Living Well with Chronic Conditions

This is a 6-week online class, once a week on Monday afternoons from 1:30 to 4:00pm EST, October 2 to November 13, 2023. There will be no session on Monday, October 9 for Canadian Thanksgiving.

Due to funding regulations, priority will be given to those living in Southeastern Ontario.

The Living Well with Chronic Conditions Workshop provides information and skills to those living with one or more chronic conditions, helping them better manage their condition and achieve their best health and wellness.

This FREE workshop is for adults of all ages living with one or more chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and depression, among others. These workshops are also open to those at risk of developing a chronic disease, as well as family members and caregivers.

Participants meet in small groups for 2.5 hours, once a week for 6 weeks, and will also receive a free copy of the book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions and the audio file Relaxation for Mind and Body. The workshops are led by two trained leaders who are trained volunteers with chronic conditions themselves.

Participants report improvement in their lifestyle and general health, as well as improved symptom management and better communication with their doctors. They also spend less time in the hospital compared to those who have not taken the workshop.

This workshop is an evidence-based self-management program originally developed at Stanford University and currently supported by the Self-Management Resource Center.

Session 1

• Differences between acute and chronic conditions
• Using the mind for symptom management
• Making Action Plans

Session 2

• Difficult emotions
• Intro to physical activity

Session 3

• Better Breathing
• Muscle Relaxation
• Pain and Fatigue Management
• Endurance Exercise

Session 4

• Healthy Eating
• Future Plans for Health Care
• Communication
• Problem Solving

Session 5

• Medications
• Making Treatment Decisions
• Depression Management
• Positive Thinking
• Guided Imagery

Session 6

• Working with your health care professional
• Working with the health care system
• Looking back and planning for the future