People and families dealing with chronic health conditions have opportunity to learn how to handle the situation through a workshop at Stettler Hospital over several weeks starting Feb. 24.
“Paddle Your Own Canoe” workshop sessions will be held weekly at the hospital until March 31, led by three local ladies who completed training through the program presented by Alberta Health Services.
This program is a self-management for people living with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, asthma, osteoporosis, depression, kidney disease, liver disease, arthritis, chronic pain and heart disease, and many more.
“We want to help people who are struggling with chronic conditions,” said Mary Ellen Chapman, who is one of three local ladies trained to facilitate the upcoming workshop and each experiencing chronic pain themselves.
“This is beneficial not just for people who have chronic conditions but for their families and friends,’ said Karen Jones.
“This has helped me personally deal with my own health issues,” said Bette Hronek.
The six-week series during the afternoon covers various topics such as steps to set goals, solve problems, deal with frustration, fatigue, communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals, healthy lifestyle practices and making informed treatment decisions, and how to live life fully.
“Participants gain confidence and develop skills to overcome the physical and emotional challenges of living with a long-term health condition,” said Barb Hansen who facilitated the training with Wendy Volkart.
“This will help people with chronic conditions to break larger goals into small steps,’ said Volkart.
Specifically, the workshop runs Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 in the hospital board room from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
For more information, phone Hansen or Volkart at 403-309-8197 or 403-309-8198.
To register, phone toll-free at 1-888-343-4623.