What are the Iowa Healthy Links CDSMP workshops?

The Chronic Disease Self Management program helps older adults ages 55 and older manage the symptoms of chronic diseases, such as, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, asthma, lung disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.  The evidence based program, started by Stanford University, is held for 2.5 hours once a week for six weeks at community based locations throughout participating counties. 

The sessions are taught by trained leaders of the community; many of whom have chronic conditions themselves.  This creates an environment of mutual support, which builds our participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and lead active lives. 

You will learn:

• Techniques to deal with isolation, frustration, fatigue, pain.
• Suitable exercises for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance...no matter what your age!
• Appropriate use of medications.
• How to communicate your feelings effectively with family, friends, and health professionals.
• Healthy eating and nutrition tips.
• How to evaluate new treatments

Each participant in the workshop receives a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions, 3rd Edition, and an audio relaxation tape, Time for Healing, to use during the class. These may be purchased at the end of the class, if desired.

"It changed my life!"

What are the Iowa Healthy Links MOB workshops?

The Matter of Balance program is an evidence based fall/ injury prevention program that was started at Boston University and is designed to benefit older adults who are concerned with falls.  The program targets older adults who have sustained falls in the past, have limited physical activities due to concerns about falling, and are interested in learning more about flexibility, strength and balance, and how to prevent falls.  Classes are held twice a week for four weeks and are taught by trained leaders in the community. 

What are the Iowa Healthy Links EF workshops?

EnhanceFitness is an evidence based exercise program for older adults that covers strength training, aerobics, stretching, and balancing exercises.  Classes meet for one hour, three times a week over an eight week period.  The program was designed to be safe and beneficial for seniors with a wide range of physical abilities and studies have shown significant improvement in areas such as participants’ physical and social functioning, as well as declines in the areas of pain, fatigue, and depression.