Cancer Wellness Center notes

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

Companion Healing Pets: Come learn about Bon Ami Foundation, a nonprofit organization that empowers cancer survivors to survive and thrive, and understand the health benefits of a pet companion at 10 a.m. Jan. 19.

Ask The Claims Expert: Sign up for a private half-hour session with Susan Loeb of Your Benefits Advocate. Sessions are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jan. 17 or Feb. 21. Loeb is a professional who can help decipher your medical/disability coverage or solve one problem you're experiencing with your coverage and insurance. Call the center to reserve a slot. Visit www.yourbenefitsadvocate.com for more information about YBA.

BRCA Genes and Insurance -- Myths and Realities: Staff from the ENH Center for Medical Genetics will facilitate an interactive discussion about insurance issues pertaining to hereditary cancers from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 24. Survivors and family members are welcome to attend.

Supported in part by Dominick's Finer Foods.

Strength for Caring -- Support the Caregiver: Linda Green, R.N., M.S., A.O.C.N. and Kimberly Matthews, M.A., L.C.P.C. discuss the emotional impact of caring for a loved one, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 26. They will also cover managing treatment side effects, stress management strategies and identifying relevant community resources. Open to anyone involved in physical or emotional cancer caregiving for a family member or friend. Lunch is provided.

Talking to Your Kids About Cancer: Stuart Pinkwater, Psy.D. will present an educational evening where parents can learn how to communicate with their children around the cancer experience, from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 28 and 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4.

Managing Medical Paperwork: Come for an informational session on how to handle your medical paperwork and insurance problems from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 30.

Self Hypnosis for Relaxation: James Schadewald IV, M.A. shows how to explore the health benefits of relaxation and hypnosis. This didactic experience will provide participants with relevant research and introduce the skills needed to start a self-hypnosis/relaxation routine.

Introduction to Self Hypnosis for Relaxation is from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 31.

Advanced Self Hypnosis for Relaxation is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

Breast Friends: Janie Baskin will lead the Breast Friends meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 2.

Breast Friends is an activity-based group where breast cancer survivors will decorate containers and vases. Some materials and instruction will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their flower vases, glass juice bottles or jars.Call to register.

Evening of Survivorship: The ENH LIFE Program and the Cancer Wellness Center join hands for an evening of interactive discussions and demonstrations from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Survivorship topics include "Tired of Not Sleeping," "The New Normal: Transitions with Family, Friends, and Work," "Coping with Cognitive Changes: Is it Chemobrain?" "Stress Reduction Techniques" and "Food Facts and Myths for Survivors." A light meal and dessert will be served.

Day of Restoration for Caregivers: Spend a few hours rejuvenating your body, mind and spirit from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16. Return to caregiving feeling restored, replenished and energized. Lunch will be served. Please wear comfortable clothing.

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.

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 20 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.

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.

bull; The Cancer Wellness Center is at 215 Revere Drive, Northbrook.