Wheatheart Nutrition Project has announced a new program, “Courage to take Charge, Taking Control of your Health,” will be available July 2 in Pond Creek.

Developed in 1991 by Stanford University, this evidence-based program is used in the United States and 17 other countries. Through a grant made possible by Northern Oklahoma Development Authority, Wheatheart was able to hire two motivators and send them to Stanford University to become master trainers. They have been conducting workshops since May 2007.

The self-management workshop for people with chronic conditions are six weeks long, meeting only one day a week for two and one-half hours.

The sessions are interactive and participants receive a book, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.” The book has more than 200 hints from how to find resources and make treatment decisions. Participants also will receive a relaxation CD or cassette tape.

Session one gives the group general principles on self-management. It looks at the difference between chronic and acute diseases and identifies the common elements of various chronic health problems. Action plans and distraction techniques are introduced.

Session two shows the group how to manage anger, fear and frustration associated with chronic health conditions. Problem-solving techniques are introduced, as are types of exercise. Participants are encouraged to choose a fitness program appropriate for them.

In session three, participants explore the causes of shortness of breath and are introduced to better breathing and relaxation techniques. Participants also look at reasons for pain and fatigue, along with ways to manage them.

Session four gives an overview of good nutrition and reasons for eating better. Participants are given tools to make healthier eating choices. This session also looks at plans for future health care and introduces techniques for improving communication.

In session five, participants learn ways to follow medication regimens and how to reduce the side effects of medications. Guidelines are given for evaluating new treatments. Positive thinking and guided imagery are introduced during this session.

Session six presents tools on how to communicate with health care professionals, caregivers and family members; be more active in care; and create a plan to deal with health problems. Throughout this workshop, participants learn to evaluate and analyze action plans to help control health conditions.

This workshop is free and open to anyone who has a chronic disease or knows someone with a chronic condition.

For information, contact Peggy Hager at 237-4810.