Living Well workshop to help residents manage chronic health conditions

By Samantha Goff

Grant Tribune Sentinel

Area residents living with chronic health conditions will have an opportunity to gain practical tools for improving their health through a free six-week Living Well Workshop beginning Aug. 18 at the Perkins County Senior Center.

The evidence-based program, offered through the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, is designed for adults living with chronic health conditions as well as those who care for someone managing an ongoing illness.

The workshop will meet once a week on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time at the Perkins County Senior Center, 420 Central Ave. in Grant. Each session lasts two hours, with the full program running for six weeks.

According to the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, the workshops are led by trained coaches who help participants develop practical strategies for living healthier, managing symptoms and building confidence in handling day-to-day challenges associated with chronic conditions.

The program is open to individuals affected by a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, migraines, high blood pressure, cancer, depression, Parkinson’s disease, obesity, fibromyalgia and anxiety. Caregivers are also encouraged to attend.

Throughout the course, participants will learn skills including medication management, action planning, communicating with healthcare providers, healthy eating, physical activity and problem-solving techniques that can help improve quality of life.

Organizers say previous participants have reported increased energy, reduced fatigue, improved overall health and better management of chronic conditions. The workshop is also intended to help participants make informed healthcare decisions and potentially reduce healthcare costs over time.

The Living Well Workshop is especially beneficial for individuals living with diabetes or those caring for someone with the condition, organizers said.

There is no indication that participants need prior experience or special equipment, and the workshop focuses on making small, realistic lifestyle changes that can have lasting benefits.

Those interested in registering or learning more can contact Melissa at 308-345-4223 or scan the QR code available on workshop promotional materials. Classes begin Aug. 18.