Southwest Harbor. Healthy Acadia and MDI Hospital & Health Centers are partnering to offer a free, 6-week comprehensive pain self-management series at the Community Health Center, 16 Community Lane, Southwest Harbor, on Fridays from 1:00pm to 3:30pm, beginning April 13 and continuing through May 18, 2018.
“Taking Action on Pain” is a free, interactive program that is open to anyone who suffers from chronic pain. This evidence-based, Chronic Pain Self-Management Program was developed through Stanford University to empower participants to better manage their pain through multiple channels, and can help reduce the need for traditional pain medications which can have negative side effects and/or may be addictive. “Taking Action on Pain” invites chronic pain sufferers to explore a variety of pain self-management tools, including:
- Techniques to deal with common issues such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
- Appropriate use of medications
- Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
- The importance of pacing activities and allowing for rest
- Active and informed decision-making
- Evaluating new treatments
“Taking Action on Pain” classes are facilitated by two Stanford University-trained leaders and offer a supportive environment for participants to provide each other with mutual support and share their successes. Evidence demonstrates that it is the highly participative process in which the program is conducted that makes it so effective. This helps increase participants’ self-assurance in their ability to manage their health and maintain active, satisfying lives.
Workshop participants will receive a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Pain and an audio relaxation CD, Relaxation for Mind and Body. A light snack will be provided. There is no fee for this workshop series, however, pre-registration is required. Contact Laura Driscoll at 460-7451 or laura.driscoll@mdihospital.org to register, or for more information about “Taking Action on Pain.”
Healthy Acadia’s “Taking Action on Pain” program is supported by Grant Number D04RH28404 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about Healthy Acadia, please visit www.healthyacadia.org.
