St. Joseph's Hospital is looking for people with diabetes to gather around the table and talk about how to better manage their disease.
It's part of another free, four-part education series that utilizes Conversation Maps to spark discussion among people with diabetes who are interested in learning more about their disease and how to control it.
The maps were developed through collaborations with the American Diabetes Association and Healthy Interactions and are sponsored in the United States by the pharmaceutical firm Merck & Co.
"Through the use of this unique interactive education tool, the main goal is for participants to gain a better understanding of diabetes in order to make behavior changes and live a healthier life," said Terry Eversgerd, the hospital's director of education. "These sessions are designed to enable participants to learn from the knowledge and experiences of people in similar situations."
Conversation Maps include a 3-by-5-foot tabletop "game board" that the group focuses on during each session. During each session, facilitators read Conversation Questions, which prompt participants to discuss a variety of topics. Finally, Conversation Cards provide additional information and discussion topics, adding to a gamelike feel.
"Conversation Map sessions are designed to be fun, interactive and full of learning no matter who participates," Eversgerd said. "A very important aspect ... is providing participants with a process to develop an action plan to make better decisions and change their behaviors. In some cases, the action plan is very robust, while other plans offer a starting point for participants to experiment and be more flexible."
Four maps are used during the sessions, each covering a major topic: basic concepts in managing the disease; healthy eating; glucose monitoring; and more complex concepts, including medication options and the natural course of the disease.
The four-part series will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursdays from Jan. 22 to Feb. 12 in the hospital's board room. A registered nurse, pharmacist and dietitian will serve as facilitators to help guide discussions. Space is limited to eight participants for each session, although a minimum of four is required. Those interested are encouraged to seek a doctor's order to participate.
To register or for more information, call Eversgerd at 651-2766.
Contact reporter Roger Schlueter at 239-2465 or rschlueter@bnd.com To see more of the Belleville News-Democrat, Ill., or to subscribe, visit http://www.belleville.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Belleville News-Democrat, Ill. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
Copyright (C) 2009, Belleville News-Democrat, Ill.