MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – WVU Medicine is offering a program for those dealing with chronic disease.
Living Well is a six-session workshop designed to help individuals coping with one or more chronic diseases learn to take day-to-day responsibility for their care, increase the skills necessary to manage their disease, and work effectively with their health care professional.
A new workshop begins October 3 and meets every Wednesday through November 7 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Berkeley Senior Center Annex Building, 217 North High Street in Martinsburg. The registration deadline is Sept. 28.
Living Well was developed by the Patient Education Research Center at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Leaders have been trained in the curriculum and follow Stanford’s guidelines which have been medically approved and rigorously tested to ensure effectiveness.
Participants of Living Well have reported significant changes in health such as less fatigue, less disability, improved functioning, and fewer hospital stays. Participants have also shown improvements in exercise adherence, pain and stress management, communication with physicians, and more confidence in their ability to manage their conditions.
Program content includes learning the skills that can help participants develop and maintain a long-term exercise program, manage fatigue, deal with anger/depression/other negative emotions, manage pain and stress without medication, communicate better with family, friends, and physicians, use prescribed medication appropriately, eat healthier, make informed treatment decisions, and develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Living Well is free and open to those with one or more chronic conditions. Everyone can benefit from learning the skills to coordinate all the activities needed to manage their health, as well as help them maintain a full and active life. Those with the following chronic conditions are encouraged to participate: heart disease, lung disease, arthritis, stroke diabetes, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or asthma. The program is also beneficial for those who struggle with weight management. Participants are welcome to bring a family member or friend with them.
To register or for more information, contact Dana M. DeJarnett at 304-264-1287, ext. 31814 or ddejarnett@wvumedicine.org.
Media Inquiries: Teresa McCabe, Vice President Marketing & Development, 304-264-1223, tmccabe@wvumedicine.org