At the time of enrollment in the Kidney Foundation’s “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” I really didn’t consider myself as having a chronic condition that required much attention to its management, but I was interested in this workshop. To this end, I did learn a lot about living a healthier life during the six 2-1/2 hour sessions and I would highly recommend it to everyone with a chronic condition and even those without a chronic condition, especially seniors so they can better manage their health.

Although the course did not go into depth on each subject, it did provide a very good overview of the subjects so that the participants could go further into the subject by more thoroughly studying and reviewing the course’s textbook and reference materials. Chapter 9 was quite appropriate to me as I felt a need to improve in better communication with others. I plan to review this chapter several times so I can better communicate with others, especially my primary care physician.

I enjoyed the team pair instructor approach in presentation of the course material as it made the presentation of the course material proceed faster and more vividly as ... the ... instructors were mimicking discussions on how to use “I instead of you” to better communicate with others and avoid confrontations. The brainstorming sessions made the participants think more about the subject matter, however it did take a lot of class time. The number of sessions where participants report on the progress of their plans to do self chosen activities did take a lot of class time and ... could have been shortened accordingly. Some time spent in participants sharing of experiences that could help others in managing their health could be very beneficial.

Facilitators from the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii were well prepared for each session and did a great job in presenting this course. The Kidney Foundation’s sponsoring this seminar was generously and is much appreciated.

Yours sincerely,
-Living Well with Chronic Conditions Participant from National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, Honolulu

Dear Facilitators from the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii,

You both did an excellent job in conducting the “Living well with Chronic Conditions” workshop. You both kept the sessions moving in the direction that the workshop was intended to be, ie: keeping a positive atmosphere, working within the timeframes, and most importantly, keeping to the guidelines in accordance to what the program was designed to do.

I gained a lot by attending the sessions as it reinforced me to better self manage myself in a regimented order such as developing the action plans, and sticking to it. This program has definitely motivated me to live a healthier life, and it’s not that I wasn’t living my life to its fullest in the past, but it has made me realize that there are more meaningful ways to live and enjoy life to its maximum. I’ve always lived each day like it’s the last day of my life, however this program has added an extra boost.

I strongly recommend this program to anyone who has doubt as to “am I living my life to its fullest”.

Sincerely,

-Living Well With Chronic Conditions Participant from National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, Honolulu

I attended the "Living Well With Diabetes” Classes, offered at the Senior Program, at the Neighborhood Center. It was a 6 week (15 hours) Evidence-Based Diabetes Self-Management Program on July 30 to September 10, 2019. I attended this program to learn more about Diabetes, and to learn how to prepare meals for my 89 y.o. mother (whom I recently became her caregiver).

I am very grateful, for ALL the information that I got at this workshop. I am able to watch for warning signs that may be causing mother any discomfort; I am able to read labels the right way now, in shopping and preparing meals (well balanced/portions); I am confident in knowing the amount of sugar and salt she's able to have... (by using the guidelines we were taught). The couple of weeks that I've been following this new diet, mother's blood sugar count has been consistently balanced (avg. 130 in the morning, and 145 in the evening before meals). Previously, she was caring for herself and not eating right, so her blood sugar counts was sky high (sometimes over 200). She came to me with swollen ankles and feet, and since I've introduced her to this new way of eating, the swelling has gone down tremendously.

She had her first doctor's visit since she arrived here, and it was a excellent check up. I thought I needed to connect with a dietitian, but the doctor had looked at my meal plans/portions that I have been preparing for her; and had advised me,"to keep doing what I've learned."... Being able to work with a partner to practice meal planning, has been beneficial. The trials & tribulations shared by everyone participating is real and...the ideas and home remedies participants used that work, inspires us also...

Getting tips for Physical Activity and exercise was great! …Before starting this exercises, mother's pain level in her ankles were a level 8. We started slowly with low reps, and increased it gradually. By the second week, her pain level was a 2, and now 2 months later, pain level 0. The swelling in her ankles is gone. I do believe the combination of this new diet AND exercise has help her to improve so much. Also, because I want mother to live a more healthier lifestyle, I have to model eating and exercising with her. I myself to this day, have lost 10 pounds.

The free workbook that was provided for us to keep, is wonderful... Learning to do "Action Plans," was ideal. Making short term goals, really HELPED ME accomplish tasks that I never had time to do (prior to being mother's caregiver, I also care for my school age grandsons age 6 & 7). Because I had completed my first action plan, it has motivated me to continue making other plans/goals/daily schedules. Mother's action plan for exercising, crocheting, going for short walks, journal writing, etc. has been so great for her well-being. It's essential in helping all of us live a active, healthy, and meaningful life.

The Presentation Staff, they're AWESOME! So knowledgeable in what they teach. They give everyone a chance to express themselves in a timely manner and we're able to accomplish all our lessons for the day's agenda.

I hope this workshop can continue on, for the other Communities on our island Kauai. I know for a fact, a whole lot of people's live can & will change for the better.

"Mahalo," as we say in Hawaii, which means "Thank you," for this OUTSTANDING PROGRAM."

-Living Well With Diabetes Participant, Kaua‘i