Panhandle Health District

                                                            8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        Date:     September 23, 2010                  

Contact:                                                         Released by: Jeanne Bock, Director       

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

Living Well with Chronic Disease is Attainable

Hayden—With self-management, most people with chronic conditions such as asthma or fibromyalgia can live independent, fulfilling lives. A little training is all that’s needed.

              Kathy Maupin, Marion Klein Bieksha and JoAnn Byler are certified as master trainers in chronic disease self-management through Stanford University. They’ll share what they learned with the public at Rathdrum’s Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in “Living Well in Idaho,” a free six-week wellness program based on actual findings.

              The workshop will run 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting Oct. 6 and continuing through Nov. 10.

              “Living Well in Idaho” is open to anyone with a chronic condition or caring for someone with a chronic condition. Chronic problems can be long term and are typically managed with medication. They include such conditions as allergies, fibromyalgia and even multiple sclerosis.

              Workshop participants will learn the information and tools that can extend independent living.  Topics include healthy eating, better breathing techniques, and how to handle depression. The workshop covers how to work with doctors, use medications and relax. Participants also discuss the value of setting weekly goals and effective problem solving.

              Panhandle Health District received a grant from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in conjunction with the Administration on Aging for instructor training at Stanford.

              Each “Living Well in Idaho” class is 2 ½ hours long. Classes are popular so potential participants of either class should call Marion Klein Bieksha at (208) 661-5250 or (509) 983-4136 or Kathy Maupin at (208) 623-6370 for pre-registration and to reserve a spot. The workshop limit is 16. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church is located at 13541 Hwy. 53 in Rathdrum.

              For more information on Living Well in Idaho, visit PHD’s website at www.phd1.idaho.gov and find Living Well under L in the A-Z index.