On September 19, the Diabetes Association Inc. began a six week series, My Life My Health, a Chronic Disease Management Program designed and licensed by Stanford University Patient Education Research Center. The Stanford Model is one of the self-management programs that is now sweeping the country to improve the health behaviors of people with chronic disease, thus reducing the numbers of complications and hospitalizations for these conditions.  This program is open to anyone with a chronic disease or family members who cares for the person with a chronic disease.  Although the DAI is offering the program it is not at all limited to persons with diabetes. Anyone who attends the 6 weeks of workshops (15 hours) is then eligible to be considered for a Training for Trainers. The intention is to establish a body of trainers who can provide this science-based self-management program on the Southcoast. More information about the programs of the Diabetes Association, Inc can be obtained by calling 508-672-5671.

(Top row, left and right ) Master Trainers Rachel Tananhaus introduces the program to the group during the first session held at the Diabetes Association (DAI) at 170 Pleasant Street in Fall River. (Middle row, left) Ms. Tananhaus summarizes some of the discussion. (Middle row, right) Luz Quitana describes some of the challenges she faces. (Bottom row) Ed Pomfred, RN, the other presenter made available to DAI by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health asks participants to describe some of the challenges that participants with chronic diseases face every day and then goes on to suggest some coping strategies that participants can use to reduce stress.