It is fairly common that my educational programs and workshops emphasize a common theme of health and wellness. The annual Walk Kansas program is just around the corner, so it is time to start rounding up your team members for that successful program. Packets are ready for team captains to pick up at our office and the Great Bend Recreation Commission. I also plan to deliver some packets to the recreation commissions in Hoisington and Ellinwood.
Today I want to highlight a workshop that targets people who are living with a chronic condition. Read on to see how you can register.
I heard about the Kansans Optimizing Health Program back in 2010 when our state specialists sent an invitation for Extension agents and community partners to receive training. A six-week program developed by Stanford University, KOHP, is designed to help you improve your health – one step at a time. The course is for people who are challenged by a chronic disease and are interested in improving self management skills. It is also appropriate for people who are caregivers to someone with a chronic condition to enroll.  
Each year since 2010 we have offered this in-depth workshop somewhere in Barton County. The next workshop will be held on six consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 17 through April 21, from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Barton County Extension Meeting room, 1800 12th Street. My teaching partner is also my husband, John. We are excited to be able to work together on this project because we both believe it is important to give people the tools to better manage their chronic condition. Registration is just  $10 for the entire workshop. This fee will offset some of the cost of the 328 page workbook titled, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions. Certainly anyone with heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, MS, or the effects of a stroke, and other chronic conditions may enroll.
The sessions in the KOHP workshop focus on dealing with pain, the benefits of exercise, relaxation techniques, nutrition, using medications effectively, and working with the health care system. Light refreshments will be served at each session. Feel free to give me a call if you have questions about this workshop.  
Donna Krug is the Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension  - Barton County.  She may be reached at (620)793-1910 or e-mail at:  dkrug@ksu.edu