Developed by Peggy Huddleston, MTS, the Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster program follows five steps to help patients prepare for surgery using mind-body techniques:

• Feel calmer before surgery
• Use less pain medication
• Recover faster

WORKSHOPS ARE OFFERED IN INDIVIDUAL OR SMALL GROUP SETTINGS. TO SCHEDULE A WORKSHOP CALL (207) 373-6585.

Workshops participants are require to purchase the book, Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster ($14.95) and its companion Relaxation/Healing CD or MP3 download ($19.95). The book, eBook & Relaxation CD can be ordered at www.HealFaster.com .

A donation of $35 pays for your workshop. A larger donation keeps the program going and provides support for those who are unable to afford it. If you are unable to make a donation, the workshop is free.

WORKSHOP PRESENTER: Heidi Mrazik, is a Holistic Certified Registered Nurse with a background primarily in Emergency Medicine. She prepares individuals 1:1 and in group workshops for surgery using techniques from Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster: A Guide of Mind-Body Techniques. Meetings can be in person, by telephone or in virtual classes.

AUTHOR: Peggy Huddleston, MTS, is the author of Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster: A Guide of Mind Body Techniques. She trains health care professionals to teach her workshop for people facing surgery. She is a principal investigator of the research project, Patient-Centered Techniques to Enhance Surgical Outcomes, at the New England Baptist Hospital, a Tufts and Harvard Medical School teaching hospital in Boston. www.healfaster.com

TO SCHEDULE A WORKSHOP CALL MID COAST COMMUNITY HEALTH & SERVICES AT (207) 373-6585.

Art and creativity can help you connect to your feelings, increase your self-awareness and ability to think of new ways to problem solve and develop healthy habits and routines. Class will meet for two sessions.

• Learn how to let go of stress and improve your overall sense of well-being through a creative drawing experience.

• Learn how to use simple creative exercises to create your own sense of calm.

• No drawing or artistic skill is required.

All supplies will be provided. You may bring any favorite markers, colored pencils or pens if you would like to – though they are not required.

Sessions 1 & 2 are 2-hours each of instruction and projects

Session 3 is an optional 1-hour practice and review session

Cost for the three-class series is $30. Registration is required.

Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness 329 Maine Street-SOUTH/MAIN ENTRANCE, Brunswick

For more information call (207) 373-6585.

A free 90-minute program that provides guidance on how to manage common chronic conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar, with dietary interventions. Food demonstration and interactive education provided.

• Increasing your fiber intake by 10 grams per day can drop your LDL cholesterol by 13 points

• Eating a handful of nuts every day can lower your LDL cholesterol by 5 points.

• Did you know that 4 tbsp of freshly ground flaxseed daily can lower your blood pressure by 10 points? Find out this and other facts....

Registration is required.