Center in the Park

For Immediate Release
April 5, 2011

You Can Improve Your Health !!!
Attend Free Harvest Health Workshops at Center in the Park

Center in the Park's (CIP) Harvest Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a six week standardized program for people with all types of chronic conditions. Center in the Park is licensed to deliver the program which was developed at Stanford University and is proven to be successful in helping people cope and live better by managing their chronic conditions.

In the workshops, participants learn to make wise food choices; establish a regular exercise program best suited for the individual; learn to relax and unwind; improve communication with healthcare professionals; learn to use medication appropriately; and, understand how to manage difficult emotions like frustration, anxiety and fear.

The workshops are held one day a week, two and a half hours, for six weeks. Participants who commit to attending all six sessions are given a free Textbook - "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions and a free Relaxation CD - "A Time for Healing."

Harvest Health classes are currently being held at Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Avenue, on the following Thursdays: April 14 through May 19; and, May 26 through June 30. Classes are held weekly from 9:00am until 11:30am. In addition, Center in the Park staff and volunteers, trained in facilitating the program, will bring the Harvest Health sessions to your location, if you have 15 or more persons interested in the program and the CIP morning hours are not convenient for those who wish to attend.

This program is currently free for persons age 60 and better; however, younger participants with chronic conditions or persons caring for someone with chronic condition are welcome! The program is currently funded by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) in partnership with the PA Department of Aging and the U.S. Administration on Aging.

You will feel healthier and be more energized. Just listen to the voice of one former Harvest Heard Health participant, who said: "I learned a great deal from the Chronic Disease Self Management classes. We covered a lot of important subject matters that I have applied to my life such as; making an action plan, fitness/exercise, nutrition, communication, medications, and working with my doctor. My doctor even noticed a difference in my overall health and told me whatever you are doing, keep on doing it. Thanks to the Harvest Health Program."

Please call ahead to register as space is limited, for information or to register please contact: Delores Palmer 215-848-7722, ext. 305 or Marie Marthol 215-848-7722 ,ext. 304. The April 14th - May 19th and May 26th through June 30th Harvest Health sessions will be held at CIP, which is located in historic Vernon Park, at 5818 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Off street parking is available on the lot at Rittenhouse & McCallum Streets. Membership at Center in the Park is free and open to adults, age 55+ and non-members may attend certain classes, trips and activities, as well.

Center in the Park is a community center that promotes positive aging and fosters community connections for older adults in Northwest Philadelphia, whose voices are critical instruments in shaping its activities and direction. CIP is accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers, a unit of the National Council on Aging as a provider of excellent programs, activities and services for its active membership of more than 5,000 and its 1,000 homebound clients.