ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION TO OFFER FREE SELF-HELP PROGRAM  

The Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program will be offered every Wednesday beginning September 8 through October 13, 2010 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Public Library meeting room in Perry, Oklahoma.  This six-session arthritis self-management program teaches adults with arthritis, the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to better manage their arthritis, and has been proven in studies to reduce arthritis pain and physician visits, as well as, increase self-management abilities and communication with physicians.  Participants also learn about self-help devices that can enhance daily activities, and are offered an opportunity to seek answers to questions that are of most concern to them.  The program is suited for both the newly diagnosed, as well as, those seeking more aggressive management.

Developed at Stanford University, the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program is taught by an Arthritis Foundation-trained leader, Stacy Bauter and facilitator, Julie York.

Pre-registration for the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program is necessary and enrollment is limited.  The course is provided at no cost for participants; textbooks are provided for in-class use and are available for purchase for $20.00. For more information, contact Stacy Bauter, Program Assistant for the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project at 888-885-5588, stacy.bauter@okstate.edu, Julie York, Extension Educator at 336-4621, Julie.york@okstate.edu, or the Arthritis Foundation at 918-495-3553. 

The Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program is one of three arthritis health education and exercise programs in the Life Improvement series offered by the Arthritis Foundation to help people take greater control of arthritis.  For a listing of programs in your community, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 918-495-3553 or visit the Arthritis Foundation website at www.arthritis.org.