Second Chronic Disease Management Class Being Offered in Springfield Starting June 20

Pamela Duitsman, nutrition and health education specialist
E-mail: duitsmanp@missouri.edu
Tel: (417) 881-8909

SPRINGFIELD, MO – Help is on the way for people that have a chronic disease like diabetes, fibromyalgia, cancer, heart disease, arthritis or asthma.

University of Missouri Extension will offer a series of “Chronic Disease Self-Management” classes 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Thursdays, June 20 to August 1. Classes will be held in CoxHealth’s Surgery Center , Suite 203-Diabetes Center, 960 E. Walnut Lawn, Springfield.

Classes are free but pre-registration is required, and must be made by June 19 by calling Greene County University of Missouri Extension at (417) 881-8909. The class size will be limited to a maximum number of 18 participants.

“Classes are highly participative. Participants find mutual support and success as they build confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives,” said Pam Duitsman, a nutrition specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

The Chronic Disease Self-Management classes will help participants improve their knowledge of living a healthy life with a chronic condition. Participants will learn appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance, will be able to manage fatigue and stress better, and find solutions to problems caused by their condition.

Duitsman will also help participants identify ways to deal with anger, fear, frustration and depression caused by their condition, and explore ways to communicate with family and friends and develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.

“In the past, people who have taken this class have reported an increase in: the amount of time they exercise; improved communication with their physician; and confidence in their ability to manage their conditions,” said Duitsman. “Past class members have also reported less fatigue and less disability after taking this series of classes.”