Health Forum Addresses ‘Controversial’ Illnesses

NEW MILFORD — On Wednesday, September 20, at 6:45 pm at the New Milford Hospital Robison conference rooms, psychologist Fred Friedberg, PhD, will present a Community Health Forum entitled “Coping With Controversial Illnesses: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.”

Controversial illnesses – including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivities – may strike suddenly with crushing fatigue, pain, and disability. Yet physicians may dismiss these conditions as a form of depression or malingering. Without medical support or direction, affected individuals may pursue expensive and time-consuming treatments, often times with little positive effect on their illnesses. Fortunately, recent evidence suggests that mind/body techniques can help people with these enigmatic conditions to function and feel better, according to Dr Friedberg.

This talk will focus on the multiplicity of factors that influence these illnesses, including the stress of fluctuating symptoms and life style limitations, public and professional disbelief, and strained relationships with family and friends. In addition, specific mind/body techniques will be outlined that can reduce the pervasive stress of these illnesses and improve well being. Coping techniques that are especially important include deep relaxation, activity pacing, cognitive coping, pleasant mood induction, and a new energy conservation strategy called “managing your envelope.” This talk is designed for people with illnesses as well as those who work with them.

Dr Friedberg is a member of the New Milford Hospital medical staff and is a consulting psychologist to the New Milford Hospital Pain Management Center. He is author of several books, including Coping With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and A Practitioner’s Guide to Controversial Illnesses.

Each participant will receive a copy of Coping With Chronic Fatigue and Dr Friedberg will hold a book signing following the presentation.

This program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is requested by calling 860/350-7217, or outside the New Milford area, 800/350-1595.