The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and the Division of Public Health (DPH) are mobilizing a statewide campaign to implement and sustain the Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), referred to in North Carolina as Living Healthy. By the end of 2012, we will have the program broadly accessible statewide.

Living Healthy is a highly participatory workshop that takes place once a week for six weeks. Each 2 ½ hour session is facilitated by 2 trained leaders (many of whom are volunteers living with chronic conditions themselves) who follow a detailed manual, so that each workshop is highly consistent.

Although Living Healthy does not replace disease-specific education (e.g. Better Breathers), it is designed to enhance regular treatment, and is appropriate for people with a wide variety of chronic health conditions. During one workshop, there may be several participants with arthritis, a few with diabetes, some with heart disease, and others who have been diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions. Each week, participants set small, achievable weekly goals & report back to the group on the outcome. If a participant faces challenges, the entire group is there to provide support and help problem solve.

Workshop topics include:

Differences Between Acute & Chronic Conditions

Using Your Mind to Manage Symptoms

Distraction Techniques

Dealing with Difficult Emotions

Introduction to Physical Activity & Exercise

Better Breathing

Muscle Relaxation

Pain & Fatigue Management

Endurance Activities

Future Plans for Health Care

Healthy Eating

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Medication Usage

Making Informed Treatment Decisions

Depression Management

Positive Thinking

Guided Imagery

Working with Your Health Care Professional & the Health Care System

Looking Back & Planning for the Future

Ultimate goal of Living Healthy

Improve participants’ confidence in their ability to become positive “self-managers” who are able to manage their health and the many ways chronic health condition/s impact their lives.

For more information, please contact Serena Weisner at (919) 733-0440, ext. 246 OR visit: livinghealthy.htm