Health Briefs (12/4)

Toys needed for PCH holiday toyland

On Dec. 24, volunteers and staff at Phoenix Children’s Hospital will transform the hospital’s conference center into a magical winter toyland for the children spending this holiday season as a patient. Parents of hospitalized patients will have an opportunity to select unwrapped toys from an array of donated items - free of charge. Generous donations from the community make this possible.

Toy donations (non-violent, brand new toys only - no food, candy or stuffed animals, please) will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8 to 23 at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas Road. Donation drop off will be at the Rosenberg Building main entrance/lobby – Building E. 

Volunteers are also needed to help wrap and organize the gifts. To volunteer, call (602) 546-0268.

For more information, call the holiday help line at (602) 546-3123.

Derma Health Institute supports “Dress for Success”

Bring in your new or gently-used business clothing to any Derma Health location and enter for a chance to win 20 units of Botox or a syringe of Juvederm. The nearest location is at 1345 E. Chandler Blvd., Building 1, Suite 105. Derma Health Institute will offer the $50 Express Success Rebate through Dec. 31, or as long as supplies last.

Go to www.dhiskin.com for more info.

All Level Yoga classes coming up

All Level Yoga classes will be offered at 9 a.m. Mondays and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays during January and February at the Ahwatukee Firehouse Community Room, 4110 E. Chandler Bvd. Classes will be taught by 500-hour master level certified and registered yoga instructor Donna DiNunzio. The cost is donation.

For information, call (480) 330-2015.

Holy Yoga Retreat

The teachers of Mountain Park Community Church Yoga Ministry have announced that their next “Face Down on Your Mat” Holy Yoga Retreat will be held Jan. 22 to 24 at the Triangle T Guest Ranch in Dragoon, Ariz., just outside of Tucson.

If you love yoga and hiking, or just need to get away, then you will thoroughly enjoy this life-changing retreat. Group and early bird discounts are available. Space is limited, so be sure to register early. This retreat will sell out! 

For more information, e-mail dawn@thelivingwellretreats.com or call (480) 250-5867.

Arts Engagement helps those with dementia

Arts Engagement is an innovative arts program that actively engages adults with mild to moderate dementia and their care partners. This series of interactive talks and activities helps promote social interaction, creative expression, and overall quality of life. Sessions start in January at several locations.

For more information about the program, call Vicki at (602) 839-6928.

Racing for Recovery offers support

A new Racing for Recovery support group meets 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Spinergy Cycling Studio, 12020 S. Warner-Elliot Loop, Suite 111.

Racing for Recovery offers support to anyone who has been affected by addiction – addict, family member or friend – and promotes health and fitness as a component of recovery.

For information, call Clay at (480) 252-9903, e-mail claylblair@gmail.com or visit www.racingforrecovery.com.

24-hour help hotline

The bilingual Helpline services are free of charge and are available 24 hours a day, everyday, including holidays by calling (602) 263-8856.

Specialists respond to calls from individuals seeking information or referrals to health care programs; emergency food, housing and clothing resources; drug or alcohol treatment programs; adult/child protective services; and marital and family counseling. All calls are confidential.

More information is available online at www.cir.org.

Bike MS: Round Up Ride FY10

The Bike MS: Round Up Ride will be held March 27 and 28, 2010, starting at Heritage Park at 600 N. Main St. in Florence. Registration begins at 5:30 a.m., with a 7 a.m. start time.

This ride is the largest and best supported two-day, fully-catered cycling event in Arizona, attracting nearly 1,000 cyclists from across the country.

Proceeds will help end the devastating effects of Multiple Sclerosis.

For details, visit bikeaza.nationalmssociety.org or contact Sarah Meeks at (480) 968-2488, ext. 209 or e-mail smeeks@aza.nsmss.org.

La Leche League meets 1st Thursdays

Join like mothers from around the Valley at La Leche League, an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. All women, especially pregnant and nursing mothers, are welcome to attend the meetings from 11 a.m. to noon on the first Thursday of each month (Dec. 3) at The Center for True Harmony Wellness and Medicine, 2152 S. Vineyard, Suite 138, Mesa.

Children are always welcome. Space is limited, and RSVPs are requested to (480) 539-6646.

Group offers support for depression, anxiety

Sun Lakes resident Deb Ralston has formed a new Peer Support Group offering support for men and women experiencing symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. The group meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Mondays (except first Mondays) in the Phoenix Room at the Cottonwood Clubhouse in Sun Lakes. Meetings are earmarked by confidentiality and respect for the participants’ integrity and privacy.

Ralston has worked as the clinical director of a shelter for abused children and is presently coordinator of volunteers with Neighbors Who Care, a nonprofit agency that assists the home-bound elderly. She offers her guidance to the Monday support group at no cost.

For further information, call Ralston at (480) 334-8671 or Allan at (480) 895-8671.