FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital is offering an intensive eight-week, nine-session stress reduction program that is designed to teach participants scientifically proven practical skills to reduce stress and improve overall health and happiness. Program instructors are Dr. Kathleen Hickey and physician assistant Tim Davis.

“The course is designed for adults and the skills gained will help participants apply mindfulness practice to the many life stressors in everyday life,” said Dr. Kathleen Hickey. “Mindfulness simply means being completely in touch with the present moment and possessing a non-judgmental attitude. It is used in the practice of hatha yoga; however, no prior experience with yoga is necessary to take the class.”

The course is modeled after the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society founded by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and Dr. Saki Santorelli at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. It consists of eight 2.5–3 hour sessions and an all-day silent retreat held on a Saturday.

Participants should be committed to performing one hour of daily practice and homework to learn and practice mindfulness meditation, Hatha yoga and body scan.

Those interested in the program are asked to complete the prescreening form that can be obtained from the FMH Education Department by calling 779-2381. An orientation session will take place on Thursday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s Bass Room. Classes will start Thursday, Sept. 27.

The cost is based on a sliding scale fee according to household income. It is $150 for incomes less than $25,000; $250 for incomes $25,000–$50,000; and $350 for incomes greater than $50,000 a year. If unable to afford the cost, ask about scholarships.

Accommodations will be made for participants with physical disabilities.

For additional information contact the program’s instructors via e-mail: Tim Davis, PA-C, at [email protected] or Kathleen Hickey, MD, at [email protected]