New classes start in April in Waupaca
The benefits of the collaborative group’s Teaming for Health and Resiliency Improvement Via Education and Support, or THRIVES, classes are growing. “The studies are there,” said Marci Reynolds, RN and certified diabetes educator at ThedaCare in Waupaca. “We see the results here with participants and know these classes are making a difference in their health and well-being.”
New classes start in April, with Stepping On, a falls prevention class, starting Tues., April 7, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers starting on Thurs., April 16. “These free classes are supported by a collaboration of agencies called THRIVES which includes the ADRC, the Rec Center, Bethany Home, ThedaCare, and others,” said Reynolds. “These classes will empower the learner so they can take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.”
Stepping On is a 7-week, evidence-based intervention proven to decrease the incidence of falls. It will meet from 9-11 a.m. in the Riverside Medical Center-Maasch Room, located in the 902 Building, Suite 202.
Falling can cause serious, even fatal, injuries. “Participants learn exercises and strategies to prevent them from falling,” said Reynolds, noting that topics include simple and fun balance and strength training, the role vision plays in keeping balance and how medications can contribute to falls.
Reynolds said there were 854 workshops held in Wisconsin in 2015 with over 8,261 participants. “Wisconsin participants have had 50 percent fewer falls as a result of taking this workshop,” she said.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a free, 6-week workshop that focuses on taking care of the caregiver. The class meets from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Riverside Medical Center-Maasch Room, located in the 902 Building, Suite 202.
Participants will learn how to reduce stress, learn about community resource and increase the ability to make tough decisions. “According to the Rand Corporation, as of 2014, the value of family caregiving in the U.S. is worth $522 billion per year,” said Reynolds.
Studies have shown that caregivers face increased health risks associated with caregiving. “Depression, anxiety, social isolation and physical symptoms are the most common consequences,” said Reynolds, noting that the “severity differs based on the level and length of caregiving, gender, relationship, and cultural factors. Financially, caregiving takes a toll as well. Often a caregiver reduces hours, leaves employment, or retires earlier to provide care to a loved one.”
Caregivers need to get connected with others, said Reynolds. “Psychoeducational programs for caregivers are important to help caregivers learn and practice good self-care so they can both continue to provide care to their care receiver and maintain their own health and well-being,” she said.
To register, call ThedaCare Central Scheduling: 920-738-6521 option 1 or visit www.ThedaCare.org and click on Classes.
ThedaCare™ is a community health system consisting of seven hospitals: Appleton Medical Center, Theda Clark Medical Center, ThedaCare Medical Center-New London, Shawano Medical Center, Riverside Medical Center, Berlin Memorial Hospital and Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital. ThedaCare also includes ThedaCare Physicians, ThedaCare Behavioral Health, and ThedaCare at Home. ThedaCare is the largest employer in Northeast Wisconsin with more than 6,800 employees. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
