‘It’s All About You’ series set
Spaces are running out for a free workshop series on dealing with chronic health conditions.
Hosted by Lee Health Solutions at Lee Memorial Health System, the six-week “It’s All About You” series is designed to help participants learn how to better manage conditions, such as arthritis, COPD diabetes, COPD, heart disease and high blood pressure. The idea is to improve one’s quality of live.
“Everybody with a chronic condition has the same challenges,” Nickie Connell, a spokeswoman for Lee Health Solutions, said. “The series is not disease-specific. It’s not focused on like diabetes.”
People with a chronic health condition can face depression, tiredness, lack of sleep or more.
“How do you live on a daily basis with a chronic condition?” she asked.
The series will cover topics including how to more easily manage medications, understanding the benefits of exercise, managing symptoms of stress, pain and fatigue, and making smarter decisions on healthy eating. Developed by Dr. Kate Lorig, this is a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program.
“The goal is to, one, help you manage and feel better and to, two, help you stay out of the emergency room,” Connell said, adding that related ER admissions have since dropped by 43 percent.
Starting July 29, the workshops will be Wednesdays from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Cape Coral Library.
“It’s a very interactive program,” she said. “We get everyone working and talking.”
Participants create action plans, brainstorm and put together a self-management tool box.
They will also receive a copy of Lorig’s book, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.”
Connell explained that the program is over 20 years old and it is taught all over the world.
“Lee Memorial’s been offering it for two years,” she said.
Rotating the series throughout Lee County, nearly 600 people have participated.
Seating is limited, and those interested are required to register.
As of Tuesday, eight spots were still available.
Connell noted that the series is suitable for the loved ones of those with a chronic condition.
“It makes a difference in their lives,” she said. “It gives them hope.”
The Cape Coral Library is at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace.
For more information on “It’s All About You” or to register, call (239) 424-3122.