Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center - (Page 52)

Show Me Better Health Program teaches people the skills to manage their chronic diseases D o you have a chronic disease or know someone with a long-lasting health problem? Support is available at Phelps County Regional Medical Center (PCRMC) through its Show Me Better Health workshop. The program guides participants toward techniques to better manage chronic health concerns. A ReseARch-BAsed PRogRAm The Show Me Better Health program was designed at Stanford University’s School of Medicine. Called the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program there, researchers followed more than 1,000 people who had heart disease, lung disease, stroke or arthritis and followed up with the participants for three years. The program focused on a person’s ability and confidence to master a new skill that may affect his or her health. Study participants discussed the content areas they found the most beneficial to managing their own health. Overall, the study found that participants who took the program, compared with those who did not, developed significant improvements in exercise, cognitive system management, communication with physicians, self-reported general health, health distress, fatigue, disability and social/role activities limitations. The participants spent fewer days in the hospital, and many of these results lasted for as long as three years after taking the classes. By Somer overShon Tilford, RN, community outreach liaison/educational services. “The program is for anyone with a chronic disease, whether young or old, and is also open to caregivers or individuals living with someone with a chronic disease.” The classes teach participants how to deal with stress, fear and anxiety; manage medications; manage symptoms; eat healthier; communicate more effectively; sleep better; and develop a healthier lifestyle. “The program does not conflict with existing programs or treatments,” Tilford says. “It is designed The Show Me Better Health program is scheduled four times a year at PCRMC. The classes are two hours for six consecutive weeks. “Anyone who takes a medication for any disease or illness should consider participating in this program,” says Carolyn 52 Fa l l 2 013 krista bennett, carolyn tilford, Rn, and Debbie cook are among the five people at pcRMc who train leaders for the show Me better health program. top photo by thinkstock Who should Attend?

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Up to the Challenge
The Fight of Her Life
Foundation
Step It Up
Your Mightiest Muscle
Well, Well, Well
Are You Doing More Harm Than Good?
Is Your Shut-Eye Serving You Well?
On the Cover
Anatomy of an ER Visit
Next-Gen Surgery
Attack from Within
Virtual Health
Show Me Better Health
Auxiliary
Calendar

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center