A New Era of Healthcare on the Horizon

Six week workshop teaches self-management skills that can last a lifetime.

Staff Reports

Although the statistics may look glum, there is hope on the horizon. We see thunder clouds every day as millions of people with chronic health conditions struggle to manage their symptoms. Nationally, 91 percent of older adults have at least one chronic condition, and 75 percent have two or more.

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes are the cause of almost
two-thirds of all deaths each year. Our region’s data is consistent with
national statistics – Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania
County report (in recent Community Health Assessments) that heart
disease, cancer, and stroke are leading causes of death. One differing
statistic is that chronic respiratory disease tops diabetes as a cause
of death in our region.

These conditions come at a great cost. Chronic diseases account for 75
percent of the money our nation spends on health care, yet only 1
percent of health dollars are spent on public efforts to improve overall
health. By 2011, the cost of chronic disease is estimated to be $2.8
trillion — an average of $9,216 per person.

This is where the sun shines through: We can take charge of our health!
Individuals living with chronic conditions can make choices to delay
health deterioration, improve function, and address the problems faced
in their day-to-day lives. We are the ones we have been waiting for.

The conventional medical model of caring for people with chronic
conditions generally focuses on the illness more than on the patient;
this approach tends to be expensive and often ineffective. “If we step
up and take responsibility for our health — meeting our health care
providers half way — we can have a big impact on our quality of life and
health care costs” says Rebecca Chaplin, Aging Program Specialist at
Land-of-Sky Regional Council.

Our region is rich with opportunities for people to learn and practice
these self-management skills. For example, Living Healthy, also known as
a chronic disease self-management program, is a six-week workshop that
teaches the self-management skills that can last a lifetime. The program
was developed by Stanford University and is offered in communities
around the world.

One recent participant in our region said, “I have to say that the
living healthy class has benefited myself and family more than I could
have ever imagined…. I have lost weight and have increased physical
activity… resulting in reduction of diabetic medications — I will be
utilizing these same tools to assist my brother in the long recovery
that faces him.”

The Living Healthy Program is coordinated through the Land-of-Sky
Regional Council and made possible through community collaborations.
Upcoming workshops are scheduled for Asheville and Edneyville starting
on February 17. Registration is required. The class costs $30 for six
weeks; scholarships are available.

For more information about this or other self-management programs,
contact Rebecca Chaplin at (828) 251-7438 or email
[email protected].