Anyone who has a chronic illness like arthritis, asthma, diabetes, emphysema, heart disease or other condition knows how challenging it can be. Chronic illness can affect every part of our lives – the way our bodies look and feel, the activities we can enjoy, the costs of medications and doctor visits, the emotions we experience and more.

No matter what chronic health conditions we have, what we do to help ourselves is very important. We can choose to do nothing, and let the disease consume our lives, or we can work to take control of our condition before it controls us. We can learn about our disease, keep informed about our progress, take part in our treatment plan, communicate with our health care team, stay optimistic and open to new ideas. In other words, we can choose to be a good self-manager.
People with chronic diseases in Southeast Michigan can learn better self-management skills through two enjoyable, practical and proven self-help programs available at locations throughout the region.
Research shows that people with chronic illnesses who choose to take control with good self-management skills have less pain, are more active, and are better able to enjoy family, friends and favorite activities.

How can I develop better self-management skills?
Two classes are available in Southeast Michigan to provide people with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to take a more active role in the care of their chronic illnesses. The Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program (AFSHP), introduced in 1992, is aimed at people with arthritis. The PATH Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (PATH), introduced in 2000, can serve people with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, arthritis and more. Both are group health education programs designed by Kate Lorig, PhD, RN at Stanford University. Both are available through the organizations listed below.

How do these self-help classes work?
AFSHP and PATH classes are offered in sessions that meet for two hours, once per week, for six weeks. Each class session can accommodate up to 20 participants. Classes are conducted by leaders nationally certified through the Arthritis Foundation, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, the National Kidney Foundation, the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, and similar groups dedicated to improving health. Classes are offered at locations throughout Southeast Michigan.

How much do classes cost?
Most classes are free or very low cost.

What will I learn?
Over six weeks, AFSHP and PATH class participants will learn and practice new relaxation, problem-solving, coping and communication skills. These skills are useful in every part of life. Attendees will also learn about diet, exercise, medications, managing pain and fatigue, living with disability, overcoming depression, and other lifestyle strategies for good health.

How will I learn it?
AFSHP and PATH classes are active and fun. They include a little bit of lecture, and lots of discussion and group activities. Participants in AFSHP classes use "The Arthritis Helpbook" as a textbook for the course, while participants in PATH classes use a book called "Living Well with Chronic Conditions."

What benefits can I expect if I attend a self-help program?
The AFSHP and PATH programs have been evaluated frequently and their effectiveness has been well-documented through repeated, randomized, controlled trials around the world. Participants in the courses can enjoy these significant long-term benefits: