Kansans Optimizing Health Program

The Kansans Optimizing Health Program (KOHP) is a six week workshop conducted for 2 1/2 hours once a week in various community settings - it is known nationally as the Chronic Disease Self Management Program.The program helps people with a variety of chronic diseases (arthritis, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and lung disease) learn the skills necessary to self-manage their disease.

The workshops are interactive and are facilitated by two trained leaders. Subjects covered include:

1. techniques to deal with frustration, pain and fatigue
2. how to exercise safely
3. medications
4. communication techniques for family and medical team members
5. nutrition, and
6. making informed treatment decisions.

KDADS is partnering with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to develop a statewide system of organizations, leaders and participants. For consistency purposes, please refer to the following websites:

To find an organization that provides the KOHP workshops in your area, check the on-line County Resource Map available at http://www.dhe.state.ks.us/arthritis/

For potential participants who would like to locate a local workshop:
http://www.kdheks.gov/arthritis/download/KOHP/KOHP_Participant_Workshop_Calendar.pdf

To become a trained CDSMP leader, go to:
http://www.kdheks.gov/arthritis/kohp_leader.htm

KOHP marketing materials:

• Poster - Word Document
• Participant brochure - Acrobat Reader Document
• Leadership brochure - Acrobat Reader Document