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 Lea Mae Rice at 703-917-6459.
Parents of Teens and Adults with Seizure Disorders meets Sept. 14, from 7-8:30 p.m., at West Springfield High School, Room 021, 6100 Rolling Road, Springfield. Free. Call 703-425-6660 or visit www.abilitiesnetwork.org.
The Ostomy Support Group of Northern Virginia, LLC will be holding its monthly support group meeting on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at Physicians' Conference Center, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Rd., Fairfax. For more information call 703-802-3457.
The Epilepsy Foundation sponsors support groups and classes for parents of children of all ages with seizure disorders, adults diagnosed with seizure disorders, and caregivers. All groups are free of charge. For additional information, call Dana at 703-425-6660 or go to www.abilitiesnetwork.org. Ongoing support groups include the following:
* Parents of children (Infants to 12-years-old) with seizure disorders meet on the second Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m., at West Springfield High School, Entrance 4, Room 021, 6100 Rolling Road in Springfield. The next meeting is Aug. 15, with a meeting following Sept. 12.
* Parents of teens and adults with seizure disorders meets the second Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m., at West Springfield High School, Entrance 4, Room 021, 6100 Rolling Road in Springfield. The next meetings are Aug. 10 and Sept. 14.
* The Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group meets each Wednesday, from 7-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. Call 703-425-6660. The next meeting is Aug. 9, with meetings following Aug. 16, Aug. 23, Aug. 30.
Food Addicts In Recovery Anonymous is a program for individuals recovering from addictive eating and anorexia based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins at our meetings. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m., at Westwood Baptist Church, 8200 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. Call 1-877-805-2823 for more information and other times and locations.
Sunrise Assisted Living of Fairfax offers a short-term stay program for aging persons. Fees vary depending on the community and personal care needs. Three meals per day are included. Program is designed for one week's stay to several months. Call 703-691-0046. Sunrise of Fairfax is located at 9207 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax.
Individual Nutrition Counseling. Schedule an individual appointment with registered dietitian Julie Thorsen from Inova Fairfax Cancer Center's Cancer Patient Nutrition Support Program and learn how to optimize your nutritional status related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Call 703-289-8787 to schedule an appointment.
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Northern Virginia offers pet therapy and a multilingual staff to patients and families living in the City of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties. Volunteers should contact the program office at 703-788-6680 for opportunities to participate in patient care. Families may call 800-93-VITAS for more information about hospice or to schedule a free consultation.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia sponsors the following bereavement support groups. HAVEN of Northern Virginia is located at 4604 Ravensworth Road, Annandale. For more information, call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org:
* 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 from 2-3:30 p.m. or on the second and fourth Tuesday of the 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 the month from 7:30-9 p.m.
* One on One Support. A volunteer will meet with a person grieving the death of a loved one, as needed, to provide individual support. Volunteers will be carefully selected to match individual needs.
Lamaze classes will be on Wednesday nights at Kaiser in Springfield. Weekend classes are also available. Call 301-352-9727 to register.
Northern Virginia Community College is awarding scholarships to child care providers through a program sponsored by the Virginia Department of Social Services. The goal is to produce well-trained child care providers in an effort to lead those individuals to future success and assist parents. Details are available at http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/cc/scholarship.html or call 866-636-1608 (toll-free) for more information.
The Jewish Social Service Agency sponsors services for older adults in Northern Virginia, including in-home support services such as Meals on Wheels, nonsectarian geriatric care management services and counseling for seniors and their family. Call 703-204-9100. The Jewish Social Service Agency is located at 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax.
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group. Meets the third Monday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m., at Manor Care of Fair Oaks, 12475 Lee Jackson Highway. Facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Support groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and care giving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit. Call Anita Newsome, group leader, at 703- 352-7172 prior to attending for the first time.
CanSurvive. Life with Cancer sponsors a patient-led, drop-in lunchtime general cancer support group for those dealing with any type of cancer on Thursdays at noon, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Call 301-610-9146 or visit www.can-survive.net.
