An estimated 133 million Americans, or 45 percent of the population, live with one or more chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease or obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic disease accounts for seven of the top 10 causes of death and 86 percent of all health care spending.
Much of the illness, suffering and early death caused by chronic disease can be alleviated by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which begins with education and support.
Texas Health Huguley Hospital is sponsoring a free five-day interactive training to certify facilitators in Stanford University’s evidence-based Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop.
The workshop begins Thursday at the Seventh-day Adventist Church Southwestern Headquarters, 777 S. Burleson Blvd. in Burleson.
Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program helps participants develop the skills and tools necessary to support persons living with chronic disease and diabetes. The certified course will train facilitators to understand factors common to chronic diseases, such as pain and fatigue management, exercise, nutrition, sleep habits and other useful skills and tools to support persons living with chronic diseases and diabetes.
“Individuals with chronic diseases can minimize their complications and maximize their health when they make an informed action plan based on healthy habits and disease management. This workshop teaches those who want to help others develop those skills,” said Janet Yates, certified diabetes educator at Texas Health Huguley Hospital.
Participants must attend all five days of the training to become certified. All materials, lunch and snacks are provided at no cost.
After becoming certified, participants will be able to teach Stanford University’s Chronic Disease and Diabetes Self-Management Program, a six-week workshop for people who live with chronic diseases and diabetes.
The five-day workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Friday and May 11-13. Register for the workshop by calling 817-568-5503.