Niagara County Health Department to conduct informational sessions to promote free chronic disease prevention workshops

A representative of the Niagara County Department of Health Division of Nursing will speak to seniors in the Town of Pendleton about free six-week chronic disease self-management workshops scheduled this spring. The health department representative will also talk about the National Diabetes Prevention Program, a 16-week program for individuals diagnosed as pre-diabetic by their doctors.

The nursing division has scheduled the following informational sessions:

•April 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the Pendleton United Methodist Church, 6864 Campbell Blvd., North Tonawanda

•April 2 at 12:45 p.m. at the Pendleton Town Hall Seniors Group, 6570 Campbell Blvd., Lockport

•May 12 at 1 p.m. at the Pendleton Town Hall Wendelville Senior Group, 6570 Campbell Blvd., Lockport

In partnership with the Niagara County Office for the Aging, the chronic disease self-management workshops are free for individuals 18 years of age and older with health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure or chronic pain. The purpose of the free workshops is to help chronically ill persons enhance their skills and abilities to manage health, to maintain active and fulfilling lifestyles and to feel better. Health representatives also recommend these workshops for caregivers of people with chronic conditions. The workshops consist of six consecutive weekly classes that run from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

To learn more about the workshops, attend one of the informational sessions. Individuals may register for upcoming classes by contacting NY Connects through the Office for the Aging at 716-438-3030, or the Niagara County Department of Health Nursing Division (between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.) at 716-278-1900.

The 16-week diabetes prevention program is a proven way to prevent diabetes in people who have pre-diabetes or are at risk for diabetes, by making small lifestyle changes. Participants will learn how to improve food choices, increase physical activity, and learn coping skills to maintain weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes.

For more information, call 716-278-1900.