CHRONIC DISEASE

SELF-MANAGEMENT COURSE

Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions is a 6-week workshop series for adults living with a chronic condition. The program was developed by researchers at the Patient Education Research Center at Stanford University to help people with chronic conditions gain self-confidence in their ability to manage their own health.

People with chronic conditions have many similar concerns and problems. They must deal not only with their disease(s), but also with the impact these have on their lives and emotions. The sessions provide information about issues related to a variety of conditions--diabetes, heart disease, stroke, asthma, arthritis, emphysema, and others.

The work-shop series educates you about options for managing multiple symptoms, improving comm-unication and finding appropriate resources. It emphasizes helping and learning from one another through sharing experiences. This workshop is designed to comple-ment the professional services provided by your health care team.

All class participants will use the workbook called Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions. Participants will also receive a set of handouts that correspond with the workshop sessions.

Program Goals

The Living a Healthy Life program is designed to:

1. Improve your knowledge of living a healthy life with a chronic condition

2. Identify and teach the latest medical & paint management approaches

3. Help you develop an individualized exercise program

4. Help you learn to manage fatigue and stress more effectively

5. Help you find solutions to problems caused by you condition

6. Identify ways to deal with anger, fear, frustration & depression

7. Discuss the role of nutrition in chronic disease management

8. Help you learn new ways to communicate with family and friends

9. Teach you how to form a partnership with your health-care team

Basic Information

Who can participate?

Anyone 18 years or older with a chronic condition may enroll. A spouse, other family member or friend may also attend as a registered member of the class.

Cost of workshop

There is no cost to participate in the work-shop. You will receive the workbook Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions and a relaxation CD for participating.

Where does it take place?

Pulaski County Health Department

101 12th Street

Crocker, MO 65452

When is it held?

TBA

Please plan on attending all 6 classes when registering for the program.

How do I sign up?

To register for the course, contact Deborah or Patty at (573) 736-2217.

"The goal of this course is to help people gain self-confidence in their ability to control disease symptoms. The course is designed to complement professional services provided by the individual's physician or health care providers. The primary focus of the program is to help participants build skills to cope with and manage their conditions." -MDHSS

Additional Program Benefits

1. Increased socialization

2. Improved self-esteem

3. Increased motivation

4. Increased personal accountability

5. Improved disease management

    and health care team interaction

Last updated: May 18, 2011 2:18 PM