Aging

Area Agency on Aging

Living Well with Chronic Conditions Workshops

Chronic Disease Self Management

Chronic Disease Self Management (Living Well with Chronic Conditions Workshops) was developed and researched by Stanford University. Workshops held throughout Dane County for adults (age 18 and over) with chronic health conditions who wish to learn and work in a supportive group setting. Share experiences and gain new tools to put into practice for better managing your own chronic health condition. Workshops are time limited: two and one-half hours per week for six weeks.

Upcoming Schedule

Cost

$20 for “Living Well” text; rental of text & scholarships available

To Register

Call Janie Riebe, Area Agency on Aging, at 608-261-9700

Additional Information

Call Janie Riebe, Area Agency on Aging, at 608-261-9700

Chronic Disease Self Management Program

Chronic diseases are now the leading cause of disability and death in the United States, with seven in ten deaths each year attributed to such illnesses as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. About 133 million Americans—nearly one in two adults—live with at least one chronic disease, and more than one in ten have three or more chronic conditions.

Individuals with chronic illnesses are among the sickest members of society. A 2009 National Council on Aging survey found that 32 percent of people age 44 and over who have one or more chronic illnesses are living in pain, 65 percent are stressed, and 50 percent are depressed.

Here are a few key principles of the program that you can adapt to manage your own chronic conditions:

Set your goals

Create clear goals for everything from exercise to nutrition. Make a list of specific weekly objectives, from exercise reps to the days you'll do them. It won't just help your body, but will put you in charge of your treatment.

Face your feelings

Physical symptoms aren't the only challenge. Anger, fear, depression, and isolation often accompany chronic illness.

Live your life

Visualize the life you want – and do what it takes to achieve it, from hobbies to an active social life to getting a job. Manage the illness; don't let it define you.

By attending a Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshop in your area, you will learn how to put these principles to work in an environment that provides you with the support you need to make it happen.

Stanford University's research showed that people who completed the program had more energy, engaged in more social activities, gained confidence, improved communication with physicians, and developed an overall sense of empowerment. They had fewer emergency room and hospital visits and improved general health.

Living Well workshops run for six weeks, two and one-half hours each week. Workshops can be found in many locations throughout Dane County. If you would like one in your area, call 608-261-9700.