Free Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Class Begins April 5

Submitted by Tewentahawih’tha’ Cole, Health Educator of the SRMT Office for the Aging Health Promotion Services

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Office for the Aging Health Promotion Services will be offering a free class to adults starting Wednesday, April 5. Healthier Living: Managing Ongoing Health Conditions is a 6-week class for anyone dealing with one or more chronic conditions like diabetes, heart and blood pressure problems, arthritis, lung or breathing problems, and depression. It complements the healthcare intervention that may already be in place. The purpose of the Healthier Living: Managing Ongoing Health Conditions classes are to enhance one’s skills and ability to manage their health and maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) programs provide older adults and adults with disabilities with education and tools to help them better manage chronic conditions. The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) has been supporting the delivery of CDSME programs through grants to states since 2003. The SRMT Office for the Aging has been providing this educational series at least twice a year since 2013. Over the course of the last 4 years, nearly 100 people from Akwesasne have taken the class. According to completed satisfaction surveys, 93% of participants agreed they were able to make lifestyle changes after taking the class. More so, 97% of people felt motivated to take care of their health. And almost all participants walked away feeling confident in their ability to keep health problems from interfering with their day to day lives. These results go hand-in-hand with research results by the Stanford University Patient Education Research Center. They conducted a randomized, controlled test of the program with 1,000 class participants and found many to have the following outcomes for up to three years after attending the class series: better communication with physicians; better coping strategies and symptom management; increased physical activity; and reduced health distress.

In addition participants learn or enhance their problem-solving and decision-making skills which enable them to confront the ever-changing challenges of living with a long-term health problem. Other educational topics include:

• Developing & maintaining a safe, long- term physical activity program;

• Fatigue management;

• Dealing with anger, depression & difficult emotions;

• Cognitive management of pain and stress;

• Communicating effectively with family, friends & health professionals;

• Using prescribed medication appropriately;

• Healthy eating;

• Making informed treatment decisions; and

• Planning for future health care.

The course is facilitated by two trained peer leaders, Tewentahawih’tha’ Cole and Millie Cook. Adults over 60 and younger individuals with physical, mental or emotional limitations are welcome. Participants are invited to bring a family member, friend and/or caretaker. Classes will run from April 5 to May 3. Each class is 2 ½ hours in length, starting at 10:00am and ending by 12:30pm. Lunch will be provided and classes are held at the SRMT Senior Center. If you are worried about transportation, call to find out how the Senior Center can help you attend the class. To sign-up, all you need to do is call 518-358-2963 ext. 3303.