Living Well in Idaho
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), known as “Living Well in Idaho,” is an educational program offered currently in five local public health districts in Idaho.
Participants are adults experiencing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes. Their family members, friends and caregivers can also participate. The program provides information and teaches practical skills on managing chronic health problems. The CDSMP gives people the confidence and motivation they need to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition.
The overall goal is to enable participants to build self-confidence to assume a major role maintaining their health and managing their chronic health conditions. The CDSMP focuses on problems common to individuals suffering from chronic diseases. Coping strategies such as action planning and feedback, behavior modeling, problem-solving techniques, and decision making are applicable to all chronic diseases.
Individuals are taught to control their symptoms through:
- Relaxation techniques
- Changing their diets
- Managing sleep and fatigue
- Using medications correctly
- Exercise
- Communication with health providers
To learn more about Living Well in Idaho or to find workshops in your area, contact the following coordinators:
Mary Petty, Panhandle Health District: (208) 415-5295
Lindsay Byars, Central District Health Dept: (208) 327-8591
Jan Mittleider, College of Southern Idaho: (208) 732-6488
Cherie Nelson, Southeastern District Health Dept: (208) 478-6315
Kaylene Craig, Eastern Idaho Public Health Dept: (208) 533-3150