Workshop for Adults of Any Age with Ongoing Health Conditions to Begin on July 11 in the Evenings in Downtown Lynn

IS LIVING WITH AN ONGOING HEALTH CONDITION CREATING CHALLENGES FOR YOU?

Workshop for Adults of Any Age with Ongoing Health Conditions to Begin on July 11 in the Evenings in Downtown Lynn

June, 2012 – Ongoing health conditions—including cancer, heart disease, fibromyalgia, arthritis, diabetes, and many other conditions can affect almost every aspect of your personal and professional life.  In just six meetings, trained leaders and participants share strategies and skills that can improve quality of life.  “My Life, My Health” is one name for the evidence-based program developed and tested by researchers at Stanford University Medical Center.   The workshops have been proven to help people living with the challenges of ongoing health conditions.  The upcoming workshop is a collaborative effort between Greater Lynn Senior Services, All Care VNA, Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc., (ILCNSCA), and is supported by the Boston North Cancer Association.

“Ongoing health conditions or chronic illnesses begin slowly and proceed slowly.  The duration of such conditions is unpredictable and curing chronic conditions is rare.” explains Mary Carideo, Program Manager for Healthy Living Programs.  Symptoms vary but can include persistent pain, limited movement, decreased energy, and frustration about those limitations.  “My Life My Health” is about management style.   The goal is to positively manage chronic conditions. Participants will learn to set and meet personal goals using an action plan.   Many chronic conditions share the same symptoms .Fatigue, anxiety, pain, and difficult emotions are common to all ongoing health conditions.  Participants work together to learn how to talk more effectively with their doctors and other providers.  They also learn to manage the emotional ups and downs that accompany ongoing health conditions.

            Two sisters, Sandy and Ann Marie, finished a previous workshop together. Ann Marie has this to say about one of the benefits of attending, “The greatest skill I learned from the workshop was the proper way to do breathing exercises and meditation, using them to relax and relieve stress. I put the CD on every evening and I'm amazed at how quickly I go to sleep. It has become an every night thing. It is so relaxing.”

            Workshops are facilitated by trained leaders.  The workshop will meet once a week on Wednesdays for 2-1/2 hours beginning on July 11, from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m., at All Care VNA, 210 Mark Street, Lynn.  The program will conclude on August 15. 

For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Mary Carideo at 781-586-8527 or by e-mail at mcarideo@glss.net