KAUNAKAKAI - The county Department of Housing and Human Concerns' Office on Aging will sponsor a "Better Choices . . . Better Health" "Living Well with Arthritis" self-management workshop beginning Thursday on Molokai.
All Better Choices workshops provide practical information, tools and support to people interested in incorporating healthier habits into their lives. The Living Well with Arthritis workshop focuses specifically on the unique challenges faced by people living with arthritis and related conditions such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, which cause stiffening of the bones and joints.
The workshops consist of a series of six classes that focus on learning and implementing practical skills used to stay healthy and control symptoms through relaxation, nutrition, improved communication skills, medication management, exercise and more. Participants develop achievable "action plans" that lead to positive changes and greater confidence.
The workshop series will run on six consecutive Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs/Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' conference room in Kaunakakai.
Participants will receive an "Arthritis Helpbook" and an audio relaxation compact disc, "Time for Healing."
The cost for the six-session workshop is $10 for those 60 and older and $35 for those under 60. Scholarships are available for anyone under 60 experiencing financial hardship.
Advance registration is required because space is limited to 14 participants per class. Small interactive classes focus on building skills, sharing experiences and developing support.
Transportation may be available. Caregivers are encouraged to attend.
For more information or to register, contact Robin Pilus at 281-0094.
