WorkLife offerings focus on chronic conditions, tobacco cessation and stress

September 6, 2011

Checking out the WorkLife Programs classes coming up in the next few weeks, then registering and attending, can lead to some valuable information for one's total well-being.

Offerings denoted with an asterisk are new.

TOBACCO CESSATION

Quit Smart
Sept. 6-Oct. 19. 3:30-5 p.m. State Street Office Facility (SSOF), 1601 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.

PREVENTION AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS

*Pre-Diabetes: What is it, What do I do?
Sept. 7. 12:10-12:50 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. Come find out what defines pre-diabetes and what practical actions you can take to ward off diabetes, instead of moving toward it.

Dining with Diabetes
Mondays, Sept. 12-Oct. 17. 5-7 p.m. Stone Hall, Room 232.
WorkLife Programs and Purdue Extension combine for a positive and proactive team approach to help manage diabetes. This six-week series provides weekly interactive food preparation demonstrations, tasting, and opportunities to actively participate in self-management skills and techniques. Sessions include information about snacks, carbohydrates and sweeteners, fats and sodium, and vitamins and fiber, as well as a session on coping with diabetes. Food demonstrations include the preparation of snacks, desserts, main dishes, and side dishes. A review of diabetes medications will also be included. Each participant will receive a folder with printed information and weekly recipes. Whether you have diabetes or a family member does, plan on joining us for this friendly nutrition education series that takes today’s busy lifestyle into consideration.

Chronic Disease Self Management Program
Tuesdays, Sept. 13-Oct. 18. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Freehafer Hall, Room 1-1.
Chronic disease can disrupt the routine of life and have an impact on emotions. WorkLife Programs is happy to partner with Area IV Agency to offer a highly participative and supportive program for those who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, pulmonary disease, fibromyalgia, or any other chronic condition. Participants will meet for six weeks, utilizing two-hour sessions each week to help fortify their abilities in 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.

*Prevent GI Distress
Sept. 13. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 322.
Understanding how the digestive system works is the first step to preventing GI distress. Learn how healthy eating can help ease so many common disorders, such as heartburn, constipation, diverticulitis and IBS. The class will also discuss how to live successfully with chronic conditions such as lactose intolerance and an allergy to gluten.

*The New American Plate
Thursdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 20. Noon-1 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 202.
The traditional American eating plan -- heavy on protein, fat, starch and salt -- has had dire consequences on both our weight and health. Join us for a new series called "The New American Plate," which uses a visual approach to gradually improve eating habits both at home and away. During this six-week program, half of the series will be presented in the classroom, and the other half will be conducted via emailed educational lessons. Learn how to reshape your daily meals to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Tools provided to transition to a healthier eating pattern include a Healthy Eating Checklist, a Personal Action Plan, multiple recipes, online brochures and finally, a one-week sample menu. Class discussion about new recipes tried is encouraged for the benefit of all. Join us as we take steps to improve our health, reduce our risk of chronic disease and learn from others by participating in this new program.

HELP WITH STRESS

Coping and Combining Roles -- Successfully Blending Work and Life
Sept. 7. 4:10-4:50 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.

Energize and Focus
Sept. 13. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 202.

With today’s hectic world and frantic pace, it’s no wonder we feel tired. Family and work demands, lack of sleep and an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to fatigue, decreased mental clarity and lack of focus. Participants will learn easy ways to boost their energy, fight fatigue and improve focus and drive.

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

*Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease for People with Alzheimer’s and Their Caregivers
Sept. 6, 13, 20. 6-8 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 218AB.
For people with Alzheimer's, the diagnosis is life-changing and leads to many questions. "What will this mean for me and my family?" "How do I plan for the future?" "Where can I get the help I need?" This is an interactive three-part program where you will have a chance to hear from others who have been where you are. Discussion will include what you need to know, what you need to plan and what you can do to navigate this chapter of your life.

For caregivers, this series describes symptoms of early stage Alzheimer's disease; explains legal, financial and resource planning that need to be done; and various components of a care team and how to successfully work with each during the early stage.

FINANCIAL

*Reality Check for Retirement
Sept. 14. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Freehafer Hall, Rooms 2-1 and 2-2.
Retirement is not just about finances. Examine the many facets of leaving the workforce and beginning a new phase in life.

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.

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