St. John's St. Francis Hospital hosts free classes for those with chronic conditions
July 25, 2005
 

Grants from the Missouri Foundation for Health and the Department of Health and Senior Services are funding a program in Mountain View titled “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.”
 

The classes are designed to help people manage the challenges of arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic pain, osteoporosis, diabetes, asthma, heart problems and other problems.
 

They will be held each Monday starting on July 25 and will continue for six weeks. The classes will be in the St. John’s St. Francis Hospital Classroom from 9-11:00 a.m. each Monday.
 

According to Margaret Lindsey, RN, with the Regional Arthritis Center, having a chronic condition does not mean you have to stop doing the things you love to do.  To get back in the driver’s seat, this program discusses strategies for getting and maintaining control. 
 

Some of the topics include: how to fight fatigue; how to communicate better about health issues; how to make daily tasks easier; how to manage pain and other symptoms; and how to set goals for positive life.
 

 “It is FREE to participate,” explained Lindsey, “You will be provided with a book of information just for coming.”
 

The program is a cooperative program of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services; SWMO Regional Arthritis Center and St. John’s St. Francis Hospital. Presenters for the program are Margaret Lindsey, RN, and Deanna Thompson, MS, RD, LD, dietitian at St. John’s St. Francis Hospital. For information and to register call St. John’s St. Francis Hospital at 417-934-7000.

For media information, contact St. John’s Media Relations at 417-820-2426 or cscott@sprg.mercy.net.