Ortonville- Find your own path to better health during a series of Monday workshops set for the next six weeks at the Edna Burton Senior Center.
The free sessions, known as PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) workshops, are sponsored by McLaren Oakland and are meant to teach participants of all ages how to deal with ongoing health conditions.
‘The workshops teach strategies for managing health and how to be more active in your healthcare, rather than passive,? said Kaitlyn Pace, PATH patient navigator. ‘We help people set small goals to meet larger goals, such as getting off medication, eating healthier, getting in better shape, talking to health professionals, getting a better night’s sleep and coping with the emotions that come with having a chronic illness.?
The first workshop is 1-3:30 p.m., Oct. 12, at the senior center, 345 Ball St., and will continue Mondays at the same time through Nov. 16. The workshops are interactive, with trainers and participants engaging in role playing and demonstrations of relaxation techniques. Each workshop participant receives a free copy of the book, ‘Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition,? which contains exercises to build strength as well as information on how to interpret nutrition labels on food products for the healthiest choices.
PATH workshop trainers are typically cancer survivors, although the sessions are beneficial for all people living with a chronic illness. Each session focuses on a different topic of health maintenance.
‘The biggest benefit to the workshops is that participants find more confidence in handling their illness on their own and don’t have to make as many hospital visits,? said Pace. ‘They learn how to handle stress and skills for everyday life.?
Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Every participant who attends at least four of the six sessions will receive a $30 gas card. For more information or to register, call Kaitlyn Pace at 586-255-0297 or email mrs.kmpace@gmail.com.