Finding Your Group
By: Mike Edwards; Source: AARP Bulletin Date Posted: 2006-05-12 09:45:00-04:00
Whether you seek medical information or moral support, joining a group may be just the thing to get you through a difficult time. A group may be led by a member of the group itself or by professionals such as a cardiac nurse, social worker or psychologist. Participation is usually free, though some groups charge a fee. You might wish to attend a meeting or two on a trial basis to decide whether the group is right for you. Here are a few resources to help you wind up in the right place:
- Hospitals, physicians, social workers and health care organizations are major sources for groups. Some hospitals may sponsor 20 or more groups for such conditions as diabetes, joint replacement or depression.
- Churches, synagogues and health care organizations also sponsor groups, especially for alcohol and narcotics dependency.
- Newspapers list group meetings. In my local paper, The Washington Post, the weekly Health section typically announces meetings of groups concerned with conditions like Parkinson's disease, borderline personality disorder and Asperger's syndrome (high-functioning autism).
- The Internet offers links to thousands of groups. For example, "American Heart Association support groups" connects to the American Stroke Association, with 2,000 chapters accessible by ZIP code. The Lupus Foundation of America provides a list of chapters by state.
Be aware that on the Internet it's impossible to know who's seeing your information or whether you can trust what you read. And, cautions the Mayo Clinic, avoid any group, Internet-based or other, that promises a cure or claims to be a substitute for medical treatment.
Additional Related Links:
Message Board: Join Our Virtual Cardiac Club
Choosing a Health and Fitness Club (July-August 2005)
AARP's Guide to Physical Activity (AARP.org)
Back to Main Article: My Cardiac Club (AARP.org)
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