Thyroid Cancer Support Group. Open to thyroid cancer survivors and their adult loved ones to share information and support in this monthly meeting co-sponsored by the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association. Call 1-877-588-7904.
Spirituality Quest. This support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Call 703-698-2841.
Multiple Myeloma Group meets monthly to discuss experiences, emotions and challenges of living with multiple myeloma. The Life With Cancer Family Center is located at 2832 Juniper St. Call 703-698-2841.
Breast Cancer Group at the Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road. Call 703-698-2841.
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital is a winner of the 2006 Senate Productivity and Quality Award for Virginia. The award honors excellence and maturity in approach to care delivery, strategy, deployment and results.
Metastatic Breast Cancer support groups provide a closed group setting with other women living with metastatic breast cancer, take place on Thursdays and Fridays. Registration is required. Call Sage Bolte at 703-208-5620.
Birthmothers is an outreach ministry for pregnant women serving Fairfax county. They match pregnant women with a specially trained friend who listens to concerns about being pregnant, the baby's father and the future. The group also connects women with practical assistance like low-cost prenatal care, housing resources or legal aid. Birthmothers is confidential and free. Call 1-877-77BIRTH.
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. Call 301-255-1944.
Short-term Counseling Services offers an opportunity to discuss the challenges that follow a cancer diagnosis and to explore effective ways of coping. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Life with Cancer office at 703-698-2820.
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 Women's Center of Vienna offers a number of classes and workshops designed to help navigate the different aspects of separation and divorce through August at various locations in Vienna, Fairfax and McLean. Some of the program topics include Divorce Through Mediation, Divorce Without Litigation, Dollars and Sense of Divorce, Financial Planning for Separation and Divorce, Helping Your Child Cope With Separation and Divorce, Legal Aspects of Child Support and Understanding Your Right To Marital Assets and others. Visit www.thewomenscenter.org or call 703-281-2657.
Home Safety Survey. An opportunity to spot 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.
Burke Internal Medicine, 5631 Burke Center Parkway, offers free health evaluations for individuals ages 55 and over who have no current health coverage. Included in the offer is a free cholesterol screening, blood pressure screening, diabetes screening, personal risk assessment and consultation. To make an appointment, call Dr. Nabil Andrawis or Dr. Nashwa Gabra at 703-250-5171.
Child Medications. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights aids parents who question the use of prescribed drugs for their children with mental "disorders" to improve educational performance or overall behavior. Call 1-800-869-2247 or visit www.fightforkids.org.
The Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area accepts used car donations through its partner cars4charities. Call 1-866-448-3487 or visit www.cars4charities.org. Vehicles are towed away free of charge. Some restrictions apply.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 Years Old. Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room B, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. This is the continuation of an eight-week series utilizing group activities and art therapy through which children can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lung Cancer Group. 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. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Weight Management. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets Thursdays, at 6:45 p.m., at Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church, 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax. Annual membership is $20. Call 202-622-6042 or visit www.TOPS.org.
DivorceCare is offered as a support group at First Baptist Church of Springfield, 7300 Gary St., Springfield, each Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Parlor. Call the church office at 703-451-1500.
Social Skills/Therapy Group. In small groups, children who have difficulty in social situations because of ADHD or other challenges learn appropriate social behaviors such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions and making friends. Classes are $55-$65 a session and may be insurance-reimbursable. Sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. To register, call 703-204-9100.
Breastfeeding Mom's Group. New Mom and Baby topics, including breastfeeding. Experienced maternal-infant nurse/lactation consultant facilitates group discussions. Weekly prize drawing. Complimentary parking, baby weight check, refreshments and resource information. Groups meet on Thursdays, at 10:30 a.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital Women's Center, 7 South Dayroom, 3300 Gallows Road. Cost is $5 per session. Call 703-776-MILK (6455).
Epilepsy Health Info. The Epiliepy Foundation of the Chesapeake region provides support groups and classes for parents of children (of all ages) with seizure disorders, adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and their caregivers. Free. For additional information call Diana at 703-425-6660 or go to www.abilitiesnetwork.org.
