St. Luke’s Hospital is offering a free, six-week course in Living Healthy with Chronic Pain every Thursday from 2-4:30 p.m. starting July 13. Other dates include July 20 and 27, and August 3, 10 and 17 at the St. Luke’s Community Room located at 89 W. Mills St, Suite B in Columbus. The class will meet each Thursday for six consecutive weeks for two and a half hours and will utilize a detailed manual taught by trained facilitators Scott McDermott, occupational therapist, and Sharon Hodge, physical therapy assistant, of the St. Luke’s Rehab team. 

“Participants are encouraged to attend a minimum of four sessions to ensure consistency,” said McDermott. “We also encourage participation by anyone living or caring for someone experiencing pain associated with a variety of chronic health conditions.” According to Hodge, the course is not designed to cure pain or chronic conditions but instead to learn the skills and tools to better manage them.

Course topics will include: distraction techniques, fall prevention and improving balance, pain and fatigue management, introduction to physical activity and exercise, endurance activities, making informed treatment decisions, and more. Participants also will receive a book and cd, and snacks will be provided.

To register for the program, contact the St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center at 828-894-8419 or Danielle Williams at dwilliams@regionc.orgfrom the Region C – Area Agency on Aging, a co-sponsor of the program.

Article submitted by Kathy Woodham