42nd Medical Group offers new ‘quality of life’ classes Published Sept. 26, 2009 By 42nd Medical Group MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 42nd Medical Group is offering new "quality of life" classes that address sleep enhancement, pain management and stress. Many people suffer from restless sleep, chronic pain and emotional distress (depression, anxiety or anger). If interested in learning ways to improve sleep, the sleep enhancement class can help. Give the behavioral pain management class a try to learn a variety of ways to cope with chronic pain. Finally, for the emotionally distressed, the dissolving distress class offers a technique to overcome negative, self-defeating beliefs. Restless sleep usually consists of difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, difficulty returning to sleep, or waking up too early in the morning. These events can lead to other problem such as daytime sleepiness, low energy, difficulty concentrating and irritability. People often wait an average of 10 years before they seek treatment for sleep problems. Most sleep disturbances can be helped by a few changes, such as keeping a regular bed time and wake-up time. Simple "sleep hygiene" behaviors will enhance one's sleep quality more effectively than medications. Chronic pain is a challenge for many people. Although there are some successful techniques to deal with the pain, there is no magic bullet to take away chronic pain. The techniques presented will lead to reduced pain, more activity with less pain, less medication use, and enjoyment of life again. People who learn techniques to manage pain are more likely to feel in "control" of their lives. Emotional stress from depression, anxiety, panic, etc., can wear down a person's enjoyment of life. Most people are affected by emotional distress sometime in their lives. Negative thoughts and self-defeating beliefs can keep a person bound in distress. The dissolving distress class will offer a technique to generate more positive and realistic thoughts. Classes are held on Tuesdays, 1 to 2 p.m., in the 42nd MDG classroom on the third floor of the Maxwell clinic. If using the elevator near the pharmacy, the classroom faces the exit of the elevator on the third floor. The sleep enhancement class is on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The behavioral pain management class is on the first Tuesday, and the dissolving distress class is on the third Tuesday of each month. Registration is required. Call 953-5430 or stop by the Blue Team desk in the clinic to register. Any class attendees can schedule follow-up appointments with the behavioral health consultant, Dr. Ardis Cecil, for more individualized care.