News Release

April 18, 2007

Contact: Maureen McGuire, 860-679-4523
e-mail: mmcguire@nso.uchc.edu

Minimizing Stress and Anxiety

Six-Week Program at UConn Health Center

Farmington, CONN. – Starting in May, the University of Connecticut Health Center will offer two six-week group therapy programs to help people cope with anxiety, depression and stress-related illnesses, including the stress of having a chronic illness.

Two programs of the Personal Health Improvement Program will run weekly at the 10 Talcott Notch Medical Office in Farmington. One group will meet in the evening, starting Tuesday, May 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The second group will meet in the morning, starting Thursday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Both groups will be facilitated by Norman Andrekus, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in developing the mind-body connection through the study of Buddhism, yoga and behavioral medicine.

Dr. Andrekus employs interactive lectures, discussions and small group activities to help participants learn how to reduce stress and respond to everyday situations more effectively.

“Research shows that chronic symptoms such as pain, fatigue, ongoing headaches, insomnia and depression can be related to everyday stress and moods. The skills learned in this program help participants learn to recognize their typical reactions to daily stress, and show them new ways to change negative patterns,” Dr. Andrekus said

The Personal Health Improvement Program is a clinically tested and proven way of reducing stress-related illness. The curriculum was originally created by Matthew Budd, M.D., the former director of behavioral medicine for the Harvard Pilgrim Medical Group. Dr. Andrekus has expanded this program using behavior change principles of cognitive psychotherapy.

“Anyone who is experiencing ongoing stress-related physical symptoms, chronic illness or other pain, discomfort or imbalance in their lives, may want to take a serious look at this program. Though the program meets for only six weeks, we hope to give participants tools and resources they can draw upon throughout their lives,” Dr. Andrekus added.

Class registration is limited. For more information, including information about insurance coverage, call 860-679-6700, option 3, and ask for Virginia.

UConn Health includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, the UConn Medical Group, University Dentists, and John Dempsey Hospital. Home to Bioscience Connecticut, UConn Health pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. More information about UConn Health is available at www.uchc.edu.

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