A growing number of persons suffering from major chronic
illnesses face many obstacles in coping with their conditions. Chronic diseases
are conditions that are usually not immediately life threatening, however they
place substantial burdens on the health, economic status and quality of life of
individuals, families and community.
People with chronic conditions must deal not only with the disease(s),
but also with the impact on their lives and emotions.
According to a recent study, 79% of non-institutionalized
people age 70 and over report having at least 1 of the most chronic conditions
affecting this age group. Those
conditions include:
Arthritis
Hypertension
Heart
Disease
Diabetes
Respiratory
Disease
Stroke
Evidence suggests that a program to help individuals, family
members, friends, and care-givers through a self-management program can help
improve health. Living
Healthy is an education program that is being offered locally – with an aim
to increase the knowledge of people living with chronic conditions and teach
them the skills to better manage those conditions. The program provides
information and teaches practical skills.
All individuals, who participate in a chronic diseases self
management program, will learn about the following subjects:
Discussing problems common to
individuals suffering from chronic diseases
Coping strategies
Problem solving techniques
Treatment decision making
Cognitive management of pain,
stress, anger, depression and other negative emotions
Communication with family, friends
and physicians
Nutrition and development of a
long-term exercise program
A study of past program participants found that hospital
stays were reduced; communication with physicians was improved; and participant
energy and confidence in their ability to manage conditions improved.
Living Healthy
will not conflict with existing programs or treatments. It is designed to enhance regular treatment
and disease specific instruction.
Enthusiasm is growing for the role of a self management
program in controlling and preventing chronic diseases. If you are living with a chronic disease and
want to register for a self management program, a free weekly workshop given
over 6 weeks is now being offered locally.
Dates and locations include:
John Duke Senior Center
1201 Hyde Park Blvd
Niagara Falls, NY
Thursdays from 1:00 – 3:30pm
9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, and 10/10
Or
The Dale Association
33 Ontario Street
Lockport, NY 14094
Fridays from 1:00 – 3:30pm
9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, and 10/11
For more information or to register, call or email NY
Connects at (716) 438-3030 or nyconnects@niagaracounty.com,
or dial 211 Information services, or visit www.p2wny.org.
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