Health and fitness

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. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.

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.

Exhibitors wanted: Exhibitors are wanted for a Health, Wellness and Fitness Expo from 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. Those interested in setting up a free booth can contact Shannon Galton at sgalton@vapld.info or (847) 634-3650 ext. 137.

Aqua Arthritis Classes: Held weekly, Buffalo Grove Fitness Center, 601 W. Deerfield Parkway, Buffalo Grove. Designed to loosen joints and relieve some of the pain associated with arthritis. Non-Member registration available. Call at (847) 353-7500

Fitness membership sale: Offered by the Mount Prospect Park District. Purchase a one-year All-Facility Plus, All Facility, Fitness Center Plus or Fitness Center membership and save $50 off regular fees. Choice of two state-of-the-art fitness centers. Offer is good through Jan. 15. For details, visit mppd.org.

Wheeling Chapter of T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): Meets 5:30-7 p.m., Mondays; AMVETS Phillip Carpenter Post 66, 700 McHenry Road, Wheeling. Visit tops.org or call (847) 37-8666.

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 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.

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) 352-6708

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

Streamwood Jazzercise: 550 S. Park Blvd., Streamwood. For information or to register, contact Jeaneen at jeaneenjazz@sbcglobal.net or call (847) 584-1969.

Hoffman Estates Jazzercise: 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. For information or to register, contact Jeaneen at jeaneenjazz@sbcglobal.net or call (847) 584-1969.

Jan. 8

Water Walkers Club: 9-10 a.m. Thursdays, Jan. 8-March 20, Splash Central, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. No-impact way to strengthen your body and a good cross-training alternative from walking on land. Water weights and water noodles provided. Adults. $35-$50.

NAMI Elk Grove-Schaumburg Family Support group: 6:45-8:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Kenneth Young Center, 1101 Rohlwing Road, Elk Grove Village. For any family member, friend or loved one of an adult over 18 with severe mental illness. (630) 302-2530.

BACOA Low Vision group: 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Lake Barrington Woods, 22320 Classic Court, Lake Barrington. Education and support group's 2009 planning meeting. Open to all ages, transportation available via PACE, Call PACE at (800) 273-5939 for travel reservations. For group information, call the BACOA at (847) 381-5030.

Bellydancercise: 7:15-8:15 p.m., Thursdays, starting Jan. 8; The Wellness Center, 900 W Central Ave., Arlington Heights. Uses belly dance to help students achieve tone, balance, posture awareness and strength. Call (847) 618-3513 or nch.org/wellness to register.

Eating for the New Year: 7-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8; Elite Athletic Development, 12 W College Drive, Arlington Heights. Learn if stress dictates food choices, carbohydrates expand waistlines, protein satisfies hunger cravings, or other nutritional topics. Call (847) 394-8110 to R.S.V.P. or visit eliteathletic.com.

Nutrition on the Brain: 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton. Dietitian and nutritionist Tom Jordan discusses the effects of nutrition on our brain. Other topics include diet, moods, and energy levels at this free program. Register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.

Jan. 10

LesMills Bodypump class preview: Saturday, Jan 10; Monday, Jan. 26 or Saturday, Jan. 31, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Free preview of the new LesMills Bodypump classes. New class is a 60-minute workout that burns up to 600 calories per class, improves strength and bone density while toning muscles. Actual class runs for eight weeks from Feb. 2-March 28. $80-$100. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

Hot Yoga: 9:15-10:30 a.m., Saturdays, starting Jan. 10; The Wellness Center, 900 W Central Ave., Arlington Heights. Practice yoga in a heated studio. Call (847) 618-3513 or nch.org/wellness to register.

Enhance relaxation and well-being: 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 10, South Barrington board room, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Through inhalation or application of therapeutic-grade essential oils from aromatic plants, learn how to enhance relaxation and well-being. $25-$35. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Sibsensations program: 9-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10; Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Yacktman Children's Pavilion, 1675 Dempster St., Park Ridge, in Room Y2109 (second floor). Program designed specifically for brothers and sisters of children with special needs; focuses on working with healthy siblings of children with developmental and physical disabilities, offering them a chance to meet other kids whose brothers and sisters have special needs and to share common joys and concerns. Cost is $10 for each session/$5 for each additional family member. To register, call Kathryn Smart at (847) 723-9484 or e-mail Kathryn.Smart@advocatehealth.com.

