Updated: September 10, 2012 6:13AM

Fitness

Zumba fitness: from 7-8 p.m. every Wednesday at The Village Club of Western Springs, 4221 Lawn Ave. Cost is $10 for walk-ins and $7 for a punch-card visit. All are welcome; minors need a guardian’s signature upon arrival. Contact Megan at meganaalbee@gmail.com or (847) 567-8236.               

ACT II: an Adventist Midwest Health program for adults 50 and older, offers exercise, social and health-care topics to the community. There are no dues. The activities are open to members and nonmembers; some activities have fees, but many are free. For membership or other information, call (708) 245-8170. Call (630) 856-7525 to register for all activities that request registration in advance.

Act II walking class: has been suspended for the summer. It will resume after Labor Day.

Fitness Programs: Each ACT II participant works at his/her own level. If the participant has never exercised or is returning, this is the place to start. Many new ACT II friendships have developed from these regimens and the camaraderie of the aerobic and Tai Chi exercise or the walking programs.

Fitness Fun: Strength-Cardio (Aerobics)-Stretch Combo. For ACT II members, meets at 8 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the Dixon Education Center classroom of Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange. A Saturday class meets at 8:30 a.m. $5; $4 ACT II members. Instructor Mary Avila.

Tai Chi: meets at 10 a.m. Fridays at Bethlehem Woods, 1571 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park. Instructor is Mary Avila. Free for ACT II members.

The Aging Well: Community Action Team of La Grange and LaGrange Park, offers Aging Well’s Walk for Health, which promotes exercise, a healthy lifestyle and social engagement for seniors. The free Walk for Health program takes place on the third Wednesday of each month at the Park District of La Grange field house, 536 East Ave. A speaker usually provides senior-oriented information on exercise, nutrition, and diet followed by a vigorous walk in the field house.

Sign up now: for Park District of La Grange fitness classes for adults, seniors and kids. Classes include Zumba, Spin, Drums Alive!, Kickboxing, Yoga and Bootcamp. There are also several new fitness classes this season including: Total Body Dance, Yoga Core, Zumba Gold for those 50 years and older, plus new children’s fitness classes such as Hula Hooping and Zumbatonic. A complete schedule is available at www.pdlg.org. Classes are offered in the mornings, during the lunch hour, evenings and Saturdays. Childcare is available for many of the morning classes for $4 per child. To register or for information, call (708) 352-1762 or visit www.pdlg.org.

Improve and: cure yourself through yoga techniques and lead a painless, stress-free life with yoga postures you could perform to achieve balance of body, mind and spirit. Classes meet on Thursday from 6-7 p.m. and 7:15-8 p.m. at the Oasis Center for Health, 201 East Ogden Ave., Hinsdale, Suite 115. Call (630) 325-2880.

Adventist: Paulson Rehab Network, 619 Plainfield Road, Willowbrook, offers different fitness and exercise regimens, including pre- and post-natal exercise, pool class, advanced circuit training program, keep it moving small group exercise class, aquatic exercise classes and therapeutic massage. For specific class times and fees, call (630) 856-8200.

Seated exercise: classes for older adults will be held 1-2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale. Seated classes are for people who want to stay active and mobile but want something gentle on the body and easy to do. Increase range of motion, circulation, flexibility, balance and strength with easy to follow moves. Call Kate Vogts at (630) 323-7500, Ext. 225.

After Work: Yoga class is held 4:45-5:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays at Burr Ridge Community Center, 15W400 Harvester Drive. Cost is $5 per class, sold as five- or 10-lesson punch cards. Call (630) 920-1969.

Fitness Program: for people of all ages and at all levels of fitness will be offered at 7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday at Highlands Presbyterian Church, 1901 W. 58th Place, La Grange and 9:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday at Christ Church of Oak Brook, York Road and 31st St. Call Connie Livingston (708) 246-3253.

Yoga class: will be held 7:30-8:45 p.m. Mondays at First Congregational Church of La Grange, 100 6th Ave. The class is for all yoga experience levels, beginner to continuing students. The teacher is a certified yoga teacher through Moksha Yoga. Call Freya Smith at (708) 870-2089.

