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.
Learn more from Alisa Lammers, Caregiver Specialist and Healthy Aging Coordinator, as she discusses healthy living as we age in this interview.
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 contact Alisa Lammers.
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.
Growing Connections
No gardening experience or green thumb required! Growing Connections utilizes all five senses and socialization to promote brain health in older adults. No cost or donation is requested, and registration is required.
Questions?
Call 715-537-6225 or e-mail Trisha Witham at trisha.witham@co.barron.wi.us
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.
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.
Walk with Ease
This program is designed to help adults of all ages manage their arthritis pain and increase stamina and flexibility through walking. Materials are provided for this self-directed program that can be done anywhere on your schedule. Groups start periodically May - September. Contact Alisa Lammers at 715-537-6225 or register here.