Class about chronic disease management begins Jan. 12 in Lamar

Persons with chronic diseases like diabetes, fibromyalgia, cancer, heart disease, arthritis or asthma, may find help for managing their disease at an upcoming program in Lamar.

Barton County Memorial Hospital along with University of Missouri Extension will offer a series of "Chronic Disease Self Management" classes from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Mondays, from Jan. 12 to Feb. 16 at Barton County Memorial Hospital.

Classes are free but participants need to register by calling University of Missouri Extension at (417) 682-3579.

"Chronic disease is a long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured," said Tammy Roberts, a nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

The Chronic Disease Self Management classes will help participants improve their knowledge of living a healthy life with a chronic condition and develop and maintain a long-term exercise program.

Participants will also learn to manage fatigue and stress better, find solutions to problems caused by their condition, learn about the role of nutrition, explore ways to communicate with family and friends and identify ways to deal with anger, fear, frustration and depression.

"People who have taken this class have reported an increase in the amount of time they exercise, improved communication with their physician and have more confidence in their ability to manage their conditions," said Roberts.