Yoga classes: are offered 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale. Both yoga instructors are certified through Moksha yoga and have combined 20 years of yoga experience. Call Kate Vogts at (630) 323-7500, Ext. 225 or visit www.thecommunityhouse.org.

Fund-raisers

HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab: 555 Plainfield Road, Suite B, Willowbrook, will provide free Community Health Screenings in exchange for $20 donations to the school or PTO/PTA of your choice. Through Sept. 1, the free health screenings (a $189 value), will help track down pain. X-rays included if necessary. Call (630) 887-9400 for an appointment. Go to www.HealthSourceChiro.com.

Healthy Living

Plymouth Place Senior Living: 315 N. LaGrange Road, LaGrange Park, will host a health and wellness fair from 9-11:30 a.m. Aug. 16. Free balance screenings, blood pressure testing, glucose checks and hearing testing. Informational sessions on body mechanics as well as demonstrations of line dancing, tai chi and ZUMBA Gold taught by Plymouth Place instructors. Local vendors available to provide attendees with tools to enrich their well-being. Call (708) 354-0340.

A free Senior Health Fair: hosted by state Sen. Christine Radogno, R- 41st and state Rep. Jim Durkin, R-82nd will be held on Aug. 15, featuring about 40 local and state participants. Held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lemont Park District’s CORE Fitness Center, 16028 127th St., in Lemont. Free heath screenings to assess hearing, grip strength and balance assessment, and to check blood pressure. Information available on transportation and assisted living options, home and fire safety, and financial security. The State Treasure’s Office will also be on site to help guests determine if they have unclaimed money or assets to recover. Call Durkin’s office at (708) 352-7700 or Radogno’s office at (630) 243-0800.

Adventist: Hinsdale and Adventist La Grange Memorial hospitals present the following free health programs. Register online at www.keepingyouwell.com, or call (630) 856-7525.

Men and their Prostate: Dr. Thomas Will explains the importance of early detection and screening for prostate cancer from 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 21 at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, in partnership with Adventist Hinsdale Hospital.

Bullying: Dr. Mary Keen will discuss what to look out for in children’s behaviors and school activities that could indicate bullying from 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 15 at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, and 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 28 at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Dixon Education Center, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange.

Your Heartbeat: Dr. Andrew Lawrence will present diagnosis and treatment options for people who have irregular heartbeats from 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 22 at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, and 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 29 at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Dixon Education Center, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange.  

Knee Pain Slowing You Down: Dr. Paul Trksak’s presentation will feature a new, alternative partial knee resurfacing option called MAKOplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that results in a more rapid recovery time, shorter hospital stay and more natural feeling knee from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 5 at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook.

High Blood Pressure: Dr. Edgar Carell will discuss Renal Artery Denervation, a new and advanced treatment option for people that suffer from high blood pressure from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept.  11 at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, and 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 25 at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Dixon Education Center, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange.

Cervical Cancer Screenings: Dr. Jeffrey Fitzer will discuss the importance of routine PAP smears and the HPV screening test for cancer detection from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 12 at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, and 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 26 at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Dixon Education Center, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange.

Catching Your Breath with Asthma: Dr. Renee Lantner will discuss signs and symptoms and environmental changes to be aware of if you suffer from asthma from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, and 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 19 at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Dixon Education Center, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange.  

Hip Pain: Dr. Kevin Hilton will discuss advancements in diagnosing hip problems from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 25 at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, and 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 23 at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Dixon Education Center, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange.  

Susan Beard will guide visitors: through some of Hinsdale’s finest gardens from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 14. The tour begins at Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Road, Hinsdale. Registration required. Call (630) 323-5150.

The File of Life: a program endorsed by Aging Well and the fire departments and paramedics of villages provides emergency first responders with seniors’ accurate personal and medical information, an aid to immediate care and treatment. File of Life packets are available in the village halls, fire and police departments and at Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. Aging Well is embarking on a program to improve transportation in the area. To participate in the programs, call Linda Hussey at (708) 354-1323, Ext. 242.

