Living Well and Living Well with Diabetes are evidence-based self-management workshops developed by Stanford University. They are for people who live with long term health conditions or for those caring for someone with a long term condition.
They are 6-session interactive workshops that help people who have on-going health conditions learn real-life skills for living a full, healthy life. Participants learn how to take small steps towards positive changes and healthier living. The workshop will build participant confidence and improve their ability to manage day-to-day life.
Topics covered include:
- Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration
- Exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
- Healthy eating
- Appropriate use of medication
- Working better with health care providers
*The Living Well with Diabetes Workshop is for people with diabetes or those caring for someone with diabetes. There is more discussion about nutrition, menu planning and topics related specifically to diabetes.
Participants make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they face while creating and carrying out their self-management program.
Workshops are led by two trained leaders; usually, one or both, are living with long-term health conditions themselves. They understand the challenges of living with chronic conditions. The workshops are designed to be a peer-to-peer learning experience with opportunities for interaction and group problem solving.
They are offered in communities across the state in locations such as churches, libraries, hospitals, senior centers and many more!
The way the program is taught makes it effective. Participants are very involved in the classes and support each other. Success builds participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.
The workshops are usually FREE of charge.