Chronic pain is something that many people used to have to just battle through. It was something that, once you had it, you would take a painkiller or two a day and that was it.

Now there are many more options and routes to take in order to live a full and active life, despite what kind of condition you suffer from.

Bernie Doepker is the Director of Community Engagement with the Saskatchewan Health Region. She talked with us about the Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshops that are held, and who is welcome to attend.

"There are people with MS, there are people who are diabetic, or who might have some kind of arthritis, or fibromyalgia, or even allergies that are severe and interrupt their lifestyle. Anything that limits your ability to participate in life as much as you'd like to."

One aspect of the sessions that Doepker thinks is extra beneficial, is the people who run them.

"They are volunteers. They are people who have chronic conditions themselves, or who help or live with someone with a chronic condition. They make a commitment after finding out about the program - or taking it themselves, that they could actually help lead and facilitate these sessions for other people."

If you are interested or know someone who might be interested in attending the sessions, there are a few coming up locally.

"We are offering 2 classes in the fall here in Moose Jaw. One in the afternoon that starts on September 27, and one in the evening that starts October 2nd. We are having a class in Chaplin run by volunteer peer leaders and one in Assiniboia on Tuesday afternoon starting in November."

There will also be another class starting in Moose Jaw in January, and 2 more that will begin in the spring. You can find more information on the Saskatchewan Health Authorities website.