Upcoming WorkLife Programs classes cover variety of topics

March 14, 2011

WorkLife Programs classes coming up in the next few weeks will focus on chronic conditions, caring for dependents, stress management, finances, fitness and many other topics.

Prevention/chronic conditions

* Quit Smart
March 15-April 28 (six meetings). 3:30-5 p.m. WorkLife Programs (PWF), 1402 W. State St.
Quit Smart combines powerful treatments to help participants break free from tobacco. Participants attending this class will learn to ease off nicotine, use their mind to help, use a hypnosis CD, and decide whether to use medication to break the habit.
  
* Appropriate Use of Over-the-Counter Medications
March 16. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 318.
Abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications is increasing. With the rising costs of health care, self-care is ever more important. Learn when it is appropriate to self-treat and which drugs can cause toxic or dangerous effects if taken incorrectly. Information about common dietary supplements also will be included. Thirty minutes of instruction will lead off the class, to be followed by small group discussions where participants can swap solutions on implementing these realistic approaches into daily living.
  
* Pre-Diabetes: What is it, What do I do?
March 23. Noon-1 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 313.
If you or a family member faces pre-diabetes, you might think an eventual diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes is inevitable. That doesn't have to be the case. Find out what defines pre-diabetes and what practical actions can be taken to ward off diabetes, instead of moving toward it.
  
* Chronic Disease Self Management Program
Thursdays, March 31-May 5. 3:30-5:30 p.m. WorkLife Programs (PWF), 1402 W. State St.
Chronic disease can disrupt the routine of life and have an effect on emotions. WorkLife Programs will partner with Area IV Agency to offer a highly participative and supportive program for anyone with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, pulmonary disease, fibromyalgia\ or any other chronic condition. Participants will meet for six weeks, using two-hour sessions each week to help fortify their self-management skills. Topics include techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments. Each participant will receive a copy of a workbook along with a relaxation CD.

Help with stress
  
* Stress Relief and Reduction
Wednesdays, March 16-June 1. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 202.
During this interactive 12-week series, participants will learn to identify the causes of stress, learn how to deal with those stressors, and practice techniques to feel more energized. Participants will learn and practice deep breathing, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, aromatherapy, meditation, stretching, tai chi, pilates, yoga, massage and the benefits of laughter.

* Introduction to Stress Management and Deep Breathing
March 16. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 202.
Stressful situations can cause emotional and physical harm, but certain relaxation techniques can help ease the pain. Participants will identify their stressors, learn ways to prevent them, and practice deep breathing.

* Roundtable: Saying No is Good for Your Health
March 17. Noon-1 p.m. Purdue Memorial Union, Room 103.
Do you have too many jobs and not enough fun? With limited time and energy, some things are extraneous. Being able to pick and choose is a valuable skill. Learn how to set priorities and say yes to yourself.

* Coping and Combining Roles -- Successfully Blending Work and Life
March 22. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 313.
Recognizing the struggle to juggle the demands of daily work and living, this workshop aims to provide information on how to enhance the health and well-being of the individual and sustain a family-friendly environment. Learn how to tip the scale in your favor and gain a wealth of wisdom for balancing the demands of everyday life.

* Guided Imagery
March 23. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 202.
Guided imagery is a technique to direct thoughts and suggestions that direct your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state. Participants will practice using their senses to connect their body and mind and respond as though what they are imagining is real.

* FUN-damentals of Stress Management
March 30. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 318.
PLAY: the four-letter word that seriously decreases stress. Discover how humor can and does increase productivity and morale in the workplace. The class will feature 30 minutes of instruction, followed by small group discussions designed to let participants trade tips on how to best implement these practical strategies into busy lifestyles.

* Foam Rolling
March 30. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 302.
Foam rollers offer many of the same benefits as a sports massage, but without the big price tag. By using your own body weight and a cylindrical foam roller you will perform a self-massage or myofascial release, break up trigger points, and soothe tight muscle fascia while increasing blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues. Please wear tennis shoes and bring a yoga mat, beach towel, or blanket.

Caring for dependents
  
* Potty Training: Making it Work
March 15. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 313.
What is the trick to potty training? Learn the steps to lessen stress for you and your child and ensure success in this developmental milestone.

* Raising Healthy Eaters
March 29. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 313.
The Norman Rockwell picture of family life is every member serenely enjoying a home-cooked meal together. But reality intrudes in the form of hectic schedules, picky eaters, and conflicting nutritional needs. How can parents best help their children learn to choose and enjoy the nutritious foods so essential for health and growth? The class will explore how children become competent eaters and also offer ideas for putting a quick, healthy meal on the table.

Financial

* Cash in the Closet
March 24. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 318.
You may be surprised at your net worth. Discover hidden assets right in your own home.

Fitness

* Stop This Treadmill, I Want to Get Off
March 23. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 318.
Life's treadmill can be difficult to step off long enough to assess your exercise goals, where you've been and where you're headed. Step off your treadmill and join us as we discuss ways to find the right "FIT" to enhance our FITness. The class will kick off with 30 minutes of education and end with small group discussions so participants can brainstorm on the most feasible ways to fit these solutions into their lives.

To register for these or other offerings, go to www.purdue.edu/worklife and log in with your career account and password, or call WorkLife Programs at 49-45461.

Follow WorkLife Programs on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PurdueWorkLife.