Thousands of Oklahomans live with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, stroke, arthritis and pain. Understanding how to self-manage these conditions can mean the difference between daily struggles and living healthier, more comfortable lives.
Area residents are invited to learn to manage their chronic health issues through a free workshop series, “Living Stronger, Living Longer, Living With Chronic Conditions.” Participants will meet at Herman and Kate Kaiser Library once a week for six weeks, starting March 15.
“The program helps participants build skills and strategies,” said Cassie Spindle, manager of Tulsa City-County Library’s Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literacy Service. “Workshop topics include goal setting, exercise, nutrition, relaxation techniques and more. And the small class sizes will promote mutual support and interaction.”
The “Living Longer, Living Stronger, Living With Chronic Conditions” program was developed by a doctor at Stanford University and is being presented across the country. Tulsa workshop presenters are trained facilitators from Oklahoma who are themselves living with and managing chronic conditions.
The program is not for health professionals, Spindle said. “It’s for everyday people who struggle with their chronic illnesses, and for those who support family members or loved ones with chronic conditions.”
Individuals who have attended the workshop report significant and measureable improvements in their health and quality of life. Reported results include improvements in fatigue, shortness of breath, pain and depression.
The workshop series will be held on Fridays, March 15-April 19, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Herman and Kate Kaiser Library, 5202 S. Hudson Ave. Registration is required. Space is limited. To register, call 918-549-7400.
The workshop is a health literacy outreach project of the Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literacy Service, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Oklahoma State Department of Health. It is funded by a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
To learn more about the Stanford University Self-Management workshops, visit restartliving.org or call David Lee at the state health department, 405-420-2690.