Living Well
Living Well with Chronic Conditions is a workshop that empowers people to take an active role in managing a chronic or long-term health condition. Workshops meet for 6 weeks, in 2 1/2 hour sessions each week. Workshops are offered in convenient, easily accessible community locations, and are offered for free, or at very low cost to participants.
Who should participate:
- Adults with any chronic or long-term health conditions including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, asthma, bronchitis and depression.
- Family members, friends, and caregivers are also encouraged to attend the workshop.
What happens in a Living Well workshop?
The goal of the workshop is to help participants become better self-managers.
The workshop content for Living Well with Chronic Conditions is not disease specific, rather, it focuses on symptoms that are common to people with a variety of health conditions. Over the 6 weeks, emphasis is placed on creating personal action plans and setting practical, achievable goals.
Participants learn strategies to help them deal with problems such as pain, fatigue, and difficult emotions. Other topics include managing symptoms, managing medications, working with health care providers, relaxation, healthy eating, physical activity and communicating with family and friends.
What other Living Well Programs are available in my area?
Living Well with Diabetes - Is a Diabetes Self Management Program given 2 1/2 hours once a week for six weeks. This program is suitable for people with Type 2 diabetes, or pre-diabetes. Subjects covered include: diabetes overview, monitoring your blood sugar, healthy eating, reading nutrition labels, preventing hyper/hypoglycemia, preventing or delaying complications, depression management, how to exercise properly, and communication skills.
Participants will make weekly action plans , share experiences, and help each other solve problems. Classes are highly participative, where mutual support and success build the participants' confidence in their ability to manage their diabetes.
This program does not conflict with existing programs. Treatment from your physician is not altered. Participants are always advised to follow their physicians advice and discuss discrepancies with their physician.
Chronic Pain Self Management Workshop - is a workshop given 2 1/2 hours, once a week, for 6 weeks, in community settings such as senior centers, churches, health care facilities and libraries.
Subjects covered include: techniques to deal with problems such as pain, frustration, fatigue, isolation and poor sleep. Appropriate exercise is also taught during this 6 week workshop which includes techniques for improving strength, flexibility and endurance. Emphasis is also placed on proper nutrition, pacing and rest.
Workshops are taught by two trained leaders , one or both of whom are peers with chronic pain themselves.
Cancer - Thriving and Surviving - Is a 6 week workshop designed for Cancer survivors. The end of cancer treatment can be both stressful and exciting. This workshop gives you ways to make your life less stressful and more rewarding. You will learn ways to manage fatigue, difficult emotions, and effects of cancer treatment.
To contact your local Your State Living Well Coordinator, click here
For a preview of these workshops, please click below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaXX5BtmFMk
