Keesler offers prevention classes Published Nov. 19, 2013 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The family advocacy program offers a variety of prevention classes during December-February for anyone with access to the base. Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held in the Arnold Annex classroom. "Emotion Regulation" is 1-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. "No one enjoys being held captive to out-of control emotion," said Paula Spooner, 81st Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager. "Participants learn tools for identifying triggers and cooling your own 'hot thoughts,' recognizing distorted beliefs and triggers, relaxing the body and regaining self-control." Participants should anticipate at least four weeks to complete workbook content. Registration is required. "The Art & Science of Love" is an evidence-based class created by the Gottman Institute and is the latest in a long line of highly-effective programs for relationship enhancement. Spooner said the12-hour weekend DVD/workbook curriculum is available for checkout, can be completed at home and is a great resource for busy couples. Call 376-3459 to reserve the curriculum and receive a 20-minute orientation when you pick it up. The family advocacy staff is available for questions, concerns or discussions as a couple. "Dads' 101," is scheduled for 9-11 a.m. Dec. 13, for expectant and new dads. The class covers basic baby care, stress management, bonding, dealing with the inevitable changes in your relationship and the importance of a father's presence in a baby's life. Fathers may bring along a newborn and free items are included. "1-2-3 Magic!" is slated for 10:30 a.m.- noon Dec.16-19. Participants must attend all four sessions. The class provides a humorous look at parenting and a serious look at discipline without arguing, yelling or spanking. Parents learn how to control obnoxious behavior how to handle the six kinds of testing and manipulation; five tactics for encouraging good behavior; what to do about bedtime, messy rooms, lying, chores, homework and more; and how to strengthen relationships with their child." "The Five Love Languages of Kids" is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 23. Participants bring their own lunch. "Kids' needs and wants change as they grow and sometimes communication with the very child we used to be so close to can become strained. Communication can be made much easier by learning and applying five simple love languages: acts of service, gifts, physical touch, quality time and words of affirmation," Spooner said. "The class teaches what language your child 'speaks and' how it affects discipline and learning." "Fortify Your Life: A Class for Women" is 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 22, 29 and Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 in Room 152. Participants should attend all seven classes. Designed for women, this class is structured to explore the multiple ways that surviving a life-threatening illness, sexual assault, car accident, natural disaster, domestic violence or child abuse can impact functioning. It's not a therapy group but will teach skills that will foster personal growth, challenge old ways of thinking and increase self-awareness. Topics include healthy boundaries; grounding, self-soothing and self-care skills; assertiveness and saying 'no,' identifying unhealthy people and relationships; power and control dynamics in our daily interactions with others; decreasing high-risk behaviors; recognizing, naming and being true to your emotions; and self-esteem. Class size is limited. "MarriageLINKS: Lasting Intimacy through Nurturing Knowledge and Skills" is 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 14. Relationship needs five specific factors present in order to create and maintain true intimacy: knowing, trusting relying, committing and touching. The one-day seminar offers tools to build a stronger foundation in each area and to heal disappointments, replace resentment with respect, increase romance, appreciate differences and give relationships a new priority. For more information, call 376-3459/7 or email paula.spooner@us.af.mil .