Divorce/Separation Group. Middle school boys and girls meet weekly to discuss issues related to their parents' separation/divorce. One meeting for parents. Thursdays; time and date to be announced. Sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. To register, call 703-204-9100.
Young Widowhood Support Group. A support group for persons under the age of 50 who have been widowed two years or less, meets the second and fourth Monday of each month 7-8:30 p.m., at The Washington Regional Transplant Consortium, 8110 Gatehouse Road, Suite 101, W., Falls Church. It is an open group with an open agenda each meeting. Persons can join any time throughout the year, but it is important to register. Free of charge/free parking. RSVP to Lisa Colaianni at 703-641-0100.
Fairfax Sun and Moon Yoga Studio sponsors "Mindfulness Meditation Class" on Sundays at 7 p.m., at the studio, 9998 Main St., Fairfax. Free. E-mail ErikaKL@aol.com or call 703-864-2807.
Caregiver Support. A support group in Burke will offer support and information to people caring for elderly or disabled adults, whether these loved ones live in their home, nearby residences or miles away. Meetings are free and open to the public. This caregivers support group meets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, 1-2:30 p.m., at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, Burke. Call 703-451-8631 or e-mail jjclement@earthlink.net.
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
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
703-664-7229
Hours: Monday-Thursday; 4-7 p.m.
* CentreMed, Centreville
703-322-1970
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; noon-8 p.m.
Saturday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Registration for weekday and weekend Lamaze childbirth classes in Springfield is available at www.lamaze-dc.com or by calling 703-549-2226.
Anger Management Class. The Intensive Family Services division of Northern Virginia Family Service is teaching a weekly anger management series beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. and ending Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the NVFS Oakton office, 10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100. $25 per session or $175 if all sessions are paid in advance. Pre-registration and an intake interview required. Call 703-219-2185, ext. 1.
Teen Anger Management Class. The Intensive Family Services division of Northern Virginia Family Service is teaching a seven-week anger management/life skills class for youths between the ages of 15 and 18 beginning Thursday, Sept. 21 at the NVFS Oakton office, 10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100. $175 for all seven classes or $150 if paid in advance. An intake interview required. Call 703-219-2116.
Foster Care Training. The Intensive Family Services division of Northern Virginia Family Service is teaching a class to train potential special foster care and therapeutic respite care parents. Learn how to support children with special needs and therapeutic parenting techniques. Classes are Saturday, Sept. 16, Sept. 23 and Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the NVFS Woodbridge office, 2200 Opitz Blvd., Suite 100. To register or for more information, call 703-219-2184.
Registration forms are available for seniors 50 and older to enter the 2006 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics from Sept. 16-28. Registration deadline is Sept. 1. Participants must be 50 years of age by Dec. 31 of this year and live in a sponsoring jurisdiction. In addition to traditional Olympic events such as track and field and swimming, other events include activities such as cards and board games, tennis, bowling, golf and more. Registration fee is $10 which includes one event; additional events are $1. Call 703-228-3600, ext. 9996 or visit www.novaseniorolympics.com.
Alzheimer's Family Day Center, located at 2812 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, hosts various classes. Reservations are required, and classes are open to people who are caring for a relative or friend with dementia. For more, call 703-204-4664 or visit www.alzheimersfdc.org/classes.htm.
King of Kings Lutheran Church, 4025 Kings Way, Fairfax, will conduct a support group for loved ones with Alzheimer's on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Call toll-free 1-866-272-3900 or visit www.alz-nca.org/fs/supgrpid.php. Support groups are subject to change, so please contact the Alzheimer's Association prior to attending for the first time to verify date, time and location.
The Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area offers the following support group opportunities:
* 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. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. Co-leaders are Bill Robbins 703-830-3823 and Darryl Edwards 703-378-9213. Visit www.parkinsonstories.com.
* 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 Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members, and carepartners. No charge. 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 Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members and carepartners. Call Michel Margosis at 703-569-2630 or Mitch Mills at 703-913-0270.
* 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. Call the LRG Senior Center at 703-503-8703.
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, and have fun. Call 703-208-5623 for details. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.