WVU Medicine East is offering a program for those dealing with chronic pain. For the first time, it will be offered virtually to allow participants access to the program from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Living Well, a chronic pain self-management program, is a weekly workshop designed to help individuals coping with one or more chronic pain learn to take day-to-day responsibility for their care, increase the skills necessary to manage their pain and work effectively with their health care professional.
A new Zoom workshop begins June 16 and meets every Tuesday through July 28 from 9 until 11:30 a.m. The seven-week program will be interactive, informative and fun offering the same content as the face-to-face workshop. The first session, which is new to the program, will be an introduction to Zoom and explanation of how the program will be run virtually.
Living Well was developed by the Patient Education Research Center at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Leaders have been trained in the curriculum and follow Stanford’s guidelines which have been medically approved and rigorously tested to ensure effectiveness.
Participants of Living Well have reported significant changes in health such as less fatigue, less disability, improved functioning and fewer hospital stays. Participants have also shown improvements in exercise adherence, pain and stress management, communication with physicians and more confidence in their ability to manage their conditions.
Living Well is free and open to those with chronic pain and other health issues related to pain. Everyone can benefit from learning the skills to coordinate all the activities needed to manage their health, as well as help them maintain a full and active life.
Participants will need a computer, phone or tablet in order to access Zoom. The device must also have a camera and microphone. A quiet place and a stable chair are also recommended for joining the classes.
To register or for more information, contact Dana M. DeJarnett at 304-264-1287, ext. 31814 or dana.dejarnett@wvumedicine.org. The deadline to register is June 10.
