CAPE AREA ARTHRITIS CENTER SCHEDULES THREE-DAY TRAINING COURSE IN MARCH

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Regional Arthritis Center at St. Francis Medical Center will sponsor a three-day training seminar in March designed to teach people how they can teach others about arthritis self-help.

The 18-hour seminar will be offered twice, first on March 5-7 and again on March 15-17. The course will be held at the St. Francis Information Center in Jackson.

The Arthritis Self-Help Course is an educational program developed by the Arthritis Foundation and is designed to benefit people with arthritis as well as their families and friends.

Topics covered in the Arthritis Self-Help Course include types of arthritis, exercise, joint anatomy, joint protection, energy conservation, techniques for coping with pain, the doctor-patient partnership, proper use of medication, nutrition and problem-solving techniques.

Material presented during the seminar is based on information from the "Arthritis Helpbook" by James Fries, M.D. and Kate Lorig, R.N.

Although there is no enrollment fee, those who participate in the course must agree to teach an Arthritis Self-Help Course within six months of completing the seminar.

Lodging and meals will be provided for out-of-town participants. Local participants will be provided lunch during the seminar.

Enrollment is limited to the first 20 registrants and the enrollment deadline is March 1.

To register or for more information, call Kathy Casteel at the St. Francis Information Center at 243-5222 between noon and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.