SIDNEY — Chronic pain — pain that lasts longer than three to six months — can take both a physical and emotional toll.
The Area Agency on Aging has developed a six-week, Healthy U workshop, “Chronic Pain Self-Management,” which will be presented in Sidneyon Thursdays, Aug. 2 through Sept. 6, in the Amos Memorial Public Library, 230 E. North St. Each session will run from 1 to 3 p.m.
The workshop is free; however, advance registration must be completed by July 26. To register, call 937-710-4246 or email [email protected].
The workshop is open to adults of any age who have chronic pain and to caregivers of people who have chronic pain. Everyone who completes the course receives the companion textbook, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain,” the “Moving Easy” CD and a relaxation CD.
The Healthy U Chronic Pain Self-Management Workshop helps people develop the skills and coping strategies to better manage their symptoms and feel healthier. It is an interactive, small group workshop that has been proven to improve quality of life and reduce healthcare expenses by increasing self-confidence and providing new skills.
The workshop focuses on pain management, nutrition, exercise, medication use, emotions and communicating with doctors and family about pain. Participants learn to manage their symptoms through action planning, interactive learning, problem-solving and social support.
Topics include strategies to deal with stress, frustration, fatigue, pain and depression; using physical activity to maintain and improve strength, flexibility and endurance; how to use medications safely and appropriately; better ways to talk with a doctor and the family about health; using good nutrition to improve health and control symptoms; how to evaluate new treatments and setting and achieving personal goals.
It is designed for people who have long-term pain or care for someone living with chronic pain; are looking for better ways to manage pain symptoms; feel limited in daily activities; feel tired, alone, or fearful because of their health or the health of a loved one.
The workshop will be led by Molly Helmlinger, of Sidney.
