Last year the Johnson County Health Department and Johnson County K-State Research and Extension partnered to lead a new program in self-management of chronic disease. Persons with chronic disease may participate in this program this year, starting in March.

The goal of the six-week workshop is to achieve the greatest possible pleasure from life and positively manage your chronic illness. Participants in past programs found that the interaction with others, sharing of ideas that work, and new information helped to provide tools for managing their chronic condition in a positive way. Research has shown that up to two years after taking the workshop, participants reported fewer medical visits and improved self-worth.

Chronic conditions are long-lasting or recurrent. It may take years before we even know we have a condition such as heart disease, emphysema, or arthritis. We don't always know the cause, as with diabetes, or many causes may be involved, including heredity, diet, smoking, and lack of exercise.

A chronic condition is something we live with for the rest of our lives. Chronic diseases may cause emotional distress such as frustration, anger, depression, or a sense of helplessness. Therefore, a healthful way to live with a chronic illness is to work at overcoming the physical and emotional problems caused by the disease.

The workshop topics include:

• techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation;
• appropriate exercises for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance;
• appropriate use of medications;
• communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals;
• nutrition; and
• how to evaluate new treatments.

Each participant will receive a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions (a $24 value) and an audio relaxation tape, "Time for Healing."

The workshop will meet from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays, March 8 through April 12, in Room 1060, Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe. The fee is $15, and scholarships are available. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is required: visit www.johnson.ksu.edu or call 913-715-7000.

We hope to see you in March!

Note for potential volunteers: The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department on Aging provide free training to become a leader for this program at sites around the state. Leaders do not need to be professionals but should be living with a chronic condition and be willing to take the training and co-lead at least one class each year.

If you are interested in becoming a leader, contact Cindy Winters: call 785-296-8150 or e-mail cwinters@kdheks.gov.