Northwest suburban health & fitness calendar

Events that focus on physical and mental health, well-being and fitness, including runs, walks, exercise events, classes, health screenings, mental health screenings and support information, support groups starting up, Deadline is two weeks before event date.

Oct. 23

Raising your self-esteem: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Relationship Solutions Center, 1320 Tower Road, Schaumburg. Free seminar. Learn helpful strategies for raising self-esteem. (847) 598-3553. relationshipsolutionscenter.net.

Preventing and Treating Childhood Obesity: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, St. Alexius Medical Center, St. Michaels Conference Center, 1555 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates. Registered dietitian Kathy Wingert discusses ways to prevent obesity for your child as well s the challenges obesity leads to. Free, registration suggested. (866) ALEXIAN.

Staying Safe in Today's World: 1:30-3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Buffalo Grove. Police Officers address safety issues concerning seniors and their families. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Oct. 24

NAMI Elk Grove -Schaumburg Connections group: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Alexian Brothers Behavior Hospital, 1650 Moon Lake Dr., Hoffman Estates. An opportunity for people with any mental illness to connect with others and learn how best to cope and find recovery. Carol (847) 352-6708.

Oct. 25

BACOA Parkinson's group: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Eastlake dining room at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. For Parkinson's disease patients and their family members, who wish to learn more about the disease. For information or to register, call Penny at (847) 381-5030.

Life Changes Disabilities Expo: doors open 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Hanover Township Senior Services Center, 240 S. Route 59, Bartlett. Hanover Township Mental Health board co-sponsors this all day expo for persons with disabilities and their family members. Support and information, keynote speakers, workshops, more. Free. For information, call Danise (630) 837-0301 or dhabun@hanover-township.org.

Diabetes Day of Hope: 7:15 a.m. registration Saturday, Oct. 25, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Sponsored by the American Association of Diabetes Educators, the event features life-survival skills needed to improve quality of life and prevent the complications of diabetes. Classes, vendor displays, more. diabetesdayofhope.com.

Patient appreciation day: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 25, Harris Chiropractic, 6602 Barrington Road, suite C, Hanover Park. HanoverParkChiropractor.com or call (630) 483-7246.

Wahls of Wellness fundraiser: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25; 3375 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite A, Arlington Heights. Benefits Home of the Sparrow. Free health assessments, massages, weight loss workshop, etc. (847) 392-7901.

American Red Cross open house: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25; 544 W. Northwest Hwy., Arlington Heights. Kids learn about safety issues; adults and seniors learn how to deal with emergency situations and volunteer opportunities. (847) 255-0703.

Oct. 26

Diwali Festival: 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26; Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Yoga demonstration in the large meeting room, following a drop-in craft and henna tattoos in the front room, and end with a tasting of traditional Indian food. For details, or to register, visit indiantrailslibrary.org or call (847) 459-4100.

Barrington Breakfast Rotary Trick or Treat Trot: 8 a.m., start time, Sunday, Oct. 26, Harris Bank, 201 S. Grove, Barrington. 5K run; 2K Spooky stroll; 100 yard dash for kids. Participants are encouraged to join the Halloween fun and come in costume. Benefits school and community programs. For information visit barringtonbreakfastrotary.org. To register, signmeup.com/60880 or register the day of event beginning at 7 a.m.

Oct. 27

Pilates for ages 16 and older: Noon-12:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 10-11 a.m. or 6:40-7:40 p.m. Tuesdays and 10-11 a.m., 6:30-7:30, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Classes run Oct. 27-Dec. 18 at the Prairie Lakes Community Center. There is a $10 discount for anyone who signs up for two Pilates classes in the same session; $20 discount for three Pilates classes in the same session. For details, or to register, call (847) 391-5711 or visit desplainesparks.org

Oct. 28

Grief to Hope: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights. Center for Loss and Hope at Hospice of Northeastern Illinois and Catholic Charities host this drop-in group to help those dealing with the death of a loved one. (847) 381-5599.

