Healthy Communities Start with You

Through the Healthy Communities Starts with You program, the NKFM and its partners are providing four evidence-based programs to improve health outcomes for people living with ongoing health problems with focus on those with diabetes and/or hypertension.

These programs are:

Why is Healthy Communities Start with You important?

In Wayne County, Michigan, the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension are increasing faster than the state average as the resident population ages. To successfully manage diabetes and hypertension, people must learn effective skills to change their lifestyles. Furthermore, given the concentrated ethnic and racial diversity in this area, the prevalence of related health disabilities is higher than the rest of the state.

The Programs:

PATH – What is it and How Does it work?

Testimonial

“The people start to interact and ask questions of each other, giving each other tips on how and where to find answers to their questions. They don’t want the workshop to end!” Alberta, Participant

PATH is a free six-week community workshop that meets two and one-half hours, one day per week, designed to benefit adults with any long-term health problem including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, overweight, and depression. Family members, friends and caregivers are also encouraged to attend the workshop.

PATH is designed for participants to learn self-management skills and tools that may ease the symptoms of their health problem. The workshop emphasis is on creating personal action plans and setting practical, achievable goals. Two trained leaders conduct the workshop. (One or both may have a lifelong health condition.) Topics covered include managing symptoms, coping with difficult emotions, understanding medications, working with a health care team, communication skills, relaxation techniques, eating well and exercising safely and easily. PATH is taught in English at most locations, but also available in other languages including Arabic, several Asian languages and Spanish. (The Spanish program is entitled Tomando Control de su Salud.)

Click here for the schedule of PATH Classes.

Enhance Fitness – What is it and How Does it Work?

Testimonial

“I can once again walk 2 or 3 miles with no difficulty…In fact, I am in better shape than some of my friends who are 15 years younger.”
Doris, Participant

EnhanceFitness is a free physical activity program geared toward improving the overall functional fitness and well-being of primarily older adults. (All adults are welcome.) The program is designed to accommodate all levels of fitness, from “frail to fit.” A certified fitness instructor leads ongoing, one-hour classes, three times a week. The class provides social stimulation as well as physical benefits. Classes focus on cardiovascular conditioning, resistance and strength training, flexibility and balance training.

Click here for our upcoming EnhanceFitness classes. (PDF 249KB)

Diabetes Self Management Training Program – What is it and How Does it Work?

This is an interactive, collaborative process involving certified diabetes educators and people with are at risk for developing diabetes. Participants receive up to 10 hours of instruction. Focus is on improving diabetes control, education on nutrition and physical activity, goal setting, and evaluation. Patients must be referred by their doctor to the program, and there is a cost associated with it. Level of insurance coverage for the program varies.

Upcoming PATH, Tomando Control de Su Salud and Enhance Fitness Programs:

For more information or to locate a PATH, Tomando Control de su Salud , or EnhanceFitness program in your area, please contact: (800) 482-1455.

For more information on Diabetes Self-Management Programs, please contact your local area hospital or speak directly with your physician.

Click here for the schedule of PATH Classes.

PATH Workshop Leader Training
Be a guide on the PATH to a healthier lifestyle. Help build self-management skills for chronic disease in your communities!
March 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2009
9a.m. – 4p.m.
MTEC of GRCC Building 622 Godfrey, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Cost $20
Contact person: Beth Bowers

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