; visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Writings for Wellness. Thursday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., and Monday, May 24, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Use the beauty of literature and the healing power of writing to explore thoughts and emotions. Register by previous Monday. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Colorectal Cancer Group. On Thursday, Feb. 24, 6:30-8 p.m., meet with others affected by colorectal cancer to address issues and concerns. Facilitated by an oncology nurse and a social worker. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Young Adult Group. Thursday, Feb. 24, 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 after a cancer diagnosis. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
"Life Planning Tools." On Feb. 26, the ARC of Northern Virginia, in coopertion with the Special Education Parent Resource Centers from Arlington Public Schools, Alexandria City Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools, and the Department of Human Services for Arlington County, presents a workshop about the tools that families of individuals with disabilities need in order to plan for a secure future for their loved ones.
The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the seventh floor of the Department of Human Services Building, 3033 Wilson Blvd., in Arlington. To register or to request accommodations, contact Anne Lipnick at 703-706-4552 or at alipnick@acps.k12.va.us. In case of inclement weather, call 703-706-4552 or 703-751-3084.
Writings for Wellness: Poetry and Expressive Writing. This multi-center research project is designed to measure the effectiveness of this therapeutic modality for people with cancer. Writing experience is not necessary. Social worker and poetry therapist Ingrid Tegner will facilitate this six-week series. Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Registration is closed after March 3. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Melanoma Group Meeting. Meet others diagnosed with melanoma and their family and friends. Thursday, March 3 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room B. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Thyroid Cancer Support Group. Thyroid cancer survivors and their adult loved ones are invited to share information and support. Saturday, March 5 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
United Ostomy Association Northern Virginia Chapter. Frank Lillis, the Chapter's lawyer, answers questions. Sunday, March 6 from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Physician's Conference Center Auditorium on the grounds of Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Free. Everyone welcome. Parking in Blue garage is free with ticket stamped at meeting. Call 703-802-3457 or visit www.novachapteruoa.org.
Individual Reiki Appointments--Evening. Schedule an individual session with a certified Reiki practitioner and experience the benefits of this ancient practice involving the placement of hands on different parts of the body to direct energy in order to release tension and discomfort and enhance well-being. Monday, March 7 from 7-9 p.m. by appointment at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Appointments must be scheduled by Friday, March 4. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 Years Old. Continuation of an eight-week group with age-appropriate activities, discussion and art therapy to help children share their thoughts and feelings and to help with the grief process. Mondays, March 7-April 4 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room B. Registration is necessary. Call 703-208-5623.
Look Good ... Feel Better. A professional cosmetologist will share skin, hair and cosmetic tips to help you look your best before, during and after treatment. Tuesday, March 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room A. Registration is necessary to obtain personalized make up kit. A return call will confirm your registration. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Spirituality Quest. "Embodying the Light: What Lights You Up? is the topic for discussion. Tuesday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Expressive Arts: Acrylic Painting. Pair up with a partner to spontaneously create two unique acrylic paintings. The experience can be a great reflection of our connectedness. Facilitated by healing artist Maureen Wolford. Wednesday, March 9 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Please register by Monday, March 7. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meetings, for family members to discuss topics including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer, its treatment and more. Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Children's Educational Support Program. Continuation of an eight-week group with discussion and activities for children ages 5-12. Learn about cancer and find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer. Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room B. Registration is necessary. Call 703-208-5623.
Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Oncology counselor Dodi Christiano, M.A., will guide the class in learning techniques proven effective in enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms and stress, and promoting insight. Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6 and 13 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Please register by Monday, March 7. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Breast Cancer: A Tour of Care: Pre-Op Classes for Mastectomy and/or Reconstruction. A breast cancer nurse educator will provide information and support for women who have scheduled a mastectomy and/or reconstruction. Wednesdays, March 9 or 23 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Register by calling 703-776-2820. If your surgery is before the class date, ask to speak with Deborah Cook, RN.
GYN Cancer Group. Speaker Karen Oleszewski, RN, MS, AOCN, will address "Emerging Treatments for Gyn Cancers," giving an update on clinical trials as presented at the recent meeting of the Gynecological Oncology Group. Women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers are invited to drop in. Wednesday, March 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Head and Neck Cancers: Heads Up! This educational support group is for current and former head and neck cancer patients and their significant others. Facilitated by an oncology social worker and a Radiation Oncology team member. Wednesday, March 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
CanSurvive. A patient-led, drop-in, lunchtime, general cancer support group for those dealing with any type of cancer. Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24 and 31 from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Call 301-610-9146 or see www.can-survive.net.
Leukemia Group. Family and friends are welcome to join us as we share and discuss "The Next Chapter." Social worker Stephanie Herman will help facilitate discussion on end-of-life issues and how to prepare ourselves and others for that chapter in our lives. Thursday, March 10 from 7-9 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.