JAMESCARE FOR LIFE CLASSES LISTED

As part of its supportive cancer care program offerings, JamesCare for Life will present several classes or workshops for adult cancer survivors in the weeks ahead. All are free, but registration is required at cancer.osu.edu/go/support or by calling 293-6428. Here’s a list of classes, arranged by category, for the next several weeks:

ART 
Discover self-expression and experience the many benefits of the art process, including drawing, painting and journaling. These activities, designed for cancer survivors and their caregivers, can reduce stress, provide inspiration, deepen insight and improve well-being. Art experience is not necessary. Supplies will be provided.

Writing for Your Well-Being – Third Tuesday of the month, 6-8 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. Class topics: Feb. 21, “Finding Strength in Ourselves”; March 20, “Recipe Poems: Cooking for Life.” Discover your inner pathway to creative self-expression through free writing, poetry and journaling as an outlet for emotions.

Expressive Art Evening Class – Thursday, Feb. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. Art exercises using a variety of media will provide you with the opportunity to explore emotions and promote self-care in a supportive environment.
 
Art Series: Altered Books – Thursdays, March 8-April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. Specifically for cancer survivors, this five-week series will help explore emotions related to having cancer using altered books and other art exercises. Attendance at all five sessions is recommended. This series is funded by the Joyce Kerze Endowment.

Expressive Arts Half-Day Workshop, “Zentangle: The Art of Doodling?” – Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m.-noon, Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. This class will teach you how to intentionally doodle as a form of meditative drawing.


CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Companions of Hope: Support Programs for Children and Families – Supportive services are available for children and family members affected by cancer to help them better cope with life challenges brought on by the disease. Programs include support groups and equine therapy and are designed to assist children who have a parent or loved one with cancer.
 
Family Support Group – Third Wednesday (Feb. 15, March 21), 6-7:30 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. This service provides a relaxed setting for expressing concerns and addressing questions about cancer care and its effects on the family. Children and adult groups are led separately by licensed mental health professionals.

Family Equine Program: Hope Reins – Thursdays, March 8-29, 6-8 p.m., Ohio State’s Equine Facility, 4770 Sawmill Road. Equine therapy can help participants process emotions and learn communication techniques related to a cancer diagnosis. These sessions enable children to interact with horses and trained facilitators. No horseback riding is involved. Adults must accompany their children. Participation in the full series is recommended. Registration is required at cancer.osu.edu/go/support or by calling 293-6428.


EXERCISE
Exercise helps relieve stress, reduce fatigue, increase range of motion, loosen stiff muscles and improve well-being. These programs are geared to all fitness levels.

Aquatic Exercise – Class No. 1, Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m., and Thursdays, 9-10 a.m., through March 29, OR Class No. 2, Wednesdays through March 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Ward Family YMCA of Central Ohio, 130 Woodland Ave.

Dance! Move! Stretch! – Thursdays through March 22, 10-11 a.m., BalletMet Columbus, 322 Mount Vernon Ave.

Stretch for Life – Fridays through March 23, 8-9 a.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road.


MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
Participants will explore meditation, guided imagery, stress-reduction techniques and the healing power of the mind. Studies have shown that relaxation techniques can alleviate pain, foster optimism and hope, diminish depression and encourage inner peace.

Qigong – Advanced Group, Mondays through March 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m., OR Beginning Group, Thursdays, Feb. 21-March 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road.

Gentle Yoga – Tuesdays through April 11, noon-1 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. (Funded by the Steve Pollack Endowment.)

Spiritual Affirmations – Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6-7:30 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road.

Tea and Tranquility – Friday, Feb. 17, 4-6 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. Participants will learn to use tea time for conversation, relaxation or quiet reflection. Tea and refreshments will be served.


MUSIC
Group musical activities can elevate mood, decrease stress and promote relaxation. Musical experience is not necessary for these classes, which are designed for cancer survivors and their caregivers. Instruments will be provided, but participants may bring their own.

Drumming for Life/Open Drumming Circle – First Tuesday (Feb. 7, March 6), 6:30-7:30 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road.

Making Meaningful Music Through Guitar – Tuesdays through March 20, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (advanced), OR 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (beginner), Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road.

Mindfulness Through Music – Tuesdays, Feb. 7 and 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. Activities will include music-assisted imagery, breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, singing, playing instruments and moving to music.

Transformational Breathing Through Music – Wednesdays through March 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. Play the recorder and experience the benefits of increased lung capacity and improved breathing techniques.
  
Victory Choir – Wednesdays through March 7, 6:30-8 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road. (Organized in collaboration with The Ohio State University School of Music.)

Making Meaningful Music Through Drumming – Fridays through March 23, 9-10 a.m. (all levels), OR 10-10:30 a.m. (advanced), BalletMet Columbus, 322 Mount Vernon Ave.

Making Meaningful Music Through Keyboard – Thursdays through Feb. 23, 6-7 p.m., Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road.


NUTRITION
JamesCare for Life’s monthly nutrition program reveals the value of food in cancer prevention and survivorship. Participants can learn how to protect themselves and their families with a diet rich in “super foods.” They also can learn how to prepare healthy meals, receive new recipes and obtain evidence-based nutritional information.

Top Doc Cooking Challenge – Thursday, March 1, 6-8 p.m., Ohio Union, Instructional Kitchen, Lower Level, 1739 N. High St. Chef Jim Warner and Steven Clinton, MD, PhD, leader of the Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program at the OSUCCC – James, will host an entertaining and informative cooking event at which “iron chefs” Michael A. Caligiuri, MD, Joseph Flynn, DO, Patrick Ross, MD, PhD, and Charles Shapiro, MD, will compete in preparing a special dish from a mystery basket of foods. Each physician will be paired with a chef from Ohio State’s Medical Center to create a culinary dish with ingredients that are promising in the fight against cancer. A panel of judges, including Cameron Mitchell, will award the winning chef a “Culinary Oscar.” Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited.