With the educational programs for 2013 in full swing it is easy to see that the common theme is definitely health and wellness. 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 nearly three years ago 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.
The next “Kansans Optimizing Health Program” workshop is set to begin Thursday, February 28th, and ends April 4th. The workshop will be held on those six Thursdays, from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. at the Great Bend Recreation Center – Burnside Room. 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 being handled through the Great Bend Recreation Center. The $10 fee will offset some of the cost of the 382 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 can be reached at 620-793-1910 or e-mail at dkrug@ksu.edu.