Waupaca Event Teaches how to Choose Mindfully
Stress is a normal part of life. Things that happen to you and around you can put stress on your body. But the body’s reaction to stress can have an effect on physical, mental and emotional well-being.
“Stress can become negative when someone faces challenges without any relief or relaxation,” said Marci Reynolds, health and wellness supervisor at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca. “Stress can lead to problems such as headaches, asthma, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, problems sleeping, chest pain, upset stomach, heart problems, diabetes and skin conditions.”
Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects form stress, added Reynolds. “Research suggests that stress can also bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases,” she said, noting that 75 percent to 9- percent of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related complaints.
A program offered in November can help people reduce physical and psychological symptoms associated with stress as well as learn resources to respond rather than react to stressors.
“Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction” will be offered from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, and 19 at the Maasch Education Center, 902 Building, located on the campus of ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca. This class will be led by Barb Achten, LMT, and will follow the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction model, which is an evidence based and proven effective method of working to change the way we respond to stress in our bodies.
“Participants will discover how unconscious thoughts and feelings can increase stress and undermine well-being,” said Achten. “They will learn how to develop inner resources that respond to rather than react to stressors, improve self-esteem and have a greater ability to relax.” Past participants in Barb’s class have reported great improvement in their overall ability to cope with stress, and have stated that their lives were changed.
The cost of the class is $20 per person for the series. Class size is limited. Registration is required. Register online here or call ThedaCare Central Scheduling: Phone number: 920-738-6521 option 1.
For more than 100 years, ThedaCare™ has been committed to finding a better way to deliver serious and complex healthcare to patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The organization serves over 200,000 patients annually and employs more than 6,800 healthcare professionals throughout the region. ThedaCare has seven hospitals located in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, Waupaca, Shawano, New London and Wild Rose as well as 35 clinics in 14 counties. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving our specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a non-profit healthcare organization with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs as well as a foundation dedicated to community service. Construction of ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center in Appleton is underway. For more information, visit www.thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on Facebook and Twitter.
