Somerset County officials recently announced they will be the host to a free “Cancer Thriving and Surviving” workshop for people who are battling the disease and others whose lives are touched by the disease.
Somerset County Freeholder Brian G. Gallagher, public health liaison, invites those who have been affected by cancer and their caregivers to attend a free six-week workshop titled “Cancer: Thriving and Surviving.”
Officials said the workshop will occur on Wednesdays 5:30 to 8 p.m. on April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and continue to May 6. The events will take place at Cancer Support Community Central NJ in the Dodie Loughlin Wellness Center, located at 3 Crossroads Drive, Bedminster.
Preregistration is required, officials said.
“In this workshop, participants and their caregivers will gain a more positive outlook about their condition and improve their state-of-mind and overall health,” Somerset County officials said in a statement. “Topics to be discussed include communicating effectively with family, friends and healthcare professionals, and how to make appropriate decisions about treatment and complementary therapies.”
Attendees are also planned to learn how to cope with negative emotions such as feelings of isolation, frustration and uncertainty, according to officials. Other topics are planned to include managing pain, poor sleep and the benefits of exercise to help increase flexibility and endurance.
This program is sponsored by the Morris-Somerset Regional Chronic Disease Coalition, the Somerset County Department of Health and Cancer Support Community Central NJ.
In addition to the upcoming workshops, the Somerset County Department of Health hosted another free Cancer: Thriving and Surviving workshop in October 2019 for people who are battling the disease and others whose lives are touched by the disease.
The Regional Chronic Disease Coalition of Morris and Somerset Counties and the county department invited people to attend who were battling cancer, cancer survivors, caregivers and loved ones of anyone affected by cancer to attend the free six-week workshop in Somerville.
Professionals from the program said in a statement the workshop sought “to teach participants how to set personal goals and develop skills that can help them overcome barriers, better manage their health and improve their quality of life.”
Organizers also said participants learned how to better manage symptoms of cancer, how to eat healthier, exercise safely, alleviate pain and fatigue, and become more independent.
For more information, or to register, call Lea Kimmelman at 908-203-6077 or email [email protected]