Healthy Living

Have Fun. Be Healthier. Save Money. Make New Friends!

Local resources can help you stay healthy and avoid costly medical bills.

You have control over many things that can improve your health and reduce the possibility of costly, unexpected medical expenses. Attend any of our evidenced-based workshops to learn how you can manage everything from preventing falls to managing chronic conditions.

You may be wondering about brain health. We've got you covered there, too, with "Boost Your Brain and Memory" and other services available through our Dementia Care Specialist.

Trained facilitators from the ADRC and our community partners lead fun, informal, interactive workshops throughout Barron and Rusk Counties.

Please call 1-888-538-3031 for the latest information about our workshops. Depending on the workshop, sessions will be offered in-person or virtually. Either way, we can add you to a list for the next opportunity to attend the class.

ADRC Workshops

Register for open workshops on our Registration page. We will schedule more workshop sessions throughout the year. Questions? Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Alisa Lammers for more information or to register for the next session.

Become a Workshop Leader!

You can become a trained facilitator for one or more of our Healthy Living Workshop! To learn more about it watch our video: Healthy Living Workshop Facilitator Informational Session.

Aging Mastery Program

The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP), is a series of fun, engaging classes! In this newly developed course that’s improving the lives of people 55 and better, attendees track themselves to earn points and rewards.

Developed and funded by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), AMP features local experts sharing their knowledge. Topics cover a wide range of subjects, including health and nutrition, finances, life enrichment, relationships and advanced planning. The program helps attendees make meaningful, long lasting changes. Alumni share their experiences in this short video.

Questions?

Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Alisa Lammers for more information or to register for the next session.

Boost Your Brain and Memory

Join us online from the comfort of your home with this unique program that takes a holistic approach to improving brain health in older adults. Participants will learn new habits to maintain brain health while practicing new skills for better memory performance.

Workshop materials will be mailed to participants and each session includes viewing a online video.

There is no charge for the seven-session class.

Questions?

Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Trisha Witham for more information or to register for the next session.

Healthy Living with Diabetes

Increase confidence and develop techniques to manage symptoms and improve blood sugar readings. Learn about:

  • Incorporating physical activity

  • Healthy eating strategies

  • Dealing with difficult emotions

  • Stress-reduction techniques

  • Preventing complications

Session Details

  • Once a week

  • Two and ½ hour sessions

  • Six weeks

Questions?

Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Alisa Lammers for more information or to register for the next session.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions

Gain control with goal setting, action plans, and support from peers. Topics include:

  • Dealing with fatigue and pain

  • Healthy eating

  • Better sleep

  • Medication management

  • Effective communication with provider

  • Evaluating treatment options

Session Details

  • Once a week

  • Two and ½ hour sessions

  • Six weeks

Questions?

Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Alisa Lammers for more information or to register for the next session.

Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder!

This program is designed to help women learn how to take control of their bowel and bladder health. Learn how to prevent or improve symptoms without medicine or surgery! Participate in the free, online course here!

Questions?

Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Alisa Lammers for more information or to register here!

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Helps caregivers learn to take care better of themselves while caring for a spouse, family member, or friend. Learn to:

  • Reduce stress

  • Improve self-confidence

  • Communicate feelings

  • Increase ability to make tough decisions

  • Locate helpful local resources

Session Details

  • Once a week

  • Two-hour sessions

  • Six weeks

Questions?

Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Alisa Lammers for more information or to register for the next session.

Savvy Caregiver

Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of progressive dementia?

Savvy Caregiver is a proven curriculum developed by Dr. Kenneth Hepburn and colleagues at the University of Minnesota. Grounded in research this educational series teaches strategies, practical real-world skills, and helps to reduce stress, both in the caregiver and the person for whom care is being provided. Savvy Caregiver increases the caregiver’s sense of competence, and well-being even though there may be little experience. The course will cover:

  • understanding the career of caregiving

  • different types of dementia

  • how the decline in cognition affects behavior

  • dealing with the feelings that arise while caregiving

  • fitting tasks and activities to the person’s abilities

  • decision making skills

Questions?

Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Trisha Witham for more information or to register for the next session.

Stepping On: Falls Prevention

Learn simple strength and balance exercises to help prevent future falls. Interact with guest experts on many topics relating to falls, like:

  • Vision

  • Medication side effects

  • Footwear

  • Home safety

  • Winter weather

  • Community safety

  • Vitamin D and calcium intake

Session Details

  • Once a week

  • Two hour sessions

  • Seven weeks

Questions?

Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Alisa Lammers for more information or to register for the next session.

Support Groups

Caregivers and family members often benefit from the opportunity to share and learn from others experiencing similar concerns. Find current information about local support groups in your county’s resource guide or contact the ADRC.