Programs & Services
Programs and Services
Weekly Support Groups 
Weekly support groups for people with cancer (Participant Groups) and their adult loved ones (Caregiver Groups) are the heart of The Wellness Community. Weekly support groups allow participants to form deep connections with others who can truly relate, and to benefit from their collective wisdom. Research indicates that individuals who participate in Wellness Community groups improve their quality of life and may improve their possibility of survival. Actual group times are not shown here because participation in these groups requires pre-registration. Call The Wellness Community or attend a Welcome to Wellness meeting for more information.
Community Members (Participant) Groups
Ongoing, weekly groups in which people with cancer explore new ways to deal with the stress associated with cancer. Members learn how to be an active partner with their doctors and healthcare team, and become part of an extended family of people who truly understand the impact of cancer in their lives.
Blue Ash: Afternoons and Evening Groups
Fort Wright: Evening Group
Breast Cancer Groups
Blue Ash: Afternoon and Evening Groups
Friends and Family (Caregiver) Groups
Ongoing, weekly support groups help family members or significant others learn new ways to take care of themselves while supporting a person with cancer.
Blue Ash: Afternoon and Evening Groups
Fort Wright: Evening Group
SPONSOR:
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Drop-In Networking Groups in Blue Ash
Monthly or bi-monthly groups which give community members (participants) an opportunity to connect with others who have the same type of cancer or similar cancer-related concerns.
Pre-registration is NOT required.
Living in the Moment!
Recently, we offered a workshop based on the movie The Bucket List. This program had a profound effect on our community members (participants), sparking conversations throughout many support groups about how cancer teaches you many things, but few as powerful as the value of appreciating every day to the fullest. This is an important conversation, one we believe may benefit many, so we've created Living in the Moment.
Living in the Moment! provides an opportunity for you to share and learn with others, and together find meaningful ways to live life to the fullest. No matter what cancer has in store for you in the days ahead, you can decide what you have in store for today. This group will be facilitated by Aileen Bankemper, PdD.
Pre-registration is NOT required.
2nd Saturday, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Starting November 14 in our Blue Ash location.
Brain Tumor Networking Group
This professionally facilitated group offers a safe place for those who have brain tumors and their loved ones to share any concerns related to living with brain cancer, and to provide mutual support to improve the quality of life. Pre-registration is NOT required.
2nd Saturday, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Breast Cancer Grads
A professionally facilitated group for those who have completed treatment for breast cancer that offers an opportunity for survivors to connect, and to provide mutual support and share information.
Pre-registration is NOT required.
2nd Saturday, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
SPONSOR:
Colorectal Cancer Networking Group
This professionally facilitated group offers a safe place for those who have experienced a diagnosis of colorectal cancer and their loved ones to share any concerns related to living with colorectal cancer, and to provide mutual support to improve the quality of life.
Pre-registration is NOT required.
2nd Saturday, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Sponsor--GE Community Services Fund
Blood Cancer
This professionally facilitated group offers a safe place for those affected by leukemia or lymphoma to share any concerns related to living with cancer, and to provide mutual support to improve the quality of life.
Pre-registration is NOT required.
1st Thursday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
In collaboration with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Life Transitions Bereavement Support
This professionally facilitated bereavement support group is offered for anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer, to provide mutual support to improve the quality of life.
Pre-registration is NOT required.
2nd and 4th Tuesday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Melanoma Networking Group
This professionally facilitated group offers a safe place for those affected by melanoma to share concerns related to living with cancer, and to provide mutual support to improve the quaality of life.
Pre-registration is NOT required.
Last Wednesday of the month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Multiple Myeloma Networking Group
This professionally facilitated group provides education and support for people with multiple myeloma and for their loved ones. Speakers are generally announced in advance of the meetings via emails to all group participants.
Pre-registration is NOT required.
3rd Thursday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Gynecological Cancers Networking Group
(Ovarian, Cervical, Uterine and all other GYN cancers)
This professionally facilitated group offers a safe place for women who have experienced a diagnosis of ovarian, uterine, genital, endometrial or cervical cancer to share any concerns related to living with gynecolocical cancer; and to provide mutual support to improve the quality of life. Pre-registration is NOT required.
2nd Saturday, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Prostate Cancer Small Discussion Group--Men Only
This professionally facilitated group offers a safe place for men who have experienced a diagnosis of prostate cancer to share any concerns related to living with prostate cancer, and to provide mutual support to improve the quality of life. Pre-registration is NOT required.
2nd Wednesday, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Prostate Cancer Large Discussion Group--Women Welcome
This monthly meeting is open to men with prostate cancer and their loved ones. There is an opportunity for sharing information and support, and a speaker will present on a topic related to prostate cancer at each meeting. Pre-registration is NOT required. For more information about monthly topics, please check out the Prostate Cancer Networking Group's newsletter at the group's web site: http://www.PCNGcincinnati.org.
Last Wednesday, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Drop-In Off-site Networking Groups
Head & Neck Cancer Networking Group at VA Medical Center
3200 Vine Street,
2nd floor, room C2005
This professionally facilitated group offers people affected by cancers of the head and neck (such as cancer of the tonsils, salivary gland, sinuses, larynx, etc.) a safe place to share any concerns related to living with cancer and the related side effects. People with cancer and their loved ones provide mutual support and share information to improve the quality of life. Pre-registration is NOT required.
