By Staff Reports

(LĪHU‘E) – Over the last few years, many Kaua’i kupuna have benefitted from the Diabetes Self-Management Program offered by the Agency on Elderly Affairs.

Now there is an opportunity for more seniors to take part in this healthy aging program.

Developed by Stanford University, 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 highly interactive Diabetes Self-Management workshop series runs for six weeks starting May 19. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Līhu’e Civic Center, Pi‘ikoi Building.

To gain maximum benefit, participants should plan on attending all six sessions.

The cost of the workshop is $12 for seniors 60 years and older, and it includes a companion book and a relaxation CD/audio tape.

If space is available, younger people will be able to attend the workshop for a $40 fee.

Pre-registration is required and is limited to 16 participants and their caregivers. Scholarships are available.

Among the topics that will be covered are:

• 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
• How to work more effectively with health care 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.

The workshops are part of a statewide initiative called Healthy Aging Partnership – Empowering Elders.

Funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DOHHS) – Administration on Aging through the state Department of Health – Executive Office on Aging, County of Kaua’i Agency on Elderly Affairs, and DOHHS Communities Putting Prevention to Work program.

For more information about Stanford University’s self-management programs including the diabetes program, go to http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html.

To register or to request materials in an alternate format or an auxiliary aid, please contact Johnny Yago at 241-4470 or jyago@kauai.gov at least five business days before the start of the workshop.