Free Workshop Series to Help Manage Diabetes Starts in Kalāheo Tomorrow

Many participants have benefitted from the Diabetes Self-Management Program offered by the Agency on Elderly Affairs (AEA). A new six-week workshop to help people to manage diabetes starts this Wednesday in Kalāheo.

Developed by Stanford University for Research in Patient Education, the peer-led program has been proven beneficial in a wide variety of populations to provide support and build confidence in the participants’ ability to manage their diabetes while maintaining active and fulfilling lives. This program is offered in 46 states and 19 different countries.

The peer-led, six-week series starts Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hale Kupuna Elderly Housing in Kalāheo. Pre-registration is required.

A practical, interactive and fun curriculum including:

—  Techniques on how to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration;

—  Exercises for maintaining and improving strength and endurance;

—  Healthy eating;

—  Appropriate use of medication; and

—  How to work more effectively with health care providers.

Participants will make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve the challenges they encounter with the skills and techniques learned in the workshop.

To register or to request an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, contact AEA at 241-4470.