P.A.T.H. is a chronic disease self-management program designed to help people gain self-confidence in their ability to control their symptoms and how their health problems affect their lives. Workshops are designed to enhance regular treatment and disease-specific education and will not conflict with existing programs or medical treatment. The meetings are highly interactive, focusing on building skills, sharing experience and providing support. Subjects covered include:

• Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
• Appropriate use of medications
• Communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals
• Nutrition
• How to evaluate new treatments          

These workshops are given two and a half hours, once a week for six weeks. People with different chronic health problems, such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes and COPD all attend together. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both who are non-professionals with a chronic disease themselves. For more information or to sign up for a class contact Lisa Chambers at (517) 272-4122 or lchambers@ingham.org.