Center offers support for cancer patients, families

The mission of The Wellness Community, 613 Hope Road, Eatontown, is to help people affected by cancer enhance their health and well-being through participation in professional programs of emotional support, education, and hope.

The Wellness Community serves Monmouth and Ocean County residents affected by cancer, including people with cancer, their family members, caregivers, and friends. All programs are offered free of charge to people affected by cancer and are held at The Wellness Community, unless state otherwise. Registration is required. To register or more information, call 732-578-9200.

The following programs are being offered:

“Aromatherapy: Common Scents,” Tuesday, July 20, 1-2:30 p.m. Join Laura Zimmerman, R.N., M.A., holistic health practitioner, and learn about the art of aromatherapy and the safe use of essential oils in daily living. Participants will make their own healthy essential oil candle to take home.

“Celebrating the History of Fort Monmouth,” a social event, Tuesday, July 20, 2:30-4 p.m. Melissa Ziobro, a command historian, offers an enlightening slide presentation highlighting the contributions of Fort Monmouth to our area, the state and the country. As Fort Monmouth prepares for closure at the end of 2011, this is an opportunity to understand its place in history. There will be time for questions.

“Safe in the Sun,” Thursday, July 22, 2-3 p.m. Monmouth County has a very high rate of skin cancer. Learn the signs of skin cancer and steps toward prevention. The guest speaker, a physician’s assistant from Accredited Dermatology, presents “Skin Is In.”

The following programs will be offered on July 19: “Exercise for Strength,” 10 a.m.; yoga, 11:15 a.m.; “Guided Imagery,” 12:30-2 p.m.; prostate cancer group, 6:30- 8 p.m.; and leukemia/lymphoma/myeloma cancers group 7-9 p.m.

On July 20: breast and gynecologic cancers group, 11-12:30 p.m.; “Aromatherapy: Common Scents,” 1-2:30 p.m.; “Celebrating the History of Fort Monmouth,” 2:30-4 p.m.; and yoga, 7 p.m.

July 21: newcomers orientation, 5:30 p.m.; colorectal cancer group, 7-9 p.m.; and early-stage breast cancer group, with a special presentation on dragon boating, an ancient Asian water sport, 7-9 p.m.

July 22: zumba light, 9:45 a.m.; yoga, 11 a.m.; “Qi Gong for Good Health,” 1 p.m.; “Safe in the Sun,” 2 p.m.; and weekly participant group, 4-5:30 p.m.

On July 23 there will be orientation for newcomers, “Welcome to Wellness.” These informal meetings provide an opportunity for individuals with cancer, family members and friends to learn more about The Wellness Community and the free programs offered.

There are support groups and networking groups for the following: lung cancer, breast cancer, breast and gynecologic cancers, leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma cancers (co-sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), Living Beyond Cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. A monthly Family & Friends networking group is also available.

The participant group is ongoing, committed weekly group where adults with cancer can offer support to one another and explore new ways of coping with the challenges of cancer and enhance the quality of their lives.

A brief interview is necessary before joining this group.

All groups are facilitated by licensed professionals. For more information, visit www.thewellnesscommunity.org/ jerseyshore or call 732-578-9200.