“All these factors flow into each other,” said Emily
Evans, a Cannon Health community liaison. “If
you can stop any of the factors, you can interrupt the
pain cycle.”
The class covers more than exercise and the body.
It also details techniques for incorporating the mind
into pain control. “A lot of it is in your mind, and if
you can control your mind, you can sometimes con-
trol the pain,” Evans said.
Solutions come in the form of a variety of action
plans which allow participants to try various tech-
niques to see what works best for them. The practice
of setting goals was particularly helpful for Denny.
He continues to use methods he learned from the
class—he has more energy during the day and has
even dropped several pounds, he said.
The course is also great for the loved ones of chronic
pain sufferers. Valerie Atkin attended as support for
her husband, and received a variety of helpful tools,
she said.
The classroom setting provides a social element that
Denny found helpful.
“We built friendships with people who were going
through the same thing,” he said, adding that he’s
already involved with a separate Healthy Living
course on diabetes management.
Denny points to that shed as an example of how his
life has changed. After taking the Living Healthy
with Chronic Pain course, he finally tackled the task
that eluded him for more than a year.
“Now I have a shed with no boxes,” he said. “I’m so
grateful for everything I’ve gotten from the class.” n
For more information on Living Healthy with
Chronic Pain, call Cannon Health LLC at
704-886-0840 or the Cabarrus County Senior
Center at 704-920-3484.
Visit http://cannonpharmacies.com, then under
the services menu select enhanced services
for a complete listing of Cannon’s Enhanced
Pharmacy Services.
About the workshop
The Living Healthy with Chronic Pain workshop
can help you take control of your ongoing health
condition rather than letting it control you.
The small-group, interactive workshops last for
six weeks, meeting once a week for two-and-a-
half hours. The classes are usually held in com-
munity settings. A recent workshop was held at
the Cabarrus County Senior Center in Concord.
Sufferers of chronic back pain, neck pain, fibro-
myalgia, pelvic pain or neuropathic pain could
benefit from the workshop.
Skills covered include:
• Managing symptoms
• Communicating effectively with healthcare
professionals
• Lessening frustration
• Fighting fatigue and depression
• Building confidence
• Using medications appropriately
• Exercising to improve strength, endurance
and flexibility
cabarruscounty.us/seniors
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