If you are newly
diagnosed with arthritis or have been living with arthritis for sometime and
feel overwhelmed with your daily living activities, then maybe you would
benefit from the Arthritis Self Help Course (ASHC).
The ASHC is a
six-week educational program designed to teach people with arthritis how to
take a more active part in their arthritis care, each class is two hours once a
week.
The ASHC content
covers such topics as: self-help principles, disease process differences such
as in (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, lupus
and many other forms of arthritis), exercise/fitness, pain
management/relaxation, anger, fear, frustration, depression, nutrition,
fatigue, joint protection, problem solving, communication skills,
doctor-patient relationships, medications, non-traditional treatments, feedback
and contracting.
You may ask yourself
what does all of the above mean, especially contracting. Contracting is a
little contract you make with yourself on a weekly basis stating something that
you wish to do for yourself that will make your day a little easier and more
organized for yourself. People who have arthritis can become fatigued much
easier when they are in chronic pain and do not organize their time in an
orderly fashion. Studies have shown people who take a pro-active approach to
become involved in their care do better in their everyday lives in dealing with
a chronic illness.
Many different kinds
of people can benefit from the ASHC: adults of all ages, from many walks of
life, with different types of arthritis are all welcomed at an ASHC.
If you want to meet
new people who are looking to take a pro-active role in their healthcare and
learn new ways and exchange ideas and thoughts then the ASHC is for you.
Call the Arthritis
Foundation at (415) 356-1230 for times and dates of their upcoming courses.