Classes Offer Advice on Coping with Chronic Illness

Nearly 75 million Americans — poor and rich, young and old—deal with chronic pain, according to research by the nonprofit CT Pain Foundation. In Rockland, health officials are trying to improve the quality of life for some of those pain sufferers.

Health Commission Joan H. Facelle said the Rockland County Health Department's "Living Well" program will be offered at two sites his fall to help residents manage  chronic health problems such as arthritis, asthma and diabetes.

The free six-week workshop series takes place once a week with each session lasting two hours. The program is being offered on Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m. going from Sept. 24 to Oct. 29 at the New City Library. Also, sessions will take plae on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. starting Oct. 13 to Nov. 17 at Fountainview at College Road in Monsey.

Facelle said two trained leaders will run the program. One or both of those leaders will be trainers who also affected by chronic pain, Facelle said. 

Topics covered by the program include:

• Staying Fit: How to add simple exercises daily to maintain and improve strength, endurance, and flexibility.
• Medications and Treatments: Information to help participants understand their medications and treatments.
• Communicating Effectively: Information on how to make your needs and wishes known to doctors, family, and friends.
• Good nutrition: A look some easy guidelines on what to eat to improve how you feel.
• Positive Thinking: A look a changing your attitude and how that can affect the way you feel.
• Solving Common Problems: Use your mind to deal with symptoms like pain, fatigue and stress.
• Making an Action Plan: Set and achieve goals and celebrate  accomplishments.

Facelle said participants will receive a copy of the book, "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions" and the relaxation disc "A Time for Healing." She said the "Living Well" program is open to Rockland residents, but registration is required and space is limited

Contact Melanie Shefchik at 845-364-3786 to register.