Chronic diseases put a heavy burden on the United States and an equally large toll on the individuals and families affected by these ongoing health conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases – such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis – are among the most common and costly of all health problems in the country.
A pain on the large and small scales
As of 2012, 117 million people (about half of all U.S. adults) have one or more chronic health conditions. One of four adults has two or more chronic health conditions. As a nation, 75% of our health care dollars goes to treatment of chronic diseases, according to the CDC.
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Individuals diagnosed with a chronic disease also face daunting financial pressure along with the anxiety of having to monitor their health. These pressures can be so overwhelming that those with an ongoing health issue can feel the disease controls their lives - which isn’t much living after all.
Managing a chronic disease isn’t easy, but the benefits to taking control of one’s health far outweigh the inconveniences of making healthy lifestyle changes.
Find out how you can “Live Well”
To help individuals get on the healthy track and take control of their lives, Griffin Hospital is co-hosting a free, 6-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28, and Sept. 4, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The workshop is part of the Live Well program, Sponsored by the CT Dept. of Social Services Aging Services Division, CT. Dept. of Public Health, and Griffin Hospital.
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Developed by Stanford University’s Patient Education Department, the workshop is designed to help people learn to manage their chronic conditions and improve the quality of their lives by focusing on the steps they need to take to regain their lives, whether it be improving their fitness and nutrition or stopping risky behaviors such as smoking and drinking. Family members, friends and caregivers can also participate.
So, if you or a loved one feels their lives are being run by their health condition, join us for this free workshop and gain the confidence and motivation needed to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition. For more information, call 203.732.7584.