Illinois Transitional: Care Consortium has been working on programs to provide support to seniors being discharged from the hospital. A forum is being held to gather feedback about their experiences, needs and preferences, so that the transitional care experience can be improved. Those 60 and older who have been hospitalized in the past three years and are willing to share their experiences of returning home after a hospital stay are invited. Caregivers or family members of those who have been recently hospitalized are also welcome. Visit www.agingcareconnections.org.

The DuPage County: Health Department wants to remind residents that using an RxBOX to drop off unused medications is a safe and easy way to contribute to a better environment. The Health Department has partnered with 12 municipal and county law enforcement agencies in placing RxBOX collection boxes in police stations throughout the county. Residents who are clearing out their medicine cabinets can dispose of their old medications at any of the following RxBOX locations: Burr Ridge Police Department, 7660 S. County Line Road No. 1, Burr Ridge and DuPage County Sheriff, 501 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.

Free Eating Healthy: with Diabetes tours covering topics such as reading food labels and identifying better food options are offered at participating Jewel-Osco stores. To register for tours and learn about various diabetes education services available, talk with a Jewel-Osco pharmacist, call 1-800-783-0458 or visit www.jeweloscopharmacies.com.

Healthy Steps

Join MacNeal Hospital: 3249 S. Oak Park Ave., Berwyn, for the first ever Get Healthy! Go Green! Family Walk and Health Fair on Aug. 25, in Berwyn. Family Walk Registration opens at 8 a.m., and begins at 8:45 a.m. The Health Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring children’s games, crafts, face painting, activities, music, healthy snacks and raffle prizes. Health screenings will include: blood pressure checks, osteoporosis screening, podiatry screenings, Body Mass Index calculations, heart risk assessment, and chair massages. More than 50 exhibitors. To register, call (888) 622-6325 or visit www.MacNeal.com.

The Runner’s Soul: presents its free Soul Asylum Run & Refreshments at Nicksons from 6:30-8 p.m. each Monday at The Runner’s Soul, 5 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. Meet at the store for fun run — 3, 5, 7 mile routes. Finish at Nicksons for refreshments and 1/2 off appetizers. Call (708) 354-7685.

The Aging Well: Community Action Teams of La Grange and LaGrange Park hold a monthly Walk for Health 10:30 a.m.-noon the third Wednesday of the month indoors at Park District of La Grange’s Recreational Center, 536 East Ave. The Walk for Health encourages people to exercise, especially by walking, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. No registration is required, and participation is free. Refreshments served. Call (708) 354-1323, Ext. 242.

The Runner’s Soul: presents its Soul Asylum Run from 6:30-8 p.m. each Thursday at 124 N. York Road, Elmhurst. A 9 a.m. Saturday class has also been added. Pick your pace and distance of a 3-, 5- or 7-mile run. A staff member leads the runs. All walkers and runners welcome. Free. Call (630) 832-7685.

Parent Resources

DuPage County: the Health Department is informing parents that beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, students entering sixth- and ninth-grades will be required to provide proof of pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination, along with the school physicals already required for those grades. Protection against pertussis begins to wear off during grade school. This leaves pre-teens, teenagers and adults at risk for this illness. To address this possible risk, a booster vaccination (called Tdap) is recommended for all students in sixth- through 12th-grades. Students entering sixth and ninth grades without one of the following will be subject to exclusion: Proof of Tdap vaccination and an approved medical or religious exemption on file with the school.

Mothers of Preschoolers: meets 9:15 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesday at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st Street and York Road. This group offers mothers of children under age 6 the opportunity to grow and learn together. Group offers fellowship and presentations from parenting experts on a variety of topics. Call Katie Mulcrone at (630) 654-1882.

Illinois residents: now have access to a free prescription assistance program. The Illinois Rx Card, which is free to all Illinois residents, provides discounts on medications with an average savings of around 30 percent. There are no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limit and no applications to fill out. Illinoisans can obtain a free Rx card, search drug pricing, and locate participating pharmacies by visiting www.IllinoisRxCard.com. Residents can also obtain cards at health centers, hospitals, clinics, and other card distribution sites that are being set up across the state. Visit www.IllinoisRxCard.com.