Insurance and Finances for cancer patients: 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28; Lutheran General Hospital Center for Advanced Care, 1700 Luther Lane, Park Ridge. Includes information on navigating the insurance industry with tips on how to use financial assets wisely. To register, call (800) 323-8622; mention code: 8C32.

Body Training Systems Group Step preview: 6:05-7:05 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Midtown Athletic Club, 1760 N. Hicks Road, Palatine. Come learn about the new Body Training Systems fall group fitness classes being offered. Registration required, call (847) 991-4646 or midtown.com/palatine-forestgrove.

Cancer educational series: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital's Center for Advanced Care, 1700 Luther Lane, Park Ridge. Insurance and finances to help navigate the insurance industry with tips on how to use financial assets wisely. Register at (800) 323-8622; mention code: 8C32.

Oct. 30

Adult loss: 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3; Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview. Grief support group meets for eight weeks and is free to the general public. Call (800) 331-5484 to register. Registration deadline is Oct. 30.

Spouse Loss: 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, 6:30-8 p.m. or 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5; Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview. Grief support group meets for eight weeks and is free to the general public. Call (800) 331-5484 to register. Registration deadline is Oct. 30.

Oct. 31

NAMI Elk Grove -Schaumburg Connections group: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Alexian Brothers Behavior Hospital, 1650 Moon Lake Dr., Hoffman Estates. An opportunity for people with any mental illness to connect with others and learn how best to cope and find recovery. Carol (847) 352-6708.

Nov. 1

Body Training Systems Group Step preview: 6:05-7:05 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, Midtown Athletic Club, 1760 N. Hicks Road, Palatine. Come learn about the new Body Training Systems fall group fitness classes being offered. Registration required, call (847) 991-4646 or midtown.com/palatine-forestgrove.

Retreat day: Saturday, Nov. 1, The Center, 801 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Retreat day for women and men who are aware that they have reached the age of wisdom. $40, bring a lunch, dessert. Ruth, (630) 837-7486.

Nov. 3

Grief support Adult Loss: 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays beginning Nov. 3 for eight weeks, Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview. Register at (800) 331-5484 at least four business days in advance.

Grief support Spouse Loss: 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays beginning Nov. 3 for eight weeks, Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview. Register at (800) 331-5484 at least four business days in advance.

Yoga classes: Beginning Yoga, 6-7 p.m. Mondays; All Levels Yoga, 7:15-8:15 p.m. Mondays or 9-10 a.m. Saturdays, Nov. 3 through Dec. 20; Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines. Open to ages 16 and older. Call (847) 391-5711 or visit desplainesparks.org

Nov. 4

Jewish Adult Loss: 10-11:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 7; Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview. Grief support group meets for eight weeks and is free to the general public. Call (800) 331-5484 to register. Registration deadline is Nov. 4

Nov. 5

Free blood pressure screening: 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 5, Patient Resource Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, 8820 W. Dempster St., Niles. The Senior Advocate of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital offers free blood pressure screenings on the first Wednesday of every month. No appointment necessary. For information, call (847) 723-7277.

Grief support Spouse Loss: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays beginning Nov. 5 for eight weeks, Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview. Register at (800) 331-5484 at least four business days in advance.

Diabetes seminar: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road. Joy Balmeceda talks about the cause of diabetes, complications and prevention. Snack and beverages provided. Free, open to the public. Register at (630) 213-0100.

Nov. 6

Know More Feel Better: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, St. Alexius Medical Center, 1555 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates, in the St. Michaels Conference Center. Lecture covers various causes and treatment options for those suffering from back pain. Free. Advance registration to (866) ALEXIAN.

Nov. 7

Grief support Jewish Adult Loss: 10-11:30 a.m. Fridays beginning Nov. 7 for eight weeks, Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview. Register at (800) 331-5484 at least four business days in advance.

Nov. 8

Smart and Healthy Nutrition series: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, Alfred Campanelli YMCA, 300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg. First class in a monthly series. Topic is "Healthy Snacks for Your Kids." Hands-on participatory class for parents and their children. $17; $34 nonmembers; $32 families; $64 family nonmembers. Shelia (847) 891-9622.

Fitness Center grand opening: 10 a.m.-Noon Saturday, Nov. 8, Palatine Park District Fitness Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Personal training staff on hand, equipment demos, give-a-ways. (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org/fitnesscenter.

Nov. 11

New Approach to Autism-Spectrum Disorders: 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11; Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Dr. Elena Koles, MD, Ph.D. will be discussing Autism Spectrum Disorders and Post Vaccination. She will describe a combination of Western holistic methods of treatment with European homeopathy as well as Chinese acupuncture as a basis of treatment plans. For details, or to register, visit indiantrailslibrary.org or call (847) 459-4100.

Nov. 13

Strong, healthy bones: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road. Registered dietitian Donna Zolecki presents a nutrition seminar on "Strong Healthy Bones." Free, open to the public. Register at (630) 213-0100.

Nov. 15

NAMI Connection facilitator training: Nov. 14-16, Courtyard Marriott, Naperville. Recovering consumers with an interest in helping other local consumers with support on a weekly basis are invited to attend. Call Carol at (847) 352-6708.

Spa day at The Center: Saturday, Nov. 15, The Center, 801 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. $60. For appointments, call Ruth (630) 837-7486.

Nov. 17

Drumming Circle: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road. Registered music therapist Rita Lopienski presents "Drumming Circles-The Rhythm of Life." Learn the history and culture of exotic drums from around the world and experience how playing these drums releases stress, promotes creativity and self-expression. Instruments provided. All ages welcome. Free. To register, call (630) 213-0100.

Nov. 19

National Alliance of Mental Illness family group: Meets 7-9 p.m. Nov. 19, Hanover Township, Downey Hall, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett. For those afflicted with biological brain disorders, their families and loved ones. (630) 736-2823.

Nov. 20

Alzheimer's Association Support group: Meets 1-3 p.m. Nov. 20, Eastlake dining room at the Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Sponsored by the Barrington Area Council on Aging, the group provides education, speakers and support for families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Call (847) 381-5030 to register.

NAMI Elk Grove/Schaumburg: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 20, Hanover Park Branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library, 1266 Irving Park Road, Hanover Park. Support group for people who have a family member of friend with mental illness. For information, call (630) 529-3037 or (630) 302-2530.

Heart and stroke risk assessment: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road. Community health nurse Trish Simon leads the assessment, screening information available, light refreshments. Free, open to the public. To register, (630) 213-0100.

Nov. 22

Yoga and Yogurt for Teens: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22; Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. An hour of yoga for high school students followed by some yogurt smoothies. For details, or to register, visit indiantrailslibrary.org or call (847) 459-4100.

Nov. 29

Indoor Sprint Triathlon: Nov. 29, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Schaumburg Park District host this indoor Sprint Triathlon which includes 10-minute swim, 15-minute bike ride and 15-minute run. Space is limited. $27, residents; $37 nonresidents. Part of the Midwest Indoor Sprint Triathlon Series with the Bartlett and Hoffman Estates park districts. For information or to register, www.parkfun.com or (847) 490-7015.

Dec. 2

Feed Your Frame: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, St. Alexius Medical Center, 1555 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates, in the St. Michaels Conference Center on four west. Learn what nutrients can help keep your bones strong from registered dietitian Laura Basset. Free. To register, (866) ALEXIAN.

Dec. 3

Free blood pressure screening: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 3, Patient Resource Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, 8820 W. Dempster St., Niles. The Senior Advocate of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital offers free blood pressure screenings on the first Wednesday of every month. No appointment necessary. For information, call (847) 723-7277.

Dec. 6

5K Chilly Chili Race: 10 a.m. Dec. 6, Schaumburg Golf Club. 5K run and warmup after with a chili lunch. $29 before Nov. 30; $32 day of race. (847) 490-7015 or parkfun.com.

Dec. 18

NAMI Elk Grove/Schaumburg: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 18, Hanover Park Branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library, 1266 Irving Park Road, Hanover Park. Support group for people who have a family member of friend with mental illness. For information, call (630) 529-3037 or (630) 302-2530.

Dec. 17

National Alliance of Mental Illness family group: Meets 7-9 p.m. Dec. 17, Hanover Township, Downey Hall, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett. For those afflicted with biological brain disorders, their families and loved ones. (630) 736-2823.

Dec. 18

Alzheimer's Association Support group: Meets 1-3 p.m. Dec. 18, Eastlake dining room at the Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Sponsored by the Barrington Area Council on Aging, the group provides education, speakers and support for families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Call (847) 381-5030 to register.

Jan. 1

Free blood pressure screening: 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 1, Patient Resource Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, 8820 W. Dempster St., Niles. The Senior Advocate of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital offers free blood pressure screenings on the first Wednesday of every month. No appointment necessary. For information, call (847) 723-7277.

Jan. 15

Alzheimer's Association Support group: Meets 1-3 p.m. Jan. 15, Eastlake dining room at the Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Sponsored by the Barrington Area Council on Aging, the group provides education, speakers and support for families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Call (847) 381-5030 to register.

Jan. 25

Health, Wellness and Fitness Expo: Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Local health, fitness and wellness organizations will be at the library to share key factors in leading a healthy life, featuring displays, chair massages, blood pressure checks, health screenings, food samples, a healthy foods cooking demo and an appearance from Chicago Bears official team mascot Staley da Bear. For infomation, e-mail sgalton@vapld.info or call (847) 634-3650 ext. 137.

Walkers club: The Arlington Heights Walkers Club, from the Arlington Heights Senior Center, invites walkers to join them during business hours Monday-Saturday at 1801 E. Central Road, Arlington Heights. The club is co-sponsored by Northwest Community Hospital's Healthy Aging/Senior Services. For information, (847) 253-5532.

Smoke Free Solutions: Dates vary. Hosted by DuPage County Health Department, 7-week smoking cessation program. Free. Classes held throughout DuPage County. Call Janet (630) 682-7400, Ext. 7044.

Drop-in Grief Support Group: Noon-1:30 p.m.; Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview. Grief support group is free to the general public. Call (800) 331-5484

National Alliance on Mental Illness: Support group for persons over 18 with any form of mental illness meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at Alexian Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights. (847) 899-0195.

National Alliance on Mental Illness: A support group for people who have a family member or friend with mental illness meets from 7-9 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at the Hanover Park Branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library, 1266 Irving Park Road, Hanover Park. For information, (630) 529-3037 or (630) 302-2530.

National Alliance on Mental Illness: A support group for people who have a family member or friend with mental illness meets from 7-9 p.m. every second Thursday of the month at Kenneth Young Center, 1001 Rohlwing Road, Elk Grove Village. For information, (630) 529-3037 or (630) 302-2530.

Grief to Hope Group: 9:30-11 a.m., fourth Tuesday of the month; Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 West Central Road. The Center for Loss and Hope at Hospice of Northeastern Illinois offers regular drop-in groups to help those dealing with the death of a loved one. To register or for more information on the groups or Hospice of Northeastern Illinois' Center for Loss and Hope, call (847) 381-5599, or e-mail nbillman@HospiceAnswers.org.

Mourning to Meaning: Meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month, at Hospice of Northeastern Illinois Crystal Lake workstation, 390 East Congress Parkway, Suite E in Crystal Lake. To register or for more information on hospice groups or Hospice of Northeastern Illinois' Center for Loss and Hope, call (847) 381-5599, or e-mail nbillman@HospiceAnswers.org.

Cardiovision system: New cardio equipment and six 32" flat panel televisions offered at the Health Club at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. The Cardiovision system allows members to plug in their headsets and tune their cardio machine's receiver to one of six stations in the club. The four treadmills currently have TV screens built into the machines and allow members to choose any station. The club is open 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

NAMI Elk Grove -Schaumburg Connections group: 7-9 p.m. Fridays, Alexian Brothers Behavior Hospital, 1650 Moon Lake Dr., Hoffman Estates. An opportunity for people with any mental illness to connect with others and learn how best to cope and find recovery. Carol (847) 352-670

Palatine Jazzercise: 1294 E. Dundee Road, Palatine. For class schedule, visit smbjazz.com or call (773) 227-7167.