ACTIVITYSelf Management
 |
Live
Independently
And
Happily |
Chronic Disease Self Management class |
Lay Leader Training! March 12, 14, 19 and 21. Contact Linda Meyer, Wellness Coordinator, 208-262-9471
Panhandle Health District offers a series of classes on how to live independently and happily with a chronic condition. The Chronic Disease Self Management Program started in 2008 after a grant from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in conjunction with the Administration on Aging enabled PHD to send instructors to train at the Stanford University Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (click for more information) .
Idaho's Chronic Disease Self Management Program is a six-week wellness workshop called Living Well in Idaho. It's for anyone with a chronic condition, but particularly for seniors. Chronic problems are continuous and typically managed with medication. They include such conditions as asthma, allergies, fibromyalgia, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
"I was in nursing for 20 years and thought I knew it all. Now I have COPD and I'm learning good tips. Living Well has taught me good breathing exercises. It's helped me eat better. It's helped me revitalize my whole way of living." --Mary Saputski, Living Well class of April 2010
Living Well in Idaho participants learn the information and tools to live independently rather than in a care facility. Class topics include:
- Healthy Eating
- Better Breathing Techniques
- Planning for the Future
- Depression Management
- Muscle Relaxation
- Medication Usage
- Working with Your Health Care Provider
Participants discuss the value of setting weekly goals and effective problem solving.
"I was particularly impressed with the how-to-set-goals lessons. Break them into small steps that you can actually achieve. That's good advice for so many things." --Emma Dee Bogue, Living Well class of April 2010
Panhandle Health District works with senior centers in the five northern counties to offer Living Well in Idaho. Each class is 2 1/2 hours long. The classes are free. Registration is required to attend. The next scheduled 6-week classes will be listed here.