The DuPage: Community Clinic and the DuPage County Health Department have opened the Southeast DuPage Health Initiative, whose mission is to connect low-income residents to a full range of health services. The Initiative is located at 422 N. Cass Ave., Westmont. The initiative will provide critical health services to about 1,000 people this year and hopes to increase that number to 4,000 in three years.

Jurik Chiropractic: 120 E. Ogden Ave., Suite 202, Hinsdale, offers free infant and child wellness checks. (630) 655-9480.

Screenings

Heart score: Cardiac Risk Assessment is available by appointment only at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital. Call (630) 856-7525, for an appointment.

Dr. Jonathan Buka: of the Eye Specialists Center reminds seniors that they might be eligible for a free eye exam through the EyeCare America program, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Those age 65 and older (or their loved ones) can visit the EyeCare America website at www.eyecareamerica.org, to see if they are eligible. Buka, a volunteer ophthalmologist with EyeCare America, practices in Hinsdale. For an appointment, call (630) 323-4202 or www.eyespecialistscenter.com.

The DuPage County: Health Department is encouraging individuals who are at a high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS to get tested and seek subsequent care and treatment if necessary. Through grants made available from the Illinois Public Health Association and the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Health Department offers free testing to those persons most at risk for HIV/AIDS, including intravenous drug users, high-risk heterosexuals and homosexual men. Individuals who do not meet the criteria to receive free testing can still be tested for a $50 fee at the Health Department’s STD Clinic, which also offers testing for other sexually transmitted diseases. For information about HIV testing in DuPage County, call the Health Department at (630) 682-7400.

Sexually transmitted: diseases screenings, provided 2-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, will include short, educational programs, followed by an opportunity for parents and students to socialize. For more information, contact Michael Duggan at (630) 942-2845, e-mail duggan@cod.edu, or Shelly Mencacays at DuPage County Health Department, 111 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton. Clinic provides screenings for $50 and operates on a walk-in basis. HIV testing available. Call (630) 682-7400, Ext. 7575.

Adventist La Grange: Memorial Hospital offers low-cost vascular screenings to patients who may be at risk for developing strokes or aneurysms; $50 for any single test, $95 for two, $125 for all three during single visit. Appointments available Tuesday through Thursday mornings. Call (630) 856-7070.

Free adult hearing: screenings are offered 8 a.m. to noon on the third Tuesday of the month at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road. To schedule an adult hearing screening, call (630) 856-7525.

Support

Divorce Care Series: held on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 21-Nov. 13 at the Hinsdale SDA Church, 201 N. Oak St. Helps those experiencing separation and divorce. Contact Family Life Coordinator Heather Hoffman at (630) 452-7386 or heatherleedoll@gmail.com.

The Wellness House: 131 N. County Line Road, Hinsdale, offers the following programs. Call (630) 323-5150 for information. To register online, visit www.wellnesshouse.org.

Lung Cancer Advances 2012: 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 16. Mary Jo Fidler, M.D., assistant professor, Medical Oncology Rush University Medical Center, discusses updates on molecular testing and new treatments for lung cancer. Registration required.

Balancing your Qi with Traditional Chinese Nutrition: 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 21 with Katie Bagdon M.S.Ac, LAc. Focuses on how the thermal qualities of food can affect your body, foods that help move and build qi, foods that help build immunity, and how to eat for your personal constitution. Handouts will be provided to help guide with food selection. Registration required.

Flamenco Dancing: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. continues on Tuesdays, Aug. 14, 21 and 28. Flamenco combines graceful hand and body movements with rhythmic footwork, performed to lively Spanish Flamenco music. Experience freedom of movement and the flow of the body through music. For adults who want to explore their creativity while gaining flexibility, improved balance and energy. Registration required.

Beginning Yoga: meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays; 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursdays; and 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays. Learn gentle, restorative yoga postures. Drop-ins welcome.

