Mercy offering chronic disease self-management workshops

Fort Scott, Kan. -- Mercy Health Center will hold a series of chronic disease self-management sessions starting Sept. 7.

Developed at Stanford University, the "Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop" has been offered at hundreds of locations throughout the country, a news release said. The program helps participants with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety and others to:

* Find better ways of dealing with pain and fatigue;

* Discover easy exercises to help improve or maintain strength and energy;

* Learn the appropriate use of medications;

* Improve nutrition;

* Talk effectively with family, friends and health professionals;

* Understand new treatment choices;

* Feel better about life.

Taught by specially trained volunteer leaders, some who have health conditions themselves, the program covers a new topic each week and provides opportunities for interaction and group problem-solving, the release said.

"We are really more like coaches," Mercy Health Center Chaplain William James Schafer said. "We find the answer to someone's question is usually in the room and participants learn from one another."

The next Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop offered begins Wednesday, Sept. 7, and will take place every Wednesday from 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. for six sessions.

For more information or to enroll in the Chronic Disease Self Management Workshop, call the Mercy Health Center at (620) 223-8481.