Cancer Wellness Center notes

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

Breast Friends: Breast Friends is an activity-based group of breast cancer survivors. Join together to create beaded bracelets from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Some materials and instruction will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own beads.

Managing Radiation Side Effects: Donna Krickl, R.N., M.S., A.O.C.N., clinical oncology nurse specialist at Rush North Shore Medical Center, will discuss radiation side effects from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Radiation can cause side effects that affect the body from head to toe. Come learn techniques to manage side effects caused by radiation, such as fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, hair loss and dry mouth.

Laughter Yoga: Chris Graf, certified laughter yoga leader, will tell how laughter can improve your health from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 15.

Learn the laughter practices of yoga breathing, playful exercise and laughter. Appropriate for all levels. Please wear comfortable clothes.

Qigong: Learn the five basic routines of Soaring Crane Qigong (pronounced "chee gong") from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. These routines combine the graceful movements of the crane, the 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 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 function. 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.

Discussion Group for Mortals: This group discusses, in a supportive environment, end-of-life issues through the use of articles, books and films. The purpose of the group is to broaden our understanding of ways to face one of life's greatest mysteries. Contact Kim Matthews, L.C.P.C. at (847) 509-9595.

Meditation: Enjoy twenty minutes of restorative yoga postures as a preparation for 30 minutes of guided meditation from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Mondays. Explore the benefits of meditation for the first time or deepen your existing practice. Wear comfortable clothing. There are no classes on Dec. 24 and 31.

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, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Please call Deborah Kronenberger before registering for this group at (847) 562-4982.

Women's Spirituality Group: This continuous group will explore spirituality through meditation, discussion and the creative process from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Call Deborah Kronenberger before registering for this group at (847) 562-4982.

Men's Networking Group: This is for significant others only and meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month. Drop in group.