Education course helps people live well
Learning from someone who's been there has a power all its own. That's why "Living Well with Chronic Conditions" — a free six-week course for anyone with a chronic health condition — is led by individuals who themselves deal with chronic conditions. Individuals such as Becky Frank of Moorhead.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis several years ago, Becky took the course last fall, and was so impressed she decided to take the training to become a leader. This fall, she'll lead her first class. "This is one thing I won't have any trouble doing because I believe so strongly in what it can do," she says. "It's like a first-aid kit for people with chronic conditions."
Who are people with chronic conditions? Likely people you know, including relatives, friends, neighbors, perhaps you. Chronic conditions cover a wide range and include arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, heart disease or a problem like chronic back pain resulting from an accident or injury. Chronic conditions are common statistics indicate people 60 and older have an average of two chronic conditions.
Skills for day-to-day living
Designed and well-researched at Stanford University, "Living Well with Chronic Conditions" is a program that teaches participants how to problem solve, set realistic goals, manage negative emotions, relax and more. The program helps them maximize their quality of life, given the health conditions they live with on a day-to-day basis.
"It exposes people to many different types of things, then they decide what works best for them," Becky says. The core of the program is the connections formed by the people enrolled. Participants share their problems and challenges with each other. They can suggest coping mechanisms (walking, a hot bath), but what is most valuable is simply knowing someone else with similar problems.
The learning doesn't stop when the course is over. Every participant receives a resource book and a relaxation tape to keep. But, it is the relationships that are key. Because many chronic conditions are invisible, people often feel isolated and unable to explain the pain to their families, or the handicapped sticker on their car to their friends. Knowing others share the same challenges helps to lessen feelings of isolation.
Becky emphasizes that the course doesn't treat conditions (people should see a physician or other health care professional for the appropriate medical treatment), but it does teach people how to deal with the challenges brought on by the condition. "All chronic conditions have certain things in common, and we focus on those commonalities," Becky says. She lists several examples: Frustration, fatigue, ups and downs, unpredictable behavior, changes in relationships, communicating with your health care provider and more.
"This is a course that helps people in their daily walk, no matter what their chronic condition," Becky says. "It empowers them to live their lives the best they can — in short, to live well."
For more information about when and where the next course meets, please call Health Line at (701) 234-5000 or (800) 437-4010. If you want information about becoming a leader call Roberta Young in MeritCare Education Services at (701) 234-5850 or (800) 437-4010 ext. 5850. Support people such as a spouse, friend or family member are encouraged to attend, too.
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