Managing chronic diseases

STAFF WRITER

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Members of the Foster Grandparent, Retired Senior Volunteer and Senior Companion programs attended a class on Thursday afternoon about managing chronic diseases.

Staff photo: Kurt Munz-Raper

David Briseno, director of outreach for La Casa,

teaches endurance exercises at Thursday afternoon’s “Managing Chronic Diseases” class.

The class, titled “My CD - Managing Chronic Diseases,” is hosted by the Portales Community Services Center, La Casa Family Health Center and the New Mexico Department of Health. Classes have been held since the beginning of June, and will continue through July 28.

The next course will be on July 7 from 1:30 p.m -4 p.m. at the Community Services Center.

“We have to come to the realization that they’re not going to go away,” said La Casa Director of Outreach David Briseno of chronic diseases.

Briseno said the class creates a social network for the participants to express their viewpoints. “The only way we’re going to be successful is if we are interactive,” said Briseno.

According to Briseno, the course had a healthy start six years ago, but has been picking back up in attendance the last year and a half, with courses being held in Portales, Clovis and Roswell. Briseno said the Portales class is particularly lively and enthusiastic.

“It’s an excellent program,” said course attendee Mary Taylor. “It makes us more aware, (and helps us) pay attention to what our body is telling us.”

“(I am learning) just to stay on my toes,” said Taylor. “I can do this and I know I can do this.”

“I like that we’re learning healthy living,” said course attendee Dorothy Glover. “Even though the condition may not be terribly chronic, chronic is chronic.”

Glover said the portions of the class she enjoyed the most involved exercising and healthy eating habits. Glover said she enjoys the interactive nature of the class and said Briseno is very supportive. “Everybody gets their input,” said Glover.

Glover also commented on the persistence of her fellow classmates. “I think we have a really high class of them setting their goals and being truthful to themselves,” said Glover.

Thursday’s session covered endurance activities, including how to effectively do cardiovascular and aerobic exercises. Other topics covered during the session included relaxation techniques and the importance of creating an action plan for exercise.

“it’s something you want to do,” said Briseno during the session. “What are you going to do? How much are you going to do? When are you going to do it? How often will you do it?”

According to Briseno, teaching the course has been very beneficial to him. “I think it’s helped me to become a better patient,” said Briseno. “It’s made me better at managing my own issues. And plus, I get to interact with some really cool people.”