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Community Health Education Calendar | Support Groups
LIVING WELL WITH CHRONIC DISEASE
 Hospital First in State to Offer Program
PHOTO: (Left to right) Cardiac rehabilitation staff Sue Chenoweth, RN and Tanya Carbonaro, RN were joined by volunteer services coordinator Joan Lanoie and volunteer Juanita Costello at a recent four-day leader training and certification program for “Living Well” - Stanford University's chronic disease management program.
For people dealing with a chronic disease, or those living with someone who has a long-term health condition, life often presents continuing challenges. Now, an evidence-based self-management program developed by Stanford University is being implemented in over 40 states with significant results.
The Memorial Hospital is now offering the six-week Living Well workshop series to the public on a regular basis. It is the first time the program will be available anywhere in New Hampshire. The course is taught by certified nurse leaders and lay people who have chronic conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s, asthma or COPD.
The two-hour sessions are designed to encourage mutual support and build confidence in the ability to manage one’s health and maintain an active life. Participants are encouraged to bring a family member, friend or caregiver.
Cardiac rehab coordinator Tanya Carbonaro, RN, is one of the course leaders who was recently certified to teach the “Living Well” workshops. “This is an incredible program with strong evidence in many studies of its beneficial effects,” she said. “Participants consistently report greater energy, reduced fatigue, improved health and well-being, and better interactions with their providers. Even more importantly,” she said, “studies show that people seem able to sustain their improvements when measured over a period of time.”
Among the major topics covered during the six weeks are nutrition; exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance; techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; and proper use of medications. Effective communication about chronic illness with family, friends and health professionals, and ways to evaluate new treatments, are also highlighted.
Today, many people are managing more than one chronic illness. For them, “Living Well” offers help in developing the skills needed to coordinate and better manage multiple health conditions. The program does not conflict with existing programs or treatment in which a person may be enrolled. “Living Well” is intended to enhance regular treatment and disease-specific education such as Better Breathers, cardiac rehabilitation or diabetes instruction.
Class size is limited to ensure an optimum experience for each participant. “Living Well” will be offered on an ongoing basis; suggested donation is $20.
Call 356-5461, Ext. 291 for more information or to register for an upcoming series.
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