Gulf Shores, Ala – August 3, 2011 - Managing chronic medical conditions is the topic of a free health education course for individuals, caregivers, and family members beginning in September in Gulf Shores hosted by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission Area Agency on Aging and the City of Gulf Shores.

Chronic medical conditions often demand lifestyle adjustments. This six-week, interactive course is geared to help attendees — both sufferers and caregivers — cope with diabetes, stroke, heart disease, emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, chronic pain, or other long-term conditions.

"Living Well Alabama-Better Choices: Better Health" will be conducted on six successive Tuesdays beginning September 13 and concluding October 18. Classes will be held at the Harry Roberts Community House, 300 E. 16th Avenue, Gulf Shores, with each session running from 9:30 a.m. until noon.  Light refreshments will be available during the classes.

Topics include developing healthy eating habits; tackling problems/symptoms with realistic action plans; developing a safe, individual exercise program; coping techniques for fatigue, pain, stress, and negative emotions; communication skills for family/friends/physicians; medication safety; and making advance directives and informed treatment decisions.

In the past year, 114 Mobile/Baldwin County citizens have completed one of the thirteen courses in the area, according to Jerry Friedlander, Aging Specialist at the Area Agency on Aging in Mobile.

“I feel healthier after this course,” one of the participants in the recent Silverhill course summarized its benefits. Other participants said, “skills to take control of conditions…rather than being controlled by them;” “better communication skills;” and “lots of health tips.”

"We have an easy 'learn and do' approach in class," said Course Leader Nathell Dian. "Between sessions, we practice and fine tune mini lifestyles changes, and then reunite to support each others' efforts." Bill Harrison of Gulf Shores will join Dian to lead participants through the six-week program. Both were trained by the Alabama Department of Senior Services.

Class size is limited, so early reservations are important. To sign up, call Sylvia Lamberth, City of Gulf Shores Senior Programs Coordinator, at 251-968-1434 or stop by the Adult Activity Center on Clubhouse Drive. For further information call Bill Harrison at 251-948-5741 or Jerry Friedlander at 251-706-4692.