FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP FORMED IN CAPE

Individuals who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a form of soft-tissue rheumatism, are invited to attend the first meeting of a support group from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, in Classroom A of the Regional Cancer Center at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

The group is being formed as a cooperative effort between Southeast Missouri Hospital and the Regional Arthritis Center at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Currently, treatment of fibromyalgia includes medication under the management of a physician; planned exercise programs that involve muscle stretching and improve cardiovascular fitness; relaxation techniques to help relax tense muscles; and educational programs to help individuals learn to cope with fibromyalgia.

For additional information about the new support group, contact Charlene Linn at Regional Arthritis Center at St. Francis, (314) 339-6880, or Southeast patient educator Janet Stewart, RN, CDE, at (314) 651-5833.