Wyoming AgrAbility Sets Coping-with-Pain Workshop in Worland

April 16, 2008 -- Helping ranchers and farmers, their families, and the healthcare community better understand chronic pain and cope with the challenges is the subject of a program Thursday, May 1, in Worland.

"Growing Well with Pain" is 9 a.m. to noon at the Washakie Learning Center. The program is sponsored by Wyoming AgrAbility and the Washakie County University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UW CES).

Penny Cowan, founder and director of the American Chronic Pain Association (www.theacpa.org), is the featured speaker.

Many in agriculture find they must live and work with ongoing pain as a result of a workplace mishap.

"Living with chronic pain can seem like an impossible task," said Cowan, "but it is possible to improve the quality of your life, increase your ability to function and reduce your sense of suffering."

The program will provide the opportunity for people with chronic pain to talk with healthcare providers about diagnosis and treatment outcomes as well as available services for individuals with chronic pain or work site injury, said Randy Weigel, a UW CES human development specialist and project director for Wyoming AgrAbility.

Weigel said the seminar will:

-- Provide those living with pain and their families a sense of validation about chronic pain.

-- Increase the knowledge of ranchers, farmers and healthcare professionals about chronic pain and the personal issues created when one's life is controlled by pain.

-- Teach basic coping skills so individuals can reduce their sense of suffering and improve their quality of life.

Wyoming AgrAbility is part of a national program focused on promoting independence in ranchers, farmers, agricultural workers and their families who have experienced injury, limitations or disability. The goal of Wyoming AgrAbility (www.uwyo.edu/agrability) is to provide information, education and assistance so these individuals and their families can continue to experience success in agriculture.

The program is free, but registration is encouraged. Call Wyoming AgrAbility toll-free at (866) 395-4986.

Posted on Wednesday, April 16, 2008

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