The Healthy Living for ME network plans to host free workshops scheduled to start up across the state in October.

Topics addressed by the workshops include managing chronic conditions and chronic pain, improving fitness and balance, and managing diabetes.

Healthy Living for ME welcomes referrals from healthcare providers. The network’s evidence-based programming can help patients manage and prevent conditions before they become more serious or result in emergency situations.

“Our October workshops include a few being offered by two new partners in the network, Catholic Charities of Maine and Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital. We’re so pleased to be able to continue to expand our network and provide more access to free and low-cost resources that help Mainers improve their health and wellness,” said Maija Dyke, business manager of Healthy Living for ME, in a news release.

The workshops starting in October:

A Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

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This workshop is being offered in person in Presque Isle by network partner Aroostook Agency on Aging. The workshop begins on Monday, Oct. 3, and will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Oct. 31.

Living Well for Better Health helps participants deal with ongoing conditions such as diabetes, COPD, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Topics covered include handling 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; nutrition; and evaluating new treatments.

There are two in person sessions and one online session that will be offered by network partners.

Cary Medical Center is offering this workshop in person in Caribou. The workshop begins on Monday, Oct. 3, and will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 14.

Catholic Charities of Maine is offering this workshop in person at 66 Western Ave. in Fairfield. The workshop begins on Thursday, Oct. 6, and will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays through Nov. 10.

Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital is offering this workshop online. The workshop begins on Thursday, Oct. 6, and will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 10.

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Bingocize combines a bingo-like game with exercise and health education with the goal of increasing older adults’ functional fitness, health knowledge, and social engagement.

This workshop is being offered online by network partner Aroostook Agency on Aging. The workshop begins Monday, Oct. 3, and will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec. 12.

Better Health Now with Pain is designed for those who experience long-term pain; their friends, family, and/or caregivers are also welcome to join. Participants in this workshop receive a toolkit in the mail and work with a leader either by themselves or in small groups. Topics covered include pacing and planning, medication management, and the Moving Easy Program.

This workshop is being offered over the phone by network partner Spectrum Generations. The workshop begins Thursday, Oct. 6, and will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 10.

Living Well with Chronic Pain is designed for people who are dealing with persistent pain such as back pain, post-surgical pain, headaches, and other ongoing pain. Topics covered include: dealing with frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; pacing activity and rest; and evaluating new treatments.

This workshop is being offered online by network partner Aroostook Agency on Aging. The workshop begins on Tuesday, Oct. 11, and will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 15.

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Better Health Now is designed to help those living with chronic conditions, including heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, or other conditions. Participants in this workshop receive a toolkit in the mail and work with a leader either by themselves or in small groups. Topics covered during the workshop include: techniques to deal with 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; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments.

This workshop is being offered by phone by network partner MaineGeneral’s Peter Alfond Prevention and Healthy Living Center. The workshop begins on Wednesday, Oct. 12, and will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 16.

Living Well with Diabetes is designed to help people with type 2 diabetes learn how to live well. Topics include: techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, depression, anger, fear and frustration; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance; healthy eating, appropriate use of medication; and working with healthcare providers.

This workshop is being offered in person in Augusta by network partner MaineGeneral’s Peter Alfond Prevention and Healthy Living Center, 35 Medical Center Parkway. The workshop begins Monday, Oct. 17 and will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 21.

Though the workshops are free for participants, registration is required. Family, friends, caregivers, and supports of participants are also welcome to register and participate. For more information, locations, addresses and to register, contact Healthy Living for ME at 800-620-6036 or info@healthylivingforme.org.

To find a workshop near you, visit healthylivingforme.org/programs-workshops.

 

Check out other upcoming area events!

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