Health network to offer September workshops

The Healthy Living for ME network plans to offer free and low-cost workshops beginning in September.

The workshops are being held in different regions throughout the state by network partners and are open to adult Mainers of all ages. Additionally, the Better Health Now with Pain workshop is held by phone so it can be easily accessed by people anywhere in the state, according to a news release from the network.

Healthy Living for ME also 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.

“From Aroostook County to the midcoast, Healthy Living for ME’s partners are providing Mainers with numerous opportunities to improve their health and wellness. The numerous in-person workshops beginning in September give adult Mainers the chance to be part of a supportive group while learning strategies to manage chronic conditions or participating in fitness activities,” said Monica Lizotte, program coordinator of Healthy Living for ME.

Living Well for Better Health — This workshop 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.

Living Well for Better Health is being offered in person in Fort Fairfield by Aroostook Agency on Aging, a Healthy Living for ME network partner. The workshop begins on Sept. 6. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 11. There is no cost to participants.

Better Health Now with Pain — This workshop 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.

Better Health Now with Pain is conducted over the phone and is scheduled to run Sept. 6 through Oct. 11. This workshop is being offered by Healthy Living for ME network partner, MaineGeneral’s Peter Alfond Prevention & Healthy Living Center. There is no cost for participants.

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

There are three in-person sessions of Bingocize available starting in September; one in Lewiston, one in Caribou, and one in Topsham. There is no cost for participants.

Healthy Living for ME network partner, SeniorsPlus, is offering Bingocize at its Education Center in Lewiston. Classes are held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays initially, moving to just Thursdays in later weeks, from Sept. 13 through Dec. 22.

Aroostook Agency on Aging is offering Bingocize in Caribou from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes begin Sept. 13, and run through Nov. 22.

Healthy Living for ME network partner, Spectrum Generations, is offering Bingocize in Topsham from 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Classes begin Sept. 14 and run through Nov. 28.

Tai Chi for Health and Balance — This workshop is focused on practicing Tai Chi, which can help people improve balance and health as well as relieve pain.

Healthy Living for ME network partners, MaineGeneral’s Community Health department and the Peter Alfond Prevention & Healthy Living Center, are offering this workshop in person in Waterville. Classes will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Fridays. The workshop runs through Nov. 18. There is a $40 cost for participants.

Living Well for Better Health — This workshop 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.

Healthy Living for ME network partner, Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital, is offering this workshop in person in Pittsfield. Classes will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 21. The workshop runs through Oct. 26. There is no cost for participants.

Registration is required for these workshops. For more information, location, address and to register, contact Healthy Living for ME at 800-620-6036 or info@healthylivingforme.org. Registration also can be done through healthylivingforme.org.