JAMESCARE FOR LIFE CLASSES LISTED

As part of its supportive cancer care program offerings, JamesCare for Life will present several free classes for adult cancer survivors in the weeks ahead. Registration is required for each by calling 293-6428. Here’s a list:            

The Victory Choir – Wednesdays, March 31- May 26, 6:30-8 p.m., Weigel Hall, 1866 College Road. Participants will learn techniques to strengthen their vocal cords and lungs and deepen their breathing as they join voices with other survivors. No experience or singing ability is required. This group will culminate in a short performance on May 28, in which participants may choose to participate. Sign up at any time in the series.

Aquatic Exercise – Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 1-June 17, 10-11 a.m., YMCA of Central Ohio, 130 Woodland Ave. Aquatic exercise offers cancer survivors a comfortable introduction to body movement that can enhance well-being by reducing edema, increasing range of motion, reducing pain, decreasing stress and promoting relaxation. A certified swimming instructor will lead these sessions.

Healthy Steps™ (previously called Lebed) – Thursdays, April 1-June 24 (no class April 8, April 15 or June 17), 3-4 p.m., OSU Eye & Ear Institute, 915 Olentangy River Road. Healthy Steps™ consists of rejuvenating stretches and slow, smooth movements to help rehabilitate the body safely and effectively. The simple exercise routines are designed to relieve pain, combat fatigue, enhance balance and aid in managing lymphedema. All participants will benefit, regardless of their fitness level. Laura Mainzer, PTA, oncology and lymphedema specialist, will lead this series. Supplies will be provided. Comfortable dress is recommended. Sign up at any time.

Survivorship 101: Spirituality and Cancer – Thursday, April 8, 5:30-7 p.m., University Hospital East, Wallace Auditorium. Many cancer survivors rely on spiritual or religious beliefs and practices to help them cope with their disease. Serious illnesses may cause some to doubt their beliefs or religious values, leading to spiritual distress. Anyone with questions about spirituality or raising the topic of spiritual concerns with doctors and others may find this class helpful. Chaplain Joan Maynard will lead a discussion on cancer and spirituality and its impact on health, quality of life and coping.

Colorectal Conference for Survivors and Caregivers – Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., OSU Eye and Ear Institute, 915 Olentangy River Road. Tanios Saab, MD, and Mark Bloomston, MD, will discuss what all patients should know about their diagnosis and treatment. They also will talk about new therapies and discoveries. This event is open to survivors, family members, friends and health professionals. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

From Garden to Table – Let’s Salsa! – Tuesday, April 13, 6-8 p.m., Chadwick Learning Gardens, 680 Vernon-Tharp St., Howlett Greenhouse. All of the ingredients for a nourishing salsa can be grown in the garden. In this hands-on class, parents and children will learn how to start their own salsa garden indoors and transplant it outdoors. Participants also will take home a windowsill garden, seed tapes and a host of gardening tips.

Brain Tumor Caregiver Conference – Saturday, April 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., OSU Eye and Ear Institute, 915 Olentangy River Road. Designed to help family caregivers cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one with a brain tumor, this conference will feature healthcare professionals talking about treatment updates, cutting-edge clinical trials, diet and nutrition, and survivorship. Participants can connect with other caregivers throughout the day. Lunch will be provided. To register, contact Deanne Valentine at 614-293-4448 or e-mail Deanne.Valentine@osumc.edu. (See more details in a story under “Events & Education” in this newsletter.)

Walkscape – Saturday, April 17, 9 a.m.-noon, Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 505 W. Whittier St. Walkscape is an interactive experience that will introduce participants to “mindful walking” as they reconnect with their surroundings and make discoveries on their path. This experiential walk will be in the beautiful riverside setting of Scioto Audubon Metro Park, just blocks from the center of Columbus. Dress is casual.

Movement Through Tai Chi – Mondays, April 19-May 24, 6-7:30 p.m., Ackerman Road Shelter House, 700 Ackerman Road. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise of slow, gentle movements appropriate for all fitness levels with many well-known health benefits. In this introductory six-week course, participants will experiment with the first 17 moves of the tai chi set under the guidance of Larry Krall, a Taoist Tai Chi Society-accredited instructor. The principles presented can help promote a healthy lifestyle and mental attitude. The movements are neither combative nor competitive. Attendance at all six classes is recommended.

Breast Cancer Conference – Tuesday, April 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Road. Join breast cancer experts from the OSUCCC-James as they discuss current issues related to breast cancer, including survivorship and how to manage common symptoms that may occur after treatment. Lunch will be provided. This program is supported by a grant from Komen Columbus.