Mindfulness for Everyday Living: meets noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays. Learn through practice and discussion the benefits of Mindfulness Meditation in this group setting. Discover ways to live life more effectively in the present moment, even through difficult times. Drop-ins welcome. Contact Valerie Piazza RN, LCPC at (630) 654-5118 or vpiazza@wellnesshouse.org.

As the summer winds down: join the Wellness House for Family Summerfest 2012, a lively afternoon of festivities and games for the entire family from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 11. There will be entertainment, treats and crafts. Registration required.

Stress Management Wellness Tune-Ups: Call to schedule a 45-minute session with a trained practitioner.

Massage Therapy Session: Light, fully-clothed massage for relaxation and muscular relief. Physician consent is needed.

Healing Touch Session: Energy-based techniques to help reduce stress, pain and fatigue.

Reiki Session: Japanese form of energy healing with similar results to Healing Touch.

Energy Touch: Promote deep relaxation and the potential for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Craniosacral Therapy: Involves light touch and gentle manipulation of the cranial sacral system to restore the body to a homeostatic state.

Pink Ribbon: Fitness is held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturdays and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Registration required. Customized exercises for breast cancer survivors are provided.

Teen Time: a support group for youth ages 13-18 who have a family member with cancer or who have lost a family member to cancer. The group provides teens with the opportunity to connect with other teens who are going through similar situations to discuss the impact cancer has on their family, explore the impact of loss, and to learn about coping strategies to manage stress and changes. Registration required. Contact Devon Artusio at (630) 654-5107 or dartusio@wellnesshouse.org for dates and times.

Caregiver: Support Group meets from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Ongoing eight-week support group for people with a family member with cancer to improve their coping skills. This group meets at the same time as the Cancer Support Group. Advance registration required. Call Marta Quist, LMFT at (630) 654-5191, to register.

Aging Care Connections: La Grange, is seeking volunteers for front desk reception responsibilities from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Receptionists are responsible for receiving incoming calls and directing calls to the appropriate person or office. If you are interested, call Niki Chibucos at (708) 354-1323, Ext. 226. To learn more, visit www.agingcareconnections.org.

Aging Care Connections: La Grange, is temporarily relocating several support groups and classes for older adults and their caregivers while the agency addresses a number of needed renovations and refurbishing of it facility at 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. The following groups will meet at Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Ave., La Grange All of the programs and activities below will not change other than being relocated.

Alzheimer’s: and Related Dementia Caregivers Support Group, for those who care for someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia meets from 1:30-2:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. Call Sue Murphy at (708) 354-1323, Ext. 221.

Memories: Gone But Not Forgotten, older adults who are experiencing the early stages of memory loss and enjoy the company of others to reminisce about old times. The group meets from 1:30-2:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. Call (708) 354-1323, Ext. 215.

Friday: Morning Regulars, a support group related to aging issues for men meets at 9 a.m. Fridays. Call (708) 354-1323, Ext. 215.

Arthritis: Exercise Program features gentle exercise classes for seniors who suffer from arthritis and would like to maintain flexibility. The classes are offered from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Taught by a certified Arthritis Foundation exercise instructor. Call (708) 354-1323.

Sensible Fitness: for Older Adults (including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) and their caregivers meets from 9:30-10:20 a.m. Fridays. Call Ruth Folkening at (708) 354-1323, Ext. 228.

The following: support groups that will continue to meet as previously scheduled are: Caregivers Support Group, The Lunch Bunch a group of caregivers who chat over lunch. The group remains at Bakers Square Restaurant, 942 S. La Grange Road, La Grange, meets at 11:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month. Each participant pays for his or her lunch. Call Ruth Folkening, (708) 354-1323, Ext. 228.

Grandparents: Raising Grandchildren Support Group remains at the Summit Public Library, 6233 S. Archer Road, Summit. The group meets from 10-11:30 a.m. the last Thursday of each month. Contact: Sue Murphy, (708) 354-1323, Ext. 221.