Jan. 11

YMCA Nutrition class: 6-6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, Campanelli YMCA, 300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg. Six week nutrition class teaches participants about portion sizes, healthy meal preparation, food labels, calories, more. $36-$71. Must register before Jan. 11. (847) 891-9622 or campanelliymca.org.

Catholic Charities LOSS program meets: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, Catholic Charities Northwest office, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines. For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. (847) 376-2118.

Jan. 12

Fitness Kickboxing: 7-8 p.m., Mondays or Wednesdays, Jan. 12-March 18 or 9-10 a.m., Saturdays, Jan. 17-March 21; Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Open to ages 16 and older. This non-contact program combines the basics of punching, kicking and boxing into exercise routines. Residents, $85; nonresidents $105. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.org

Women's self-defense course: 5-6:15 p.m. Monday's Jan. 12-March 2, South Barrington aerobic studio, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Interactive self-defense course designed to educate women on surviving an attack, physically and psychologically. Ages over 13. $88-$105. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Jan. 13

Boot Camp classes: 6:15-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursdays and 8-8:45 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 13-Feb. 21, Campanelli YMCA, 300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg. Includes weight and physical performance assessments, nutritional information, health and fitness tips and information, goal setting with certified trainer at the conclusion of the session. $149-$175. Sheila, (847) 891-9622.

Women's self-defense course: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Tuesdays Jan. 13-March 3, South Barrington aerobic studio, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Interactive self-defense course designed to educate women on surviving an attack, physically and psychologically. Ages over 13. $88-$105. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Jan. 14

Diabetes Support Group: 1:30-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, Schaumburg Township, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Guest Speaker diabetes educator and nutritionist Donna George will discuss general nutritional guidelines for people with diabetes. Refreshments served. RSVP to Bonnie at (847) 884-0030, ext. 2022.

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.

Boot Camp Demo: 6:15-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, Campanelli YMCA, 300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg. Free boot camp class demo. (847) 891-9622.4

"Physical Therapy-Leading to Injury-Free Wellness": 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15; Stay Fit Physical Therapy & Core Wellness, Inc., 127 W Prospect Ave., Mount Prospect. Stay Fit kicks off their 2009 Lecture Series with its founder, Diana Sahakian, MS, MPT, speaking on the important role physical therapy plays in leading to injury-free wellness and tools for self-improvement. Free. To register, e-mail rsvp@stayfitpt.com. Or call (847) 255-2348 or visit stayfitpt.com

Jan. 16

Women's self-defense course: 5:30-6:45 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 16-March 6, South Barrington aerobic studio, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Interactive self-defense course designed to educate women on surviving an attack, physically and psychologically. Ages over 13. $88-$105. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Zumba Fundraiser: 7-8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16; Buffalo Grove Fitness Center, 601 W. Deerfield Parkway. $15 donation required to Cancer Wellness. Call (847) 353-7501

Jan. 18

60-Second Technique that Stops Food Cravings: Noon-2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18; Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Emotional Freedom Technique is a combination of mental focusing and acupressure. Limited to 25 participants. Bring a bag lunch. (847) 255-8700, ext. 230

"Family Yoga": 3:15-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18; Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal, Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Open to ages kindergarten and older. For details, or to R.S.V.P., call (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org

Jan. 19

"Youth Fitness and Fun": 1-2:15 p.m., Monday, Jan. 19; Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal, Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Sack races, soccer and more. Open to children 6-9 years old. For details, or to R.S.V.P., call (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

Jan. 21

Catholic Charities LOSS program meets: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. (847) 376-2118.

Why Weight?: 1:30-2:20 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 21-March 11, South Barrington board room, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Participants lean how to choose healthy foods to lose weight and keep it off. Weight-ins are confidential and given with praise, encouragement and rewards. Basic nutrition and diet planning discussed. $39-$49. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Ostomy Association of Greater Chicago: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21; The Sunrise Assisted Living Center, 1725 Ballard Road, Park Ridge. Election of officers for 2009 is scheduled. Visit uoachicago.org.

