LEARN SELF MANAGEMENT

“Chronic Disease Self Management — Who Benefits?” is a special presentation demonstrating how community-based education programs can assist those with long-term health conditions.

The presentation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Metro Tech, 1900 Springlake Drive. It is free and open to the public.

The guest speaker will be Kate Lorig, professor emeriti at Stanford University School of Medicine and director of the Stanford Patient Education Research Center.

She will discuss how Oklahoma’s “Living Longer Living Stronger” program can help those with high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, lung disease and diabetes improve their health and quality of life while lowering medical expenses.

The presentation includes an overall look at the program’s effectiveness and its effect on racial and ethnic minorities, the mentally ill and those with low literacy levels. The “Living Longer” program, which takes six weeks, is offered statewide in senior centers, faith-based organizations, health facilities, gyms, school and correctional centers.

Recent attendees have praised the program for helping them be more active and cope with depression and pain, according to a news release.

The presentation will be available for viewing by videoconference at venues across the state. To register to attend or to find a venue near you, call Karla Brown at 271-9444, ext. 56543, or email her at karlab@health.ok.gov.

The program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Aging Services Division, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Career Technology Centers and the Oklahoma Health Equity Campaign.