3rd Tuesday of the month: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at the VAMC, Room C2005, 2nd floor (Sigma Clinic)
Offered in collaboration with the VA Medical Center.
Drop-ins are welcome.
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Health Lifestyle (Stress Management) and Exercise Classes
Tai Chi
One of the Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi is a method of deep breathing, slow movements, poses and vocal expression. The word "Chi" could be translated "energy" or "life force." The intensity of Tai Chi movements combined with deep breathing result in a boost in one's feeling of vitality and inner strength.
Yoga
An ancient method of deep relaxation developed in India. The word "yoga" means "yoke" or "union with." This gentle exercise form yields a feeling of unity with the inner self. Slow movements and "asanas," or poses, stretch and strengthen the spine, which in turn calms the entire nervous system. Benefits of yoga include: improved circulation, increased muscle strength and energy level, and an overall calming effect.
Relaxation and Guided Imagery
Guided Imagery is a popular form of "directed daydreaming" designed to help cancer patients positively envision their body fighting cancer and healing. Research shows that guided imagery not only works to relax, calm, and elevate mood, but also helps to elevate immune functioning, reduce pain and headaches, enhance intuition and creativity, and lower anxiety and depression.
Holistic Self-Care Methods
Healing Touch is an energy-based approach to health. Healing Touch uses a light, gentle touch to affect the human energy system. The healing touch practitioner will teach participants to use their hands to detect imbalances in the energy system and then uses light hand placements on the body to restore the system. This program is done in a group session. Drop-ins are encouraged.
Northern Kentucky location only.
Cancer and Spirituality
This program is designed to help cancer patients and loved ones explore their spiritual side and use that connection to aid them in their recovery. Drawing upon their personal and spiritual beliefs, cancer patients and their families are strengthened and given yet another tool towards their recovery. This program is led by Ted Haddix, a renowned and experienced spiritual facilitator.
Pre-registration is requested.
Creative Expressions
Subconscious events and beliefs can either help or hinder the body's ability to heal. Creative activities can stimulate positive feelings and help to release negative ones, as well as allowing intuitive wisdom to be expressed.
Pre-registration is requested.
Healthy-Steps: Lebed Method 
Lebed is a therapeutic program of movement and dance exercise for cancer survivors. Participants of all fitness levels are welcome. Research has demonstrated this method may increase range of upper body movement, reduce risk of lymphedema, improve self-image, facilitate release of frozen shoulder, assist with balance, and reduce depression. The instructors Sally DiMuzio and Marcy Kanter, are two of just a handful of certified Lebed instructors in Ohio, and the only providers in Cincinnati.
Pre-registration is requested.
Rebuilding Health
Low impact, strengthening and flexibility class, emphasizing balance, core and functional training. Learn how to exercise safely and start/maintain exercise after treatment. Meets weekly at our satellite facility in Fort Wright, Kentucky.
Completion of participation waiver is required.
Waterlilies
Water aerobics to build strength and stamina, manage lymphedema. Class size is limited to 10, priority is given to those at risk for lymphedema. Participation waiver required. Held at the YMCA downtown.
Pre-registration and completion of participation waiver is required.
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Educational Programs 
Educational Programs
Drawing upon the vast support The Wellness Community has received in the medical community, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other medical experts are invited to come to The Wellness Community to speak on various topics related to cancer. Topics have included new treatments in medical oncology, surgical approaches to cancer, and managing treatment side effects.
Pre-registration is requested for educational programs.
Educational Program
For Health Care Professionals Only
 Interested
in ways to make timely and appropriate referrals for your hematologic cancer patients? A new free e-learning course, Why Cancer Clinical Trials Are Important for My Practice, by ENACTT and The Wellness Community may be right for you!
CME/CNE/SW CEU credit available.
For additional information about the program: Click Here.
For additional course information and free registration, please visit:
http://www.enacct.org/our-programs/open-options
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Nutritional Programs 
Cooking for Wellness
"Cooking for Wellness" class is held each month, with each session lasting approximately two and a half hours. The Wellness Community's nutritional educator, conducts the hands-on cooking class with suggestions on how to develop a cancer-fighting diet. Pre-registration is required for all cooking classes, as space is limited.
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Walking the Dinosaur 
Walking the Dinosaur
Walking the Dinosaur, offered in collaboration with Cancer Family Care, is a special program designed for children and adolescents ages 5-18 who have a parent or grandparent with cancer. Walking the Dinosaur is held every three months alternating between The Wellness Community's Blue Ash facility and Cancer Family Care’s Auburn Avenue location. The program consists of a weekly meeting for four consecutive weeks, with each session lasting from 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm. Children's groups are subdivided according to age, and a parents' group runs simultaneously during this time period. Children who have participated in this program have found great success and support in dealing with their loved one's cancer.
Pre-registration is required.
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Social Activities 
Social Activities
Through out the year, there are numerous social activities to take your mind and body away from the daily stress brought on by cancer. Examples of the types of programs that are offered are Jokefest!, Ladies Night Out, potlucks, book swaps, cookie exchanges and a multiude of other enjoyable activities.
Knitting and More
Come join us for knitting (beginner to advanced) or other needlecrafts, conversation and fun every Wednesday morning from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Bring your needles and supplies and be ready to have some fun! No experience is necessary and pre-registration is not required.
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