RWJ Hamilton Sponsors FREE Six Session Class for Managing Chronic Conditions

Get Motivated, Get Educated, and Get in Control of Your Health

HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton), along with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, is sponsoring "Take Control of Your Health", a free six-session Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). The course helps people with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, fibromyalgia, hypertension, and depression, learn how to overcome daily challenges in regard to managing their condition while maintaining an active, fulfilling life.

Developed by Stanford University physicians, program participants meet in small groups of 10 to 15 for two-and-a-half hour sessions once a week for six weeks to discuss topics related to managing symptoms, communicating effectively with healthcare professionals and fighting fatigue. During the six weeks, those living with chronic conditions learn healthier ways to live, and gain the confidence and motivation to manage their health.

"Having a chronic condition does not need to mean living a life with limitations," explains Shirley Roberts, a health educator at RWJ Hamilton. "This program can teach those affected with such conditions coping mechanisms that they can incorporate into their everyday life."

The interactive classes are led by pairs of trained volunteer leaders who have completed the course and are practicing the techniques they have learned. Research indicates that one year after course completion, participants have increased healthful behaviors, better symptom management, improved health status, fewer physician or hospital visits and have greater confidence in their ability to handle their condition.

CDSMP programs can also benefit all residents of New Jersey by helping to lower healthcare costs. According to the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and the HealthWell Foundation, preventable chronic disease costs $7.5 billion in New Jersey annually. By reducing the number of residents with chronic conditions, healthcare expenditures will decrease.

"Take Control of Your Health" will meet on the following dates from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Township Senior Center. Participation is limited to Hamilton Township Residents and registration is required. Call the Senior Center at 609.890.3686 to register.

Monday, October 5 – Tuesday, October 13 – Monday, October 19 – Monday, October 26 – Monday, November 2 – Monday, November 9

More About RWJ Hamilton
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) is the only New Jersey hospital to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Located in Hamilton Township, NJ, the hospital is part of the RWJ Health System and Network and is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey-RWJ Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

The RWJ Hamilton Health Care Corporation serves communities within a five-county area and includes an acute care hospital, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton, three affiliated medical groups, seven Lakeview Child Centers, and the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, home of a medically-based fitness center and the hospital's extensive community education program. Over 1,900 hospital employees and 650 medical staff physicians share RWJ Hamilton's passion for Excellence Through Service. For more information, visit www.rwjhamilton.org.