Volunteer Lay Leaders are being trained for the Living Healthy with Diabetes program Feb. 25 – 28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Polk County Cooperative Extension Service, 60 Gibson St., Columbus.

Volunteer lay leaders are trained to facilitate the Living Healthy with Diabetes program which is given two and a half hours once a week for six weeks, in community settings such as churches, community centers, libraries and hospitals.

Subjects covered include: 1) techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration; 2) appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance; 3) healthy eating; 4) appropriate use of medication and 5) working more effectively with health care providers.

Participants attending the six-week program will make weekly action plans, share experiences and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program.

The Living Healthy with Diabetes program was developed through Stanford University and teaches lay leaders all over the United States.

Lay leaders do not have to have a degree in health education in order to volunteer. Each session of the curriculum is designed to co-facilitate with another lay leader, scripted and easy to follow.

This program is not to replace any existing diabetes classes, but is focused on enhancing the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

For registration, please contact Jimmi Buell at jimmi_buell@ncsu.edu or 828-894-821. For more information about the program, contact  Jane at stujane82@wildblue.net or 919-548-0016.

– article submitted
by Michelle D. Templin