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Chronic Disease Self-Management

Abbey Ellner

“Living in Balance” Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

Interactive workshops form the basis of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) developed by Stanford University. The free sessions are offered once a week for six weeks, with each session being two and a half hours in length. The locations of the workshops are in neighborhoods and communities and are led by trained facilitators who may also suffer from a chronic disease. People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, COPD, depression, and osteoporosis (and many others) attend together.

Topics include:

  • Communicating effectively with family, friends, and healthcare providers
  • Making informed treatment decisions
  • Proper use of medications
  • Adopting appropriate exercise and nutrition goals
  • Decision making, action-planning and problem solving
  • Dealing with difficult emotions

All participants receive a copy of the book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions and a CD Relaxation for Mind and Body.

Research has shown that it is the process that makes CDSMP effective. Class members are encouraged and expected to actively participate. Participation builds confidence in one’s ability to manage their health.

Research has shown that it is the process that makes CDSMP effective. Class members are encouraged and expected to actively participate. Participation builds confidence in one’s ability to manage their health.