50 million American adults had chronic pain in 2016 according to the 2016 National Health Interview Survey. Pain is defined as being chronic when it lasts longer than three to six months or beyond the normal healing time of an injury.
Living Well with Chronic Pain is an evidence-based workshop developed by Stanford University. The workshop provides helpful information, teaches practical skills and helps people better self-manage their pain resulting in a more active and fulfilling life. The program is free and open to anyone over the age of 18 years old experiencing chronic pain.
This interactive seven-week workshop is led by two trained Peer Leaders in a group setting. The workshop explores various topics such as, appropriate physical activity including flexibility, balance and strength, managing medication and making treatment decisions, healthy eating and weight management and how to communicate more effectively with friends, family members and healthcare providers.
Each participant will receive a copy of the Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain, and an audio relaxation CD, Relaxation for Mind and Body.
The next Living Well with Chronic Pain workshops begin in March in the following locations:
- Hamilton on Tuesday, March 24, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Hamilton Library Community Room, 13 Broad St., Hamilton.
- Oneida on Wednesday, March 25, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Oneida Healthcare Classroom, 321 Genesee St., Oneida.
For more information or to register, contact the Madison County Rural Health Council by phone (315) 447-7625 or email at slocum.bonnie@mcruralhealthcouncil.org.