FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program
October 5, 2012 (888) 702-8818
Self-Management and Physical Activity Courses Help Missourians with Chronic Health Conditions, including Arthritis, Take Control and Improve Health
Having knowledge of one or more chronic health conditions and their personal effects can help one take control of their health. Additionally, being actively engaged in one or more forms of physical activity can improve an individual’s overall well-being. Through its seven Regional Arthritis Centers (RACs), the Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program (MAOP) offers three self-management (SM) and two physical activity (PA) programs locally around the state.
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) (SM) is a group format course that is offered by trained leaders in six-week increments, meeting once per week for 2.5 hours. Topics covered include: techniques to deal with problems associated with chronic conditions; appropriate exercise; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals; nutrition and setting goals.
The Tomando Control de su Salud (SM) program is a Spanish language group format course that is similar in content and process to the English language CDSMP, but addresses health topics in a culturally appropriate manner. Topics covered include appropriate use of the health care system; how to evaluate new treatments; communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals; healthy eating; appropriate use of medications; and setting goals.
The Arthritis Toolkit (SM) is an independent format course that is designed for use on your own time over the course of six weeks. The Arthritis Toolkit draws from topics covered in the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help program (six-week group course). Topics covered include: self-management of arthritis-specific conditions. The Arthritis Toolkit can be checked out from your local RAC.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (PA) is a group format course offered by trained leaders in six-week increments, meeting two to three times per week. Some sites choose to offer the program year round to participants. Topics covered include: range-of-motion, flexibility, balance, strengthening and endurance-building activities; relaxation techniques; and health education topics.
The Walk With Ease (PA) program is offered in group or independent formats. In the group course, trained leaders work with participants three times a week over the course of six weeks. For the independent course, individuals use a workbook three times a week over a six-week period. Topics include pain management; walking routine development; stretching, warming up and cooling down.
All courses are offered year-round and are designed for individuals with risk factors for or with chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Courses meet participants at their personal level – whether newly diagnosed, with a controlled condition, or not yet diagnosed. Individuals with multiple chronic health conditions may find additional benefit from these courses as they learn how their conditions interact and can impact their overall health. Self-management courses can also be beneficial for caregivers or family of those with chronic conditions.
For a complete schedule of courses offered and to learn more, click on your region at: www.moarthritis.org/regional-arthritis-centers.html. If a course isn’t listed in your area, contact the RAC by calling the toll-free line at 1-888-702-8818 or via the website at www.moarthritis.org to begin a group or get added to a waiting list. You can also contact the RAC to find out more about becoming a program leader. Find out more about MAOP programs by checking out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MOArthritis.
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Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program
[email protected]