Health Promotion and Wellness

Free Evidence-Based Classes
Evidence-based living well programs empower older adults to take control of their health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle through self-efficacy and self-management. The Talbot County Health Department, in partnership with the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence https://mdlivingwell.org provides the following evidence-based programs:

Diabetes Self-Management: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for a number of serious, even life-threatening, complications, as well as being the sixth leading cause of death in Maryland. Good diabetes control can help reduce the risk of complications. Topics include nutrition, exercise, stress management, working with health providers, and more. This course is available one-on-one or in a group setting.

Chronic Pain Self-Management: Chronic pain can be debilitating and may lead to isolation and depression. Better management of chronic pain can help participants feel better, move better and improve quality of life.

Chronic Disease Self-Management: Chronic disease, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and arthritis, are leading causes of disability in the U.S. Participants will learn to cope with the fatigue, frustration and pain that accompany chronic disease, and exercises for improving strength and endurance, all which have been shown to improve health and decrease hospital stays.

Living Well With Hypertension: Untreated hypertension is the leading cause of kidney disease and failure, and can lead to stroke and heart attacks. Participants will learn blood pressure management strategies. Click on a link below for more information about high blood pressure:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Blood Pressure Cuff Instructions (English & Spanish)

10 Ways to Control Blood Pressure Without Medication

Printable Blood Pressure Log

Managing Blood Pressure With a Heart-Healthy Diet

PEARLS: There are many losses associated with aging – loss of health, loved ones, and independence – and these losses can lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, anxiousness and restlessness. Left unattended, these feelings can lead to depression, and affect quality of life. PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives) is a one-on-one flexible coaching program designed to help those age 60 and older learn how to manage these feelings and improve their quality of life.

PEARLS Brochure

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Supports caregivers in taking care of yourself while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver. Six classes held virtually once a week are led by experienced class leaders and one extra class addressing Dementia/Alzheimer’s is given. Class participants are given The Caregiver Helpbook to accompany the class and provided with additional caregiver resources. Respite funds are available for class participants.

For more information or to register for a class:
Marci Stinson
410-819-5633
marcie.stinson@maryland.gov

Be Healthy Maryland for Other Classes

PowerfulToolsForCaregivers.org