<lst>Know something that should be listed in Health & Fitness? Send a brief write-up to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA, 22102, fax to 703-917-0991 or call Nina M. Dry at 703-917-6422.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and caregivers, meets Wednesday, May 25, June 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 7 p.m., at June 1 at 7:30 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail. For more, call 703-425-6660.
The lecture "Sleep, Stress: Things That Can Bring Out Seizures," takes place June 1, at 7:30 p.m., at Falls Church High School, room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail.
Mothers First — Fairfax is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' nights out and lectures. June's meetings are June 1 and June 15 from 10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Green Acres Elementary School, Room 116, 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Mothers & More is a support group for women who have altered their career path to care for their young children at home. The group offers playgroups, children's and family activities, guest speakers, book club, mom's night out, movie night, chat group and more. For more information, call 1-866-716-7766 or visit www.novamoms.org. The group meets at the following:
* The first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Next meeting is June 2.
* The third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., in the Braddock Hall at the Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. The next meeting is June 15.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) sponsors groups for injured victims and for relatives and friends of those who have been killed in drunk driving crashes. The next Injured Victim Support Group meeting takes place on Tuesday, June 7 at 7 p.m. New participants are always welcome. Free. For more, call 703-978-3025.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia sponsors the following bereavement support groups. HAVEN of Northern Virginia is located at 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale. For more information, call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org:
* A General Bereavement Support Group, for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Meetings take place the first and third Wednesday of the month. Next meeting takes place June 15 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 the month. Next meeting takes place June 7, from 7:30-9 p.m.
* Widow/Widower Bereavement Support Groups, for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. Meetings take place on the first and third Thursday of the month or on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The next Tuesday meetings take place May 24 and June 14, from 7:30-9 p.m. The next Thursday meeting takes place June 2 and June 16, from 2-3:30 p.m.
Bridging the Gap: An Interfaith Conference on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention takes place on Thursday, June 16, at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 8617 Little River Turnpike. The conference is co-sponsored by CrisisLink, the Fairfax Partnership for Youth, Inc., and the Virginia Department of Health. Attendees will receive a copy of the newly released Interfaith Mental Health Tool Kit. The purpose of the tool kit is to heighten awareness about the importance of mental health for people of all ages and to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. For more, visit www.crisislink.org/Events/bridgeGap/registrationForm.html.
The Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area offers the following support group opportunities:
* Fairfax Little River Glen Group. The Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m., at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. The next meeting is on June 16. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members, and carepartners. No charge. For more information, call Leon Paparella at 202-966-4450.
* The Springfield Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., at Greenspring Village, 7400 Spring Village Drive, Town Center Building, Music Room, Springfield. The next meeting takes place May 26. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members and carepartners. For more information, call Michel Margosis at 703-569-2630 or Mitch Mills at 703-913-0270.
* Fairfax Sully Group and Exercise Class. The Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets monthly on the fourth Saturday, from 10-11 a.m., with an exercise class at 11 a.m., at the Fair Oaks Sunrise Assisted Living Facility, 3750 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax. Next meeting takes place Saturday, May 28. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. Co-leaders are Bill Robbins 703-830-3823 (e-mail: wbr_yanks@cox.net) and Darryl Edwards 703-378-9213. Visit www.parkinsonstories.com.
* The Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets on the fourth Saturday of the month from 10-11 a.m., with an exercise class normally reserved at 11 a.m., at the Fair Oaks Sunrise Assisted Living Facility, 3750 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. For more information, contact Bill Robbins at 703-830-3823 or e-mail wbr_yanks@cox.net) and Darryl Edwards at 703-378-9213. Visit www.parkinsonstories.com.
* Fairfax Little River Glen Exercise Class. The Parkinson's Disease Exercise Class meets weekday mornings at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members and carepartners. For class schedule and more information, call the LRG Senior Center at 703-503-8703.
United Ostomy Association, Northern Virginia Chapter hosts its monthly support group meeting on Sunday, June 5, at 1:30 p.m., at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road. The Continent Corner Dave Hirschhorn discusses important information for those with or preparing for continent diversions. Free. For more, call 703-802-3457 or visit www.novachapteruoa.org.
Seminar for Caregivers of Older Adults, Spring 2005 Series, offers 10 different seminars through June 7. Program is free, registration not required, but recommended. To register, call 703-324-5205, TTY 703-449-1186. For a list of seminars, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/service/aaa.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month at 1 p.m., at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. The next meeting takes place on June 9. For more, call 703-913-0890.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hosts the panel presentation "Seasons of Survivorship," on Thursday, June 9, from 7-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield. Panelists include people with acute and chronic leukemia who will discuss their experiences searching for expert care, coping with uncertainty and other survivorship issues. A networking dinner precedes the discussion at 6 p.m. Registration deadline is June 1. Free. For more, call 703-960-1100, ext. 231 or send an e-mail singers@dc-cap.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Mothers First — Burke is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' nights out and lectures. June's meetings are June 13 and June 27 at 10 a.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
The Lymphoma support group, a group for patients and their families, meets on the third Monday of the month from 6:30-8 p.m., at Sunrise Assisted Living at Fair Oaks, 3750 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax. The next meeting takes place June 20. For more call 703-776-8786.
The Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area accepts used car donations through its partner cars4charities. To participate, call 1-866-448-3487 or visit www.cars4charities.org. Vehicles are towed away free of charge. Some restrictions apply.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group. Meets the second Wednesday and the second Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For more information call the Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800, Ext. 3026 or Barbara at 703-913-0890.