Workshops on chronic disease management available

ULSTER COUNTY » The Ulster County Office for the Aging is offering workshops as part of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program.

This community-based self-management program that assists people with chronic illness. Participants who took the program, when compared to those who did not, demonstrated significant improvements in exercise, cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, selfreported general health, health distress, fatigue, disability, and social/role activities limitations. They also spent fewer days in the hospital, and there was also a trend toward fewer outpatient visits and hospitalizations. People with different chronic health problems attend together. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders.

These workshops are for people living with a chronic disease and for caregivers. Illnesses such as asthma, blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes and heart disease are typical conditions that participants of these workshops have shown proven health benefits.

The following sessions are planned:

• Ellenville Senior Housing, 199 Canal St., Ellenville, through March 9, Mondays at 1:30 p.m.

• Vineyard Commons, 300 Vineyard Ave., Highland, through March 13, Fridays at 2 p.m.

• Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center, 467 Broadway, Kingston, Feb. 13 through March 20, Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

• Birches at Saugerties, 2950 Route 9W, starting in February.

• Diabetes program at Kingston YMCA, 507 Broadway, Kingston, through March 10, Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.

Call the Office for the Aging at (845) 340-3456 to reserve a spot.