From managing symptoms including fatigue and depression to increasing self-confidence, making healthy lifestyle choices are all part of a six week program being offered by the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation on how to manage chronic disease.

The program is scheduled to take place on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon beginning Oct. 2 at the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Administration Building, 1198 Bandon Road.

The six-week course is designed by Stanford University and is sponsored locally by Community Services Inc., which runs the Ocean County Meals on Wheels program.

While the program is free, there is a $5 per person registration fee. 

Participants will learn how to manage symptoms including fatigue and depression, how to use relaxation techniques, increase awareness for balanced nutrition, and how to use medication effectively. In addition, the workshop teaches how to improve communication skills, solve problems and set goals, increase self-confidence and teach how to set weekly action plans.

“This six week program is a great opportunity for our residents to increase their self-confidence and learn how to manage their chronic disease,” said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, who serves as Chairwoman of the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department. “The program covers a number of topics including improving communication skills and learning how to use medications, providing information that can be beneficial to anyone who lives with chronic disease.”

To register for the program in person, residents can visit Jakes Branch County Park (110 Double Trouble Road, Beachwood), Wells Mills County Park (905 Route 532, Waretown) or the Ocean County Parks Administration Building (1198 Bandon Road, here) or residents can call 732-506-9090.

For more information on the chronic disease self-management program and other Ocean County Parks activities, the Ocean County Parks and Recreation 2023 fall program guide is currently available online at www.oceancountyparks.org.