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Also referred to as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program*, Tools for Healthy Living was developed by a team of researchers at Stanford University. It’s a self-management education workshop attended by people with a variety of chronic health conditions. It aims to build participants’ confidence in managing their health and keep them active and engaged in their lives.

Classes are highly participative and will not conflict with existing programs or treatment.  Participants attend a 2½-hour interactive workshop once a week for 6 weeks to learn problem-solving, decision-making, and other techniques for managing problems common to people with chronic diseases.  In a typical workshop, participants set a realistic goal for the upcoming week and develop an action plan for meeting that goal. They report on their progress at the following workshop, and solicit feedback from the group to help address any challenges.  

Weekly topics include:

1. Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
2. Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
3. Appropriate use of medications
4. Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
5. Nutrition
6. Decision making, and how to evaluate new treatments

Anyone 18 and older is eligible to participate. Each participant in the workshop receives a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions, 5th Edition, and an audio relaxation CD, Relaxation for Mind and Body.

*Workshops are offered free-of-charge. *Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Tools for Healthy Living is being offered live on the zoom platform. Meetings are modified for 1 hour twice a week for 6 weeks or 1 hour once a week for 12 weeks.