Cancer Wellness Center notes

All programs are free unless otherwise indicated. To register, call (847) 509-9595.

Spirituality Discussion Group: This continuous group explores spirituality through discussion of personal experience, readings, film, guest speakers, experiential outings and meditation 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 6, 20 and 27 and Oct. 11, 18 and 25. Facilitated by Deborah Kronenberger, M.A., clinical associate

Meditation at the Botanic Garden: Join us for a meditation and short discussion from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 7 and Oct. 5 at our local nature retreat, the Chicago Botanic Garden on Lake-Cook Road, just east of the Edens Expressway. Meeting place will be given upon R.S.V.P. Parking fee for nongarden members. Facilitated by Kimberly Matthews, L.C.P.C.

Spinal Alignment and Energies: Liz DeBruler, R.Y.T., shows how to explore your potential for creating healthier alignment using playful asana (postures) and focused pranayama (breathing) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6.

Discover what Kundalini energy is and how it affects you. This yoga practice can be done in a chair and is appropriate for all levels. Wear comfortable clothes.

Strength for Caring: Presenters Linda Green, R.N., M.S., A.O.C.N. and Kimberly Matthews, M.A., L.C.P.C. will discuss "Supporting the Caregiver" from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 15. Topics of discussion will include the emotional impact of caring for a loved one, managing treatment side effects, stress management strategies and identifying relevant community resources. Participants will be provided the opportunity to discuss common issues in a small group setting. Open to anyone involved in physical or emotional cancer caregiving for a family member or friend. Lunch is provided.

Sound and Vibrational Healing: Sound healing is an ancient technique. In this workshop a vibrational environment created by crystal bowl, voice and the Australian didjeridoo will help reduce stress, promote deep relaxation and support the natural healing process. Marian McNair of Cellular Harmonies from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 19. Sessions with Karl Sacksteder of Shamandidj Harmonics 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18.

Breast and Ovarian Cancer, the BRCA Genes: Dr. Wendy Rubinstein, Medical Director of the ENH Center for Medical Genetics, and members of the Cancer Wellness Center staff will discuss "What Do Breast and Ovarian Cancer Mean to My Family and Me?" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27.

This is an interactive discussion about issues pertaining to hereditary cancers. Survivors and family members are welcome.

Healthy Lifestyle Program: A five-week wellness program that includes an experiential approach to the healing powers of food, improving our mental health, stress management, and an exercise component that will focus on restoring, energizing and building the body will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 2-30. Faciliators are Pamela Holtzman R.N., L.C.S.W. and Karen Raden R.D., L.D., C.C.N.

Relax and Restore: Relax and restore in a gentle yoga and mediation class that will deepen your existing practice or introduce how yoga and meditation can make a difference from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. Facilitated by Ceily Levy, Director of Avani Yoga at Highland Park Hospital Health and Fitness. This practice can be done in a chair and is appropriate for all levels. Wear comfortable clothes.

Breast Friends: Breast Friends is an activity-based group for people diagnosed with breast cancer. Join us to make a beautiful bouquet of paper flowers honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 13. Snacks will be provided. Program offered at no charge.

Fall Women's Retreat: "A Retreat of Courage and Comfort" will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3. Facilitators are Pamela Holtzman, R.N., L.C.P.C. and Deborah Kronenberger, M.A., Clinical Associate. Light lunch will be provided.

Qigong: Learn the five basic routines of Soaring Crane Qigong. Qigong (pronounced "chee gong") from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. These routines combine the graceful movements of the crane, energy work of acupuncture, and meditation exercises to balance the body, alleviate stress, and improve health. All ages and levels of experience welcome. Facilitated by Stephen Bonzak, L.Ac.

T'ai Chi Chih: Beginner T'ai Chi Chih Classes are from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Intermediate Classes are from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays. First time participants of T'ai Chi Chih may attend an orientation on the first Wednesday of each month from 12:30 to 1 p.m. No registration required. Donna McElhose, A.T.T.C.

Writing for Health: Stuart Pinkwater, Psy.D. hosts Writing for Health from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Research demonstrates that writing about illness and other traumatic experiences helps us decrease the effects of stress and supports immune system functioning. No previous writing experience required.

Introduction to the Cancer Wellness Center: An orientation to the Cancer Wellness Center and its programs is held Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon and is facilitated by the center's co-founder Patsy Winicour. No registration required. The class is available for cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Introductory group: The Introductory Group provides program and support group orientation. Contact the center to learn more about this opportunity and to schedule attendance.