Special programs to be offered this month

The Wellness Community, Valley/Ventura offers ongoing programs and support groups for people with cancer and their families and/or caregivers.

Offered at no cost, the programs aim to educate, inform, comfort and encourage cancer patients in their fight for recovery.

For detailed information and a complete schedule of these programs that offer psychological, social and emotional support, please call the Wellness Community at (805) 379-4777.

All programs are at the Wellness Community, 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village and are open to cancer patients and their families.

Special programs offered this month include the following:

"Lunch and Learn: PET Scans, CAT Scans and MRIs" from noon to 1:30 p.m. today, Feb. 21. Phyllis Wodin, R.N., who has been involved in the radiology field for 20 years, will discuss the difference between a PET scan, CAT scan and MRI and explain how each process fits into the diagnostic picture.

"Communicating Effectively with your Insurance Provider," from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 28.

Mark Wells, a cancer survivor who owns a home health care services business and is a former hospital administrator, will discuss how to work within the system and be your own best advocate with your medical insurance provider.