Panhandle Health District

                                                            8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             Date:     September 29, 2009                  

Contact:                                                                    Released by: Lora Whalen, Acting Director                      

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

Living Well in Sandpoint Scheduled

Sandpoint--Stanford University taught Judy Totten and Jane Ramsey how to live independently and happily even with a chronic condition. Judy and Jane will share what they learned at the Woodland Crossing Senior Apartments in “Living Well in Idaho” a free six-week wellness workshop starting Oct. 12.

              The two master trainers will offer two workshops, both starting on Oct. 12.

              “Health and wellness is definitely in my soul,” says Judy, a certified fitness trainer who has worked with seniors for nearly 30 years. “This program was made for me.”

              “Living Well in Idaho” is open to anyone with a chronic condition but aimed particularly at seniors. Chronic problems can be long term and are typically managed with medication. They include such conditions as allergies, fibromyalgia and even multiple sclerosis.

              Workshop participants will learn the information and tools that can extend independent living.  Topics include healthy eating, better breathing techniques, and how to handle depression. The workshop covers how to work with doctors, use medications and relax. Participants also discuss the value of setting weekly goals and effective problem solving.

              Panhandle Health District received a grant from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in conjunction with the Administration on Aging for instructor training at Stanford. The grant also covers program management and technical assistance to senior centers where “Living Well in Idaho” will be offered.

              Each “Living Well in Idaho” class is 2 ½ hours long. The first class at the Woodland Crossing apartments, 839 Kootenai Cutoff Rd. in Ponderay, will run 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays for six weeks. The second class will run 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Woodland Crossing apartments.

Potential participants should call Judy at (208) 610-8836 or Jane at (208) 263-0839 for pre-registration and to reserve a spot. The workshop limit is 15, but more will be scheduled throughout the Panhandle in the future.