AHS program aims to help chronic pain sufferers

Those living with a chronic disease are invited to join an Alberta Health Services program to learn how to take control of their health and improve their quality of life.

Better Choices, Better Health is a six-week series on chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, obesity, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, colitis, celiac’s disease and mental health concerns.

Sessions are led by an AHS health-care professional or a trained volunteer, many of whom live with a chronic disease and have an understanding of the challenges faced.

Topics include solving problems, setting goals, handling pain and fatigue, medication, emotions, healthy eating, physical activity and how to communicate with health-care workers.

Because those living with chronic conditions are often faced with the same day-to-day challenges, Better Choices, Better Health focuses on teaching tools and techniques common to all chronic conditions rather than any one specific disease or condition.

The series of six workshops will take place Monday afternoons starting on Sept. 14 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Wednesday evenings, starting Sept. 16, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the River Heights Professional Centre, Suite 100, 88 Valleyview Dr. S.W.

To register or for more information call 403-529-8969 or toll-free 1-866-795-9709.

If you are not able to physically attend a workshop there is an online option available. Participants can join from any computer with an internet connection, logging in at their convenience for a total of up to two hours per week. To register online go to:

https://betterchoicesbetterhealth.