By Andi Anderson
Many farmers and their families struggle with the daily challenges of chronic pain, including fatigue, sleeplessness, stress, and fear. These symptoms can significantly hinder their ability to manage both farm and household affairs.
To help individuals in the agricultural industry cope, Illinois AgrAbility offers a free, six-week webinar series titled "Take Charge of Your Health: Chronic Pain Self-Management." The series starts on March 18th and runs every Monday from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM until April 22nd.
This grant-funded program, developed by a collaboration of University of Illinois Extension, Illinois AgrAbility, Age Options, and health specialists, focuses on cognitive behavioral techniques for managing chronic pain. Participants will learn valuable skills, such as:
- Balancing activity and rest
- Overcoming negative thought patterns
- Effective communication with healthcare professionals
- Creating action plans for problem-solving and decision-making
"This series provides an opportunity for farmers experiencing chronic pain to explore relief options and improve their quality of life," says Haley Jones, program coordinator for Illinois AgrAbility. "By registering, you'll gain valuable tools and resources to manage your pain and continue fulfilling your responsibilities on the farm."
Registration for the virtual series is open go.illinois.edu/AgrPainSeries until March 11th. As an additional resource, participants will receive a free copy of the book "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain." For series questions, contact Haley Jones, AgrAbility program coordinator, at haleyj@illinois.edu, 217-244-2948.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ben-goode
Categories: Illinois, General