MIND AND BODY

Last Wednesday night I attended my Kaiser Mind and Body class. I was so looking forward to going, because It is always a wonderful experience. Kaisers Mind and Body class is set up as eight 2 hour classes, however I'm alone in wishing it were 3 hours or 16 weeks.

I am limited on what I can tell you specifically about the members of my class, because we are on an honor code of confidentiality. I can tell you this much, a number of my classmates want to sign up again to continue where they leave off.

Last Wednesday everyone was back from Thanksgiving holiday. We all had a lot to share with each other, as we do everyweek. It is not group therapy; however 6 weeks in, you are a member of a group of people who come together and embrace each others lives. Essentially, we care about each others success.

The instructor who leads our class is very knowledgeable in the area of mind and body. Her approach is so refreshing and easy to follow, we are sure to gain something useful everyweek. I know this first hand from my own experience. It is very important to note. Before you seek out any health education classes, it is very important to talk to a licensed Professional first, because this class is not designed to act in place of Professional help. For me, I use it in conjunction with it. I saw a professional first who recommend it.

Here is a list of some of the things that are covered in the class:
1. The Power to Change
2. Healthy Thinking
3. Humor
4. Enjoy your Senses
5. Communicate Well
6. Anxiety
7. Anger
8. Depression
9. Chronic Illness

IS THIS CLASS FOR YOU

I strongly suggest that you talk to a licensed professional first. Kaiser has some very good and caring health care professionals. Why should this step be the first step? I for one recommend this program and others like it, but more over, It would not benefit me, if I was not seeking professional help also. I have wonderful and caring doctors who work with me as I said before in conjunction with my classes. It's kind of like going to college for life. If we work as hard at getting healthy as we did trying to get good grades in school, we would be just that much better, health wise.

This is a class that families should take together, friends and even co-workers. My mom and I are taking this class together, we already have a great relationship, and it has helped us even more. With anything there are no guarantees'that you will or won't succeed. You get out of anything what you put into it. One thing is always true
"Keep doing what your doing and you will keep getting what you are getting" I didn't like what I was getting, and as a result, I am working with my Kaiser team to make changes in my life. I live one day at a time, learning new coping skills will help me to succeed.

I continue to seek out whatever knowledge is available to me. I will look at all the classes that Kaiser has to offer and discuss them with my doctors to make sure, I am aming for the right fit to hopfully save myself future problems.

DON'T STOP DREAMING, I CARE ABOUT YOU

CYNTHIA