“Living Well” Classes to be Held Locally

BESSEMER, MI - Tuesday, April 6, 2010 - Two local agencies will offer a six-session workshop for adults with chronic conditions, beginning April 16.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions is a self-management workshop that helps people deal with their illness, continue a normal life, maintain and/or increase life's activities, and handle their emotions. People with different illnesses attend together.

"The workshop is for individuals of any age who have one or more chronic conditions", according to Zona Wick, director of the Iron County Health Department. "We define a chronic condition as one that lasts or is expected to last a year or longer, that limits what a person can do, and that may require ongoing care." Some examples are arthritis, heart problems, asthma, stroke, pain, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and emphysema.

Co-facilitator Lucia Patritto, director and educator with Michigan State University Extension, explains that what people do about something is largely determined by how they think about it. "Some of the best self managers are people who think of their illness as a path. Like any path, this one goes up and down. The workshop sessions will help people learn skills to travel their particular path."

Attendees will learn how to manage their symptoms, communicate with medical professionals, lessen frustration, fight fatigue, make daily tasks easier, and live a healthier life.

The workshops will meet for 2 ½ hours once a week for six weeks at the county board room of the Iron County Courthouse in Hurley. The sessions take place on six consecutive Friday's, from 1:00-3:30 PM; attendance at every session is highly encouraged, as the sessions build on one another.

There is a fee of $10, which covers all six sessions, a workbook, handouts, and refreshments. Pre-registration is necessary by calling the Iron County Health Department at (715) 561-2191, or MSU Extension at (906) 663-4045. Class size is limited and registrations will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

"A friend, caregiver, or relative is welcome to attend the sessions along with the person living with the chronic condition", said Patritto. "They, too, will benefit from the problem-solving skills related to managing their life."

Wick added that an early evening session is being considered for later in the year, if interest is shown. "Please feel free to call the Extension office or the Health Department to express your interest."

View a specially prepared pamphlet that explains the workshops.