The St. Lawrence County Health Initiative is offering a series of community-based workshops in Canton, Massena and Ogdensburg in April to help those with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, and other long term health conditions.

I Can Feel Better six-week workshops are set for 1 to 3:30 p.m., to begin in Massena Tuesday, April 5, in Canton Thursday, April 7, and Ogdensburg Tuesday, April 26.

These workshops are intended to bring people with chronic diseases, family members, and caregivers together in a community setting to learn healthier ways to live, gain confidence and motivation to manage their health, and feel more positive about life.

The workshops provide the tools needed to manage symptoms, work with health care professionals, set weekly goals for behavior change, problem-solve, use relaxation techniques, handle difficult emotions, eat well, and exercise safely and easily. The workshop is for those with any chronic condition, and is especially helpful for those with multiple challenges.

These workshops use a chronic disease self management curriculum developed at Stanford University. The program has been proven to reduce frequent hospitalizations and ER visits, give individuals more control over their conditions, and improve their quality of life.

If you are interested in attending a workshop or to learn more about the program, email Linda Caamaño at linda@gethealthyslc.org or call 261-4760, ext. 230.

For more information on I Can Feel Better, visit www.gethealthyslc.org.