Center for Healthy Living launching book club focused on social anxiety

The Center for Healthy Living is launching a new series focused on how to manage social anxiety. Led by Nancy Cook and Lindsey Millburg, employee assistance counselors and licensed social workers at the center, the Social Anxiety Book Club will kick off on Sept. 1. During the course of the program, participants will learn tips and strategies on how to manage social anxiety and will read "Where Am I Eating?" from the Tippecanoe County Public Library's "One Great Read" program.

"We are so excited about the opportunity to partner with the Tippecanoe County library and join in some of the experiences offered through them," Millburg says. "This group will be a great way to also engage in community-wide dialogue about the book."

The group will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursdays at the center from Sept. 1 through Oct. 20.

"This opportunity will help teach some evidence-based skills on how to engage socially with others while managing anxiety," Cook says. "It will also allow participants the opportunity to practice some of the skills learned in a safe and relaxed environment."

Register by Aug. 24 by calling 49-45505. A one-on-one pre-assessment appointment will be scheduled with Cook or Millburg on Aug. 25 to determine appropriate participants for the program. Limited seats are available for this small group format.

Center for Healthy Living programs and workshops are free for benefits-eligible faculty and staff and for spouses/same-sex domestic partners covered on a Purdue medical plan. Adult dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan as well as benefits-eligible employees who have opted out of a Purdue medical plan also can attend free of charge.

The center is open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Lab hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For medical consultation after hours or on weekends, contact the Anthem nurse line at 888-279-5449 for assistance.