Tai Chi: Beginning Tai Chi meets 6:30-8 p.m., Jan. 21-April 1; residents, $60/nonresidents, $72. Continuing Tai Chi meets 8:15-9:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 21-April 1; residents, $60/nonresidents, $72. Intermediate Tai Chi meets 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 22-April 2; residents, $70/nonresidents, $105. All classes meet at the Prairie Lakes Community Center. 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.org

Jan. 24

Parkinson's disease education group: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, Performing Arts Center at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Paula Weiner, community outreach manager for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation will speak. Open to Parkinson's disease patients and their family members. To register, call Penny, (847) 381-5030.

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.

"Building Rapport with Difficult Individuals": 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25; Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal, Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Covers techniques in building instant rapport with individuals suffering from anxiety and/or emotional distress. For details, or to R.S.V.P., call (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

"What Pilates Can Do For You": 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 25; Buffalo Grove Fitness Center, 601 W. Deerfield Pkwy., Buffalo Grove. Presented by Vered Arbel. For details and reservations, call (847) 353-7501 or visit bgfitnesscenter.com.

Jan. 26

"Ten Most Common Mistakes Good Parents Make": 7:30-9 p.m., Monday, Jan. 26; Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal, Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Discussion of most common mistakes made by good parents and common sense solutions for fixing them. For details, or to R.S.V.P., call (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

"Sports Injuries": 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 26; Buffalo Grove Fitness Center, 601 W. Deerfield Pkwy., Buffalo Grove. Presented by Dr. Jason Hui. For details and reservations, call (847) 353-7501 or visit bgfitnesscenter.com.

Jan. 27

Laughter and Its Benefits: 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Learn how a little laughter can bring benefits with Certified Laughter Leader, Om Johari. To register, call or visit the Information Desk, (847) 259-3500 ext. 35, or visit phpl.info

"Laughter is the Best Medicine": Noon, Tuesday, Jan. 27; Buffalo Grove Fitness Center, 601 W. Deerfield Pkwy., Buffalo Grove. Caryl Derenfeld of Learned Conversations will discuss how laughter makes you feel, and share some scientific studies on the subject. For details and to reserve free space, call (847) 353-7501 or visit bgfitnesscenter.com.

Planning Asperger Syndrome Success and Generating Experiences: 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27; Plaza Office Park, 121 S. Wilke Road, Arlington Heights. All teens and adults with Asperger Syndrome and Non-Verbal Learning Disability, parents, professionals, and interested community members are invited. Group is designed to help teens and young adults with Asperger Syndrome and Non-Verbal Learning Disability successfully transition to the adult world. Guest speaker will be Jody Quirk from Division of Rehab Services. For details, call (847) 524-1089; e-mail pehedonna@yahoo.com; call (847) 923-7173 or e-mail DDudasik@aol.com.

Jan. 28

Cholesterol and glucose checks: 6-10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28; Buffalo Grove Fitness Center, 601 W. Deerfield Pkwy, Buffalo Grove. Offered through Northwest Community Hospital. Fasting is required. Cholesterol screen is $25 and includes the Lipid Panel: HDL, LDL and Triglycerides. The $21 glucose screening is $21. Results provided on the spot. For details and to schedule your appointment, call (847) 353-7501 or visit bgfitnesscenter.com.

Jan. 29

Fibromyalgia Support Group: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, Schaumburg Township, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Education, tips and networking to help control symptoms. Sponsored by Arthritis Foundation. Free. (847) 895-9596.

Feb. 2

LesMills BodyPump class: Feb. 2-March 28, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Sixty-minute workout that challenges all major muscle groups using the best weight room exercises. Burn 600 calories per class, improve strength and bone density and tone muscle. $80-$100. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

Feb. 21

Roselle Park District Fitness Center open house: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. use the fitness center for the afternoon. refreshments, health screenings, chair massages, blood pressure readings and body fat analyses available to current and prospective members. (630) 894-4200

Feb. 23

Arthritis Foundation Plus: 2:15-3 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Feb. 23-April 16, South Barrington indoor pool, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Use the water's resistance to improve the mobility of your joints, while relieving some of the pain commonly associated with arthritis. $40 per session. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Feb. 24

Arthritis Foundation Plus: 5:30-6:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 24-April 14, South Barrington indoor pool, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Use the water's resistance to improve the mobility of your joints, while relieving some of the pain commonly associated with arthritis. $20 per session. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

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.