Chronic disease can sometimes make it impossible to do the things you enjoy. Physical effects of the condition itself or the side effects of medication can cause problems too. It can wear down your self-confidence and your sense of hope for the future. It’s no surprise then, that people with chronic illness often feel anxious or depressed.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) workshops are evidence-based and developed by Stanford University, and were designed to help people change that. Small-group, highly interactive workshops are six weeks long and meet once a week with facilitators who deal with chronic diseases themselves.
The workshop topics include the following:
- How to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation
- Ways to maintain and improve strength, flexibility, and endurance
- Manage medications appropriately
- How to communicate more effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
- Eating healthy
- Learn decision making and problem-solving skills
- How to evaluate new treatment options
If you’re living with a chronic condition, join us for “Live Well, Be Well: Take Charge of Your Health!” Watch for upcoming classes posted on our EHD website, on our office bulletin boards, marquee, or call (618) 297- 9380 ext. 203 to register. You may also click on the Upcoming Workshops link below to register online.