Boulder County, Colo. – Boulder County Aging Services will once again offer Stanford University’s “Healthier Living: Managing Your Chronic Health Conditions” program to community members this summer.
The six-week workshop, held every Thursday from July 22-Aug. 26, is free for adults age 60 and older who are experiencing a chronic condition. Family and friends that help support those with chronic conditions are also encouraged to register.
The Healthier Living program is taught as a small-group workshop. Groups meet once a week for 2.5 hours. Topics covered in the workshops include:
• Fighting fatigue
• Controlling pain
• Learning exercises to build and improve strength
• Using medications appropriately
• Dealing with depression
• Communicating effectively with family and health professionals
• Learning how to evaluate new treatments
The program was created by the Division of Family and Community Medicine in the School of Medicine at Stanford University in cooperation with the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. Participants of the program have demonstrated significant improvements in self-reported general health, exercise, symptom management, and communication with physicians. Additionally, participants spend fewer days in the hospital.
“I have learned many important skills through this course,” said Judy Krassner, a Boulder resident who took the course in 2008. “I have written a letter to my physician recommending the program.”
What: “Healthier Living: Managing Your Chronic Health Conditions”
Cost: Free for adults 60 and older. Donations are accepted. Participants receive a supplemental course book and relaxation CD upon course completion.
Where: Boulder Community Hospital
311 Mapleton Ave.
Boulder, CO 80302
When: Every Thursday from July 22-Aug. 26
2-4:30 p.m.
Who: Workshop is designed for older adults experiencing a chronic condition and those who support them. Family members are encouraged to attend.
Registration: Class size is limited to 15 and pre-registration is required. To register, please call 303-441-3599 or email mjohnson@bouldercounty.org.
About chronic conditions
A chronic condition is an ongoing condition such as cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke), cancer, diabetes, or arthritis that is persistent over time and cannot be prevented by vaccination. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness and disability among older Americans. Eighty percent of adults ages 65 and older have at least one chronic condition and 62 percent have two or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three out of four premature deaths in the United States can be attributed to chronic disease.
No one is immune to chronic conditions; however, many prevalent and disabling diseases can be managed to minimize the impact of the symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life. Nearly 75 percent of the nation’s $2 trillion medical care costs can be attributed to chronic conditions, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
For more information, please contact Marja Johnson at 303-441-3599 or
Recent Comments