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Council on Aging (COA) offers free workshops on multiple health-related topics like diabetes, chronic pain, falls prevention and Bingocize. There are workshops held in-person as well as virtually. Here, volunteer workshop leader Anita Burton-Heck shares more about the benefits of virtual workshops.

As a volunteer Health and Wellness workshop leader, I have enjoyed seeing many people benefit from choosing to be active participants in their own health. Recently, I had the privilege of co-leading a virtual Diabetes Self-Management Program workshop, hosted by Maderia Women’s Club.

As we met virtually each week for seven weeks, everyone (myself included!) learned new tools and skills to help manage diabetes, such as label reading and action planning.  Most importantly, we supported each other with suggestions from our experience and words of encouragement – all while making new friends.

Why a virtual workshop?
There are many benefits that accompany virtual health and wellness workshops.  

• They are convenient. You don’t have to leave the house.
• Transportation isn’t an issue. And you won’t get delayed because of traffic.
• COA sends all needed printed materials directly to participants’ homes. Recent participant, Yvonne refers to the Diabetes Self-Management Program workshop reference book as her “second Bible because it is filled with such great information.”
• COA helps you. Each virtual workshop begins with a “Session 0” to ensure each participant can successfully navigate on the computer.

Actually, benefits abound whether taking a virtual or in-person health and wellness workshop. According to a recent study: six months after completing the Diabetes Self-Management program, participants showed “significant improvements in depression, symptoms of hypoglycemia, communication with physicians, healthy eating, and reading food labels”.

If a virtual workshop sounds like something you would like, visit Council on Aging’s website for upcoming workshops. If your organization is interested in hosting a virtual workshop, contact Judy at [email protected].  

Anita Burton-Heck is a Wellness Instructor and Master Trainer. As an independent contractor, Anita supports COA’s Health and Wellness Programs and has for 10 years.