Workshops aim to help people with chronic illness

The Daily ItemLYNN – People living with persistent health conditions – illnesses as diverse as arthritis and multiple sclerosis and diabetes – know that every aspect of daily living can be a challenge.While the illnesses can be medically quite different, they can result in many of the same symptoms: chronic pain, fatigue, limited mobility, and feelings of helplessness, depression, and frustration.A new workshop, “My Life, My Health,” is being offered in February and March by Greater Lynn Senior Services to adults of any age living with one or more persistent health conditions, defined as any illness that cannot be cured, only medically managed.”Chronic illness changes everything,” says Denise Scarpa, a staff member at Greater Lynn Senior Services, who has been a participant in the workshop and recently became trained to be a workshop leader. “Every aspect of a person’s life – their home situations, their ability to work and make a living – can be dramatically changed by a persistent health condition.”She knows first-hand of the devastating effects such illnesses. Now, she and several other former participants are offering two workshops this winter for others in the Greater Lynn community who may benefit from the program.”It’s not what I would call a support group, although we are there to support one another, learn from each other, and share our experiences,” Scarpa notes. The program comes complete with a resource book and relaxation CD.Despite the emphasis on education, Scarpa says participants in the workshop she attended bonded over the six weeks they were together. “It is easy to feel isolated when you have a chronic disease,” another participant said. “Being in a workshop like this reminds you that you are not alone.”The workshop teaches participants strategies for setting and meeting personal goals, improving communications with doctors, family and friends; handling stress and learning how to relax; increasing your energy level; managing emotional ups and downs; and, best of all, learning to have fun again.Susan H. Brown, who has led several workshops, says the program is geared toward helping participants gain confidence in their ability to manage their own health and make better decisions about their health care. The program is designed to enhance existing medical treatments and disease-specific education, not replace them, and it has proven to be especially helpful to people living with one or more persistent health conditions, as it teaches the strategies necessary to coordinate the multiple skills needed to manage their health.One recent study showed that participants were able to increase exercise, were better able to manage symptoms, reported an improved ability to communicate with physicians, and generally felt better, experiencing less fatigue, distress and disability, and fewer limitations on social and work activities. Participants were also reported to spend fewer days in the hospital, and there was also a trend toward fewer outpatient visits and hospitalizations.The first “My Life, My Health” session will be Thursday at Ocean Shores, 50 The Lynnway, from 2-4:30 p.m. The sessions will continue on Thursdays at the same time and location, through March 13.Another session will begin on March 18 and will meet at the Lynn Senior Center, 8 Silsbee St., on Tuesdays from 1-3:30 p.m., ending on April 22.An information session for the second workshop will be held Feb. 12, from 1-2 p.m. at the Lynn Senior Center. There is a $25 materials fee for the resource book and CD (scholarships are available based on financial need).For more information about registering for either session, contact Susan H. Brown at 781-586-8568.