Health sessions offered to chronic pain sufferers

Living with chronic pain is a challenge many people face. So volunteers who have learned to manage that condition are joining healthcare professionals to present no-charge workshops in Lethbridge through the year.

Their next session will run from Wednesday to Feb. 19 and registration is open to southern Albertans who experience ongoing pain.

The Better Choices, Better Health workshops are designed to help participants take control of their health and improve their quality of life. Instructors share ideas on how participants can increase their confidence and learn new skills, helping them to better manage their health condition — and enjoy a better quality of life.

The 2.5-hour sessions are led by Alberta Health Services professionals or trained volunteers, many of whom live with a chronic disease. They offer a supportive, welcoming environment and an understanding of the challenges participants face.

Because people living with chronic conditions often face the same day-to-day challenges, the program offers tools and techniques common to all chronic conditions.

This year’s first sessions will be held Wednesdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m., starting Jan. 15 at Alberta Healthy Living, 424 5 St. S. Registration can be handled over the phone at 403388-6654 or toll-free at 1-866506-6654.

Meanwhile anyone living with chronic pain or a chronic condition who is interested in leader training can call to inquire about the next training session, which takes place in April.