Workshop series aims to help seniors improve health

Published on January 29, 2024

LĪHU‘E – The Agency on Elderly Affairs is accepting registrations for its upcoming Better Choices, Better Health workshop series, and invites kupuna aged 60 years and older to apply.

The Better Choices, Better Health workshops are evidence-based self-management programs originally developed at Standford University, aimed to help participants better manage their health.

The highly interactive workshop will focus on a Diabetes Self-Management program which will run for six weeks via either telephone conference or virtually via Microsoft Teams. Starting Tuesday, Feb. 6, telephone sessions will be held every Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m., and Microsoft Teams sessions will be held every Tuesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

To register for the Better Choices, Better Health workshop series, please contact Johnny Yago at 808-241-4898 or jyago@kauai.gov. Pre-registration is required and is limited to five participants.

Developed by Self-Management Resource Center (SMRC), the program is designed to provide support and build confidence in the participants’ ability to manage their diabetes while maintaining active and fulfilling lives. The workshop is a part of a statewide initiative called Hawai‘i Healthy Aging Partnership – Empowering Elders. To gain maximum benefit, participants should plan on attending all six sessions.

Among the topics that will be covered are the following:

• Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration;
• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance;
• Healthy eating;
• Appropriate use of medication; and
• How to work more effectively with healthcare providers.

Participants will make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program.

For more information on the Diabetes Self-Management workshop, visit the Hawai‘i Healthy Aging Partnership website: https://hawaiihealthyaging.org/ or https://www.kauaiadrc.org/.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact Johnny Yago at 808-241-4898 or jyago@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

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