Health & Safety

FOOT & HAND REFLEXOLOGY

BEAN, DONNA

Reflexology is a non-invasive, holistic, healthcare technique that works primarily with the nervous system. It also stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph fluid. The theory of reflexology is that pain in the hands and feet is often a reflection of an imbalance in organs, glands and other systems of the body. Reflexology's aim is to alleviate pain and lessen negative factors involved in disease progression, such as congestion, inflammation and tension. Application of pressure to specific reflex areas reduces nervous tension, stimulates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to all cells and tissues, and encourages the discharge of stored toxins. As a result, the body's own healing potential is stimulated, overall health is thus improved, and foot and/or hand pain is diminished. This class introduces students to the history, theory and benefits of reflexology. It also includes interactive practice of hand and foot reflexology techniques. Instructive handouts are provided. Students should bring a small pillow to the second and third nights of class. When your feet feel good, you feel good!

TUE/October 14, 2008, 6:00-8:00, 3 weeks, Cony, Self-supporting Fee: $35

GENDAI REIKI-HO

(Modern Reiki method for healing)

BARNES, ROBERTA R.

Usui Reiki Ryoho was founded in the early 1820s, in Japan by Mikao Usui. Reiki is a unique form of universal energy that flows into mind/body/spirit balancing and surrounding with harmony as needed. What is in balance and surrounded by harmony heals. Gendai Reiki-ho is a Japanese style created by Hiroshi Doi, a member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho in Japan and one of Roberta Barnes’ Reiki Shihans (teachers). There is nothing difficult about Gendai Reiki-ho and you will learn how to allow it to flow to yourself, another person, animals and birds. You will not only receive an attunement, but also learn exercises, techniques including mediation, affirmations and visualization for self-healing and self-growth, a manual that includes factual Reiki history and a certificate for Gendai Reiki-ho Shoden, Level I . Learning the Japanese Reiki exercises and techniques will be beneficial to all areas of your life, and awaken the true positive you within.

TUE/September 2, 2008, 6:00-9:00, 5 weeks, Cony, Self-supporting Fee: $60

HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING

HAVENER, ELIZABETH

Be the person who makes a difference to a neighbor and their family as they face end of life issues: become a Beacon Hospice volunteer. This free 21 hour training will prepare you to support patients and their families in very meaningful ways. Led by the volunteer coordinator, our team of registered nurse case managers, licensed clinical social workers, clergy and bereavement specialists will provide the informational tools you will need to provide compassionate support for our patients and their families. During this 7 week course, you will learn the history and philosophy of hospice, medical issues at end of life including pain and symptom management, communication, family dynamics, grief, loss and spiritual care. Once you complete the course, you decide how best to use your new skills: whether by visiting patients, assisting in the office or helping with special projects. Your contributions will make a big difference to Beacon Hospice patients and their families. Please join us for this fascinating exploration into hospice and our unique and comforting approach to care of the mind, body and spirit at the end of life. Light refreshments will be provided each Tuesday evening. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE REGISTERED BY AUGUST 26, 2008 so that interviews and background checks can be conducted prior to the first class. NOTE: The first class will begin at 5:30 p.m.

TUE/September 2, 2008, 6:00-9:00, 7 weeks, Kennebec Learning Center, Cost: Free

HUNTER SAFETY

INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE STAFF

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's Hunter Education Course is more than a "gun safety" class. The basic mandatory course consists of classroom instruction. Each course is taught by a trained, certified volunteer instructor according to statewide standards. The course covers proper handling, rifle and shotgun, survival/first Aid, hunter responsibility, map and compass, and landowner relations. Students are provided with a course handbook, outdoor survival information, and additional handouts. The course involves lectures and demonstrations by the instructor, homework, field experiences and a final written exam. You must attend every day of the class in order to receive your certificate. Class will be held on October 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31.

MON/October 27, 2008, 6:00-9:00, 5 nights, Technical Center, Registration Fee: $5 (to be paid to instructor at class)

IT’S A GUY THING

HAMILTON, SUZANNE

Men Only…Frazzled? Need a means to cope with stress? Meditation and relaxation techniques are a quick, easy way to connect with your true self, bringing a sense of wellness and harmony to your world. No special equipment necessary…come as you are.

WED/September 10, 2008, 6:00-8:00, Cony High School, 3 weeks, self-supporting fee: $25

LIVING WELL - A CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

SAWYER, JANET

Living Well is a 6 week participatory workshop to learn new tips to improve your health-one step at a time. You will learn better ways of coping and managing your health by *setting goals that are do-able *working with others *finding support and solutions to your health concerns *making your daily tasks easier *relaxing and managing stress *working in partnership with your health care team. Some of the topics are *problem-solving *physical activity and exercise *better breathing *pain and fatigue management *healthy eating *communication skills and more.

THU/September 11, 2008, 6:00-8:30, 6 weeks, Cony, Registration Fee: $5 + $15 materials fee (Optional - Lending Library available)

PEACE THROUGH MEDITATION

BARNES, ROBERTA R.

The mind is the master and the body follows. Meditation allows your mind to take a break from the must-think hectic world. Through meditation you can experience a deep sense of peace and relaxation. In this peaceful state stress vanishes, you have the opportunity to gain perception and work through life's challenges. Ayurvedic researchers have found that meditation increases longevity and the quality of life. Roberta Barnes will introduce you to several methods for allowing yourself to go into meditation, thus allowing you to choose which is best for you. Roberta gives some guided meditations to allow you to more quickly feel the peace of meditation.

THU/September 4, 2008, 6:00-8:30, 4 weeks, Cony, Self-supporting Fee: $40

TAI CHI

PUCCIARELLI, JOHN

TAI CHI is an ancient Chinese art. It promotes health, harmony and long life. Learn slow, relaxed movements to condition your body and quiet your mind. Improve your posture, flexibility, balance and general well-being. TAI CHI is true self-defense against stress. Anyone can participate and benefit from the training. Yoga is used as a warm-up. Please wear loose fitting exercise clothes.

MON/September 8, 2008, 6:00-7:30, OR THU/September 11, 2008, 3:30-5:00, 8 weeks, Cony, Self-supporting Fee: $50

YOGA FOR STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY AND HAPPINESS

TUTTLE, LISA

Yoga practice integrates body, breath and mind to reunite you with your natural physical and emotional well-being. This basic series will provide a strong foundation in the physical practice of yoga asana, teaching the basic standing poses, forward bends, twists, backbends and inversions. The practice will quickly strengthen core muscles and increase flexibility - and in addition, the practice of yoga asana will maximize the use of the breath to increase physical stamina and focus the mind.

Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher, Lisa Tuttle, MPH, will lead students through the basic postures teaching alignment and self awareness, and prepare students for developing a consistent practice of vinyasa (flow series) that will dramatically increase overall wellness. Appropriate for all levels.

WED/September 3, 2008, OR October 29, 2008, 5:30-7:00, 7 weeks, Cony, Self-supporting Fee: $66