Bereaved Parents: of the USA, a grief support group for parents, meets 7:30 p.m. on the first Friday of the month at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 139 E. First St., Hinsdale. Call Donna Corrigan at (630) 279-6148.

Promises: a closed AA group, meets 8 p.m. every Thursday at St. Cletus School, 55th Street and Plainfield Road, in La Grange, (flag pole entrance/room 102). Those with alcohol or drug problems are welcome to attend. Call Bobbie at St. Cletus Church (708) 352-6209.

Buddy’s Place: offers a monthly family support group that meets on the second Monday of every month and a Peer Support Group on the third Wednesday for children and their parent/caregiver. All groups meet 6:15-7:30 p.m. No cost to participate in Buddy’s Place. Registration required. Call Kelly Huggins (708) 995-3750 or e-mail buddysplace@pillarscommunity.org, for information and registration.

60+ Women’s: Support Group, a new service is available for women struggling with widowhood, depression, isolation, health problems, or strained relationships, and looking for support and solutions. This bimonthly group meets 9:30 -11 a.m. the first and third Fridays of each month. Cost is $15 or to register, contact per session. Westchester location. Call Donna Marie Desai (708) 344-7712 or visit DesaiCounseling.com.

Association: of Late-Deafened Adults, Chicago meets 10 a.m.-noon on the third Saturday of the month at Immaculate Conception Church, 134 Arthur St., Elmhurst. Community Access Realtime Translation is used at every meeting so that everyone understands what is said. Members share their experiences the first hour and the second hour is a sign language lesson. E-mail Camille Debevetz at debevetz@aol.com if interested in attending a meeting.

Boundaries: group meets weekly on Sundays 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Christian Church of Clarendon Hills, 5750 Holmes Ave., Room C-307. This workbook and video-based program uses the Boundaries materials developed by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. Participant guides cost $7, optional workbooks $10. Open to anyone 18 and over. To register, contact Roberta Vondrak (708) 305-7374 or rgvondrak@sbcglobal.net; or Mary Ann Jordan (630) 852-3376, or jordanmaryann@comcast.net.

Women Connected: from the Start, a support group for women regarding physical changes and emotional transitions associated with new and continuing cancer treatment, meets 10-11:30 a.m. Thursdays at Wellness House, 131 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale. No registration required. Call (630) 323-5150.

Overcomers: Outreach is a 12-step ministry that addresses all types of addictive behavior, such as anger, co-dependency, drugs, alcohol, smoking, sexual addiction, gambling, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit disorder and abuse. Meetings are 10 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at La Grange Bible Church, 850 S. Seventh Ave. Call (708) 784-1244 or e-mail overcomebb@aol.com.

Closed AA Promises: meets 8 p.m. Thursdays at St. Cletus School, Room 102 (flag pole entrance), 600 W. 55th St., La Grange. Call church office (708) 352-6209.

Managing Recurrent: and Metastatic Cancer Group meets 10-11:30 a.m. Fridays at Wellness House, 131 S. County Line Road. Call (630) 323-5150.

Take off: Pounds Sensibly, weight loss support group meets at 10:45 a.m. for a weigh-in, then meets 11-11:30 a.m. Saturdays at LaGrange Park Public Library, 555 N. La Grange Road. $26 for the year. Call (708) 997-2814.

Signed AA meetings: for the deaf and hard of hearing will be held at the West Suburban Alano Club, 17 W. Quincy St., Westmont. Signed open meetings open to anyone affected directly or indirectly by alcoholism are held 7 p.m. Saturdays and signed closed meetings for alcoholics and addicted persons 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Call (630) 968-4694.

Breast feeding: and new mom support group meets 11 a.m.-noon Mondays at Antares Institute of Integrative Health, 545 Plainfield Road, Suite E, Willowbrook. Call (630) 321-2296.

Al-Anon: meets 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays at Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, 5250 Wolf Road. Call (708) 246-5220.

Living with: Metastatic Breast Cancer Group meets 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Wellness House, 131 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale. Focuses on challenges of dealing with treatment, relationships and facing the future. Call (630) 323-5150.

