ACHIEVING YOUR PERSONAL BEST – MANAGING CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

In 2006, Illinois was among 16 states selected by the Administration on Aging to receive a three-year grant to empower older people to take more control of their health through evidence-based programs.  The Illinois Department of Public Health as the grant recipient is partnering with the Illinois Department on Aging, ECIAAA, Age Options, and the Chicago Department on Aging and local agencies to disseminate these programs. ECIAAA was chosen to disseminate evidence-based programs in collaboration with Starting Point-the Aging & Disability Resource Center for Macon County. 

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a workshop given 2^1/2 hours, once a week, for six weeks, in community settings.  People with different chronic health problems attend together.  Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professional with a chronic disease.  Subjects covered include: (1) techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation, (2) appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance, (3) appropriate use of medications, (4) communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, (5) nutrition, and (6) how to evaluate new treatments.  The CDSMP was developed by the School of Medicine at Stanford University.