Learn something new with Pine Tree Hospice’s ‘Betcha Didn’t Know’ series

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Pine Tree Hospice invites community members to attend upcoming installments of “Betcha Didn’t Know”, a free monthly speaker series held on the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Center Theatre. The next three presentations will take place on Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.

Pine Tree Hospice is committed to providing educational opportunities that inform, support and strengthen our community. The “Betcha Didn’t Know” series offers attendees the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics while connecting with local experts and neighbors. The series is free, open to the public and requires no registration.

On Oct. 21 Deb Drew will present “Setting and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries While Caregiving”. Guests are invited to explore why healthy boundaries matter in caregiving relationships, identify boundaries to set and maintain and learn how clear boundaries support the wellbeing of everyone in a relationship.

“Caregiving relationships are complex and fraught with feelings,” Drew said. “We are often tempted to try to do more than we have the capacity for, compromising our own wellbeing. We feel guilty when we do not think we are doing enough. Learning that it is not only OK to set and maintain boundaries, but, in fact, is essential to both the wellbeing of the caregiver and those being cared for.”

Drew has been a volunteer for Pine Tree Hospice since 2008, her way of coping with the sudden death of her nephew when he was 18. In that role she has served as consultant, clinical supervisor, and trainer. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors. Drew is a school counselor, clinical mental health counselor and counselor educator. She maintains a private practice providing clinical supervision, consultation and coaching.

On Nov. 18, Kevin Chasse DC — a metabolic health specialist, certified primal health coach and chiropractic physician — will present “Reversing Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome”.

Chasse said that he is passionate about this subject because “there’s an epidemic of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in this country and around the world. That’s the bad news. The good news is that we have the knowledge and power to help those interested to prevent and reverse these conditions.”

Participants will learn about metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, their connection to chronic illnesses (like pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, depression, anxiety, polycystic ovarian syndrome-PCOS and cancer) and practical strategies for managing and potentially reversing these conditions to improve overall health.

On Dec. 16, Pine Tree Hospice volunteers will present “Wishes and Living Wills”. Talking about end-of-life wishes isn’t always easy, but having those conversations is one of the greatest gifts we can give the people we love. Pine Tree Hospice’s “Wishes and Living Wills” workshop helps participants begin tough discussions with confidence.

Attendees will learn about advance directives, healthcare and financial powers of attorney, funeral planning, life-sustaining treatment options, and practical ways to communicate their wishes with family members. Participants also receive guidance in completing the Five Wishes advance directive and organizing important personal information.

For more information, contact Pine Tree Hospice at info@pinetreehospice.org or 207-802-8078. Follow Pine Tree Hospice on Facebook to learn about future speakers and upcoming “Betcha Didn’t Know” presentations.

Pine Tree Hospice is a volunteer-based non-profit organization serving Piscataquis County and parts of Somerset and Penobscot counties. For more than 40 years, Pine Tree Hospice has provided compassionate, non-medical support to individuals facing life-limiting conditions, their caregivers and those who are grieving. Services include volunteer companionship and support, respite for caregivers, bereavement support, educational programs and community outreach. All services are offered free of charge, helping neighbors care for neighbors through some of life’s most challenging transitions.