Charlie’s Gift: supporting children and families facing autism, has weekly group offerings at 1048 W. Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. Speech and social skills group meets 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, sibling support and social group meets 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays, social skills group meets 5-6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, occupational therapy handwriting without tears meets 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, occupational therapy soccer group meets 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and occupational therapy karate group meets 4-5 and 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays. To register, call (630) 810-1200.

Families Anonymous: is a 12-step self-help support program for parents, grandparents, relatives and friends who are concerned about, or affected by, the substance abuse or behavioral problems of a loved one meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The New Day Center, 740 Pasquinelli Drive, Suite 104, Westmont. Call (630) 856-7701.

Metropolitan: Family Services DuPage, a support group for caregivers, meets at 6:30-8 p.m. on the first and third Monday of the month at 222 E. Willow Ave., Wheaton. Call (630) 833-1353.

Prostate Cancer: Support Group meets 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at Chicago Prostate Center, 815 Pasquinelli Drive, Westmont. Monthly meetings open to survivors, new patients, family members, caregivers and others who are interested in prostate cancer and treatment options. Call Joan McSweeney (630) 366-7862 or e-mail: jmcsweeney@prostateimplant.com.

Women of Repose: a support group for women who are in transition, stressed or stuck, meets 7-8:30 p.m. on first and third Friday of the month in Westchester. $15 per session. Call Donna Marie Desai (708) 344-7712.

Reflex: sympathetic dystrophy syndrome support group meets 2-4 p.m. the first Sunday of the month in the Lincoln Room at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, 120 N. Oak St. Meetings open to friends and family. Call Edwina Schaeffer (630) 665-0717.

Hinsdale: PFLAG Chapter meets 2-4 p.m. the first Sunday of the month at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, 17 W. Maple. Call PFLAG helpline (630) 415-0622 and choose the Hinsdale mailbox. Or e-mail Jackie Frett at jackiekf@aol.com.

The Caregiver Cafe: a support group for spouses, family members and friends of those battling cancer meet 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at University of Illinois Extension Office, 2205 Enterprise Drive, Suite 501, Westchester. Medical, emotional, practical topics discussed and outside speakers featured. Call Raeann Spencer (708) 484-8541.

Stroke Support: Group sponsored by La Grange and Hinsdale Adventist Hospitals and SEASPAR meets the second Wednesday of the month March-December at various times and locations, including two hospitals, local restaurants, parks and other entertainment venues. Call Greg Pavesich at SEASPAR (630) 960-7600 or Nancy Parkinson at La Grange Hospital (708) 245-7965.

Age-Related: Macular Degeneration Support Group meets 3-4 p.m. every second Thursday of the month at La Grange Pointe, 51 E. Cossitt Ave. To reserve a seat, call Linda Kunicki (708) 354-7600.

Networking: group for lung, ovarian, lymphoma and multiple myeloma meets 7-9 p.m. every second Thursday of the month at The Wellness House, 131 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale. Free to anyone dealing with cancer. Call (630) 323-5150.

Multiple Sclerosis: Support Group meets 7 p.m. the third Wednesday each month at LaGrange Park Library, 555 N. La Grange Road. Call Vivian (708) 441-0477 or Francine (708) 442-8636.

Pancreatic: Monthly Networking Group meets 7-9 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at Wellness House, 131 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale. Registration not required. Call (630) 323-5150.

Ray Graham: Association’s Bednorz Children’s Respite Home provides local families temporary relief from the responsibilities of caring for individuals with chronic physical or mental disabilities. The Bednorz Home is a five-bedroom, wheelchair accessible, residential home located in Lombard. The maximum capacity of this home is five children at a time. Call (630) 620-2222 or visit www.raygraham.org.

Adventist: St. Thomas Hospice, 8230 S. Madison St., Burr Ridge, holds ongoing support groups and special events for adults, teenagers and children who are dealing with grief. Call (630) 856-6990.

Pills Anonymous: is a 12-step support group for people who may be dependent upon prescription medication. For information on meetings, call the pager at (630) 656-7050. All calls confidential.

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