Pinellas County health notes

You don't have to accept living with pain

With pharmaceutical drug addiction skyrocketing and growing concerns about the risk of overusing over-the-counter pain relievers, Dr. Charles Friedman of Pain Relief Centers believes there is a need to share alternative solutions.

In conjunction with National Pain Awareness Month in September, Friedman offers some tips for those suffering or in pain:

1. For those who endure constant pain, simple resolutions such as correcting posture, exercising, stretching properly and regularly, proper body mechanics and setting aside time in the day for relaxation will greatly reduce one's pain.

2. People suffering from chronic pain must reduce the stress in their lives. Stress can significantly intensify persistent pain.

3. Drinking less alcohol will allow for better sleep, which in turn allows the body the proper rest it needs to deal with pain. Also, smoking contributes to pain by impairing circulation.

4. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is also important in the fight against pain.

5. Reward your exercise program with a stress-relieving massage.

6. Seek help for pain that is not controlled. Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin can cause multiple problems such as liver or kidney damage, stomach problems and bleeding.

"You don't have to accept the pain," Friedman says. "This month we're creating awareness and providing these helpful tips so the public can maintain pain-free, joyful lives again."

Communication Access Inc. presents a free half-day workshop, "Take Charge of Your Hearing Loss," from 9:30 a.m. to noon Friday at Morton Plant Hearing Health Center, PTAK Pavilion, 430 Morton Plant St., Clearwater.

Presenters Tess Crowder, executive director of Communication Access Inc., and Lois Maroney, licensed mental health counselor, will discuss the psychological aspects of hearing loss, communication strategies, local programs and services, and self-advocacy.

Communication Access Realtime Translation services will be provided.

Call (813) 814-7736 or e-mail TMT.Tess@verizon.net.

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Pastor Dave Speicher, a professional family therapist, will present a Family Connections Seminar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Clearwater Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1445 Lakeview Road. Pastor Speicher will discuss ways of bringing families together, and how to improve two-way communication between parents and children.

A free sack lunch will be provided.

Call (727) 446-6427.

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A diagnostic clinic physician will discuss "Nutritional Medicine: Myth or Magic?" at a free seminar from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Cypress Palms, 400 Lake Ave., Largo. Get the inside scoop on nutrition and discover what scientific evidence supports the theory "you are what you eat."

For details, call (727) 584-7706.

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Vito DeMalteris will present a discussion about the ancient discipline of qigong at 11 a.m. Saturday at Nature's Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Learn how it has allowed him and his family to transcend through its therapeutic aspects physically and spiritually, and how qigong and Native American wisdom increase our awareness of the universe's attempts to communicate daily with us through nature.

Call (727) 443-6703.

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Dr. Richard Klein, an acupuncture physician, will discuss the many ways one can boost one's immune system and stay balanced with the changes in the seasons at a free seminar at 6 p.m. Monday at AllergiCare Relief Center, 3001 Eastland Blvd., Suite 5, Clearwater. Included will be information on diet, herbs, supplements, exercise and lifestyle. Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve a seat, call (727) 797-7667.