Health department to offer two workshops beginning March 8

The Macoupin County Public Health Department will begin offering an updated Take Charge of Your Health workshop on Tuesday, March 8, at the 205 Oakland Avenue office in Carlinville.

According to Debbie Link, MCPHD senior health program c oordinator, Stanford University completed the updates the end of 2020 and local facilitators were trained in July of 2021. The updated workshop series will continue to cover topics such as healthy eating, exercise, pain management, medication management, and working with your healthcare team, but will also provide additional opportunities to practice newly learned skills with focus on healthy eating. Participants will also learn simple exercises.

The workshop is designed for anyone living with a chronic disease such as heart disease, IBS, chronic pain, diabetes, depression, arthritis, thyroid disease and now COVID-19 long haulers. Currently there is no cure for these chronic conditions, but they can be managed. The Take Charge of Your Health workshop can help you be in control of your health.

Registration is now open for the upcoming workshop. The workshop will meet for six weeks each Tuesday from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

A Take Charge of Your Diabetes Workshop will also begin on Tuesday, March 8, and be held every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon for six weeks.

Due to COVID-19 recommendations, participants will be asked to follow CDC guidelines and the class will be limited to eight people. Those interested are encouraged to call 217-930-2285 as soon as possible to register.

Both workshop series are sponsored by the Macoupin County Public Health Department with funding from AgeLinc. A companion book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, and a relaxation CD are available for loan or purchase. There is no charge to participants. Both workshops are free. Donations will be accepted.

To register or for questions, please call 217-930-2285.