Living healthier, living happier
Classes at KRHC to help manage chronic diseases

Kossuth Regional Health Center is featuring new education opportunities this fall for people interested in self-management of chronic diseases. 

The “Kossuth Iowa Healthy Links” is a chronic disease management program that helps individuals aged 55 and older to take charge of their health by learning ways to identify and resolve pain and other ongoing health issues.  This class, taught by Jo Lighter of KRHC Community Health and Nancy Clark of ISU Extension, begins on September 22 and runs for six weeks.   There will be two sessions with an afternoon class offered from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and an evening class from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

“We are encouraging individuals or caregivers of that person, such as their son, daughter or spouse, to attend the sessions as well,” Lighter said.  “This class isn’t targeted towards one specific chronic illness, but rather strategies that can help anyone that struggles with an ongoing disease or pain.  People might have arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic pain or something completely different, but most of the management techniques we discuss will be applicable, regardless of what they are dealing with.”

Topics will include strategies to help people monitor their own condition, educate themselves on what to do when an issue occurs, know what options and resources exist and how to best partner with your health care provider to decrease visits to the emergency room or clinic for chronic health management.  The cost of the class is $20 for the six sessions.  To sign up for one of the Kossuth Iowa Healthy Links programs or for more information, contact Jo Lighter at KRHC Community Health at 515-295-4430.