Living Well, Diabetes Self-Management Program

MARTINSBURG, W.VA. – University Healthcare, in collaboration with the Berkeley County Health Department, announces a new program for those dealing with chronic disease and/or diabetes, Living Well.

Living Well, a diabetes self-management program, is a 6-session health workshop to help individuals coping with diabetes 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.  In addition, participants will learn problem-solving and decision-making skills which enable them to confront the ever-changing challenges of living with a chronic illness.

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.

Workshops consist of 6 weekly sessions, 2 hours each session.  Each participant receives a “Living a Healthy Life” book.  Program content includes learning the skills that can help participants:

• Develop and maintain a long-term exercise program
• Manage fatigue
• Deal with anger, depression and other negative emotions
• Manage pain and stress without medication
• Communicate better with family/friends/physicians
• Use prescribed medication appropriately
• Eat healthier
• Make informed treatment decisions
• Develop decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Diabetes care and information

Living Well is FREE and open to those with diabetes, pre-diabetes or family history of diabetes.  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.  Participants are welcome to bring a family member or friend with them.  

A new workshop is scheduled to begin September 23rd.  The workshop meets every Wednesday for 6 weeks:

• Wednesdays, September 23 through October 28, 2015 from 10am-12noon in the 2nd floor conference room of the McCormack Center on the campus of the Berkeley Medical Center

To register or for more information, contact Dana M. DeJarnett @ 304-264-1287, ext 31814 or ddejarnett@wvuhealthcare.com.  Registration deadline is Friday, September 18, 2015.