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Thriving, not just surviving

Let’s be honest — living with a chronic condition can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Some days, you’re cruising; other days, you’re just trying not to fall off. But here’s the thing: life with a chronic illness isn’t just about symptoms and doctor visits — it’s about finding creative ways to live fully, laugh often, and celebrate the small wins (like actually remembering to take your meds on time).

Now ‘chronic’ may mean long-lasting, but longer doesn’t have to mean worse. With the right mix of medical care, self-awareness, and flexibility, living with a chronic illness can become less about “just getting by” and more about finding what works for you. It’s about learning to adapt — balancing treatments, routines, and flare-ups while still enjoying life’s good stuff: laughter, connection, and the occasional lazy day in pajamas.

In this month’s blog, we are talking to Tammy Collins, a local peer leader for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. Tammy helps North Country residents living with chronic diseases navigate living with, and managing, their symptoms. Participants in the workshops have developed new friendships and created ongoing supports and social engagements that have enriched their lives, while helping to control and manage their chronic conditions.

Tammy, when we talk about “chronic diseases” what do we mean?

Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. In Clinton County, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and some cancers are types of chronic disease we see.

In fact, over one third of our residents are obese. This increases our risk for other chronic conditions, especially diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Rates of these conditions in our area are higher than state averages and heart disease is the leading cause of death in Clinton County.

That all sounds bad. Do you have any good news to share about chronic diseases?

I do! As a matter of fact. Many chronic diseases can be managed to improve one’s quality of life. And, believe it or not, its often through a combination of very similar activities, regardless of the chronic disease. 

What sorts of things can we do to manage chronic disease and why is it important?

To manage chronic disease symptoms, we should see our doctor regularly, take medications as prescribed, and make lifestyle changes such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. Making lifestyle changes can be challenging but there are short, information packed courses that can teach you what you need to know. Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs, such as Living Healthy with Chronic Conditions, can assist individuals with developing an individualized plan and to practice strategies that can help. When you are able to manage a chronic condition, you not only feel better but you help prevent the onset of other illnesses too.

Tell us more about the Living Healthy with Chronic Conditions program.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops are evidence-based programs that are interactive and are led by two trained peer-leaders. The workshops focus on problems that are common to individuals dealing with any chronic disease. Topics include pain management, nutrition, exercise, medication use, emotions, and communicating with doctors.  Participants learn how to create actions plans to meet their own goals.

Individuals age 18+ can register for a workshop online at www.gethealthynoco.org or by calling me at the Clinton County Office for the Aging at 518-565-4666. Workshops are offered in-person, online, or by telephone. New workshops are added frequently, so check back often.

Past participants have stated that the program is extremely useful in managing their symptoms of their chronic conditions. They are more confident using the tools and resources provided.



What are the different classes that are offered?

There are several different Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs available.

  •  Chronic Disease Self-Management Program:
    • Description: a program for people with chronic health problems. The program addresses common symptoms and worries from all types of chronic disease and illnesses.
    • Time: 1 class/week   2.5 hours/class   6 weeks
    • Audience: Adults with 1 or more chronic conditions and their family members or caretakers.
  • Workplace Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (wCDSMP):
    • Description: A worksite program for people with chronic health problems. The program addresses common symptoms and worries from all types of chronic disease and illnesses.
    • Time: 2 classes/week   1 hour/class   6 weeks
    • Audience: Adults with 1 or more chronic conditions.
  • Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP):
    • Description: A 6-session evidence-based workshop designed for those living with diabetes or at risk for developing diabetes.
    • Time: 1 class/week   2.5 hours/class   6 weeks
    • Audience: Adults with diabetes -or at risk for developing diabetes-and their family.
  • Cancer: Thriving and Surviving:
    • Description: A 6-session evidence-based workshop designed for those who are managing cancer or are in remission.
    • Time: 1 class/week   2.5 hours/class   6 weeks
    • Audience: Adults who are managing cancer or are in remission and their family members or caretakers.
  • Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP):
    • Description: A 6-session evidence-based workshop designed for those dealing with chronic pain.
    • Time: 1 class/week   2.5 hours/class   6 weeks
    • Audience: Adults who are experiencing chronic pain.

What can someone expect in a typical session?

The main topics and goals for each session change as we go through the course, but there is always plenty of learning, activity, fun, and freebies! We will work through creating action plans, do a little bit of moving around, build relationships with other participants, learn about grocery planning and healthy eating habits, focus on relaxation techniques, and work on building plans for the future to stay healthy and live a long happy life.

What are some of the good things you hear or see in participants once they complete the course?

It’s pretty common for participants to feel like their health improved, even over the course of a few weeks. They often report improvements in fatigue, shortness of breath, depression, pain, stress and sleep problems.  Excitingly, participants also report that they find it easier to communicate with doctors and stay compliant with their medicine schedules. Many even report improved mental health and overall quality of life. And, really isn’t that the whole point?

Top 3 things to remember.

  1. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, are the leading cause of death in our region.
  2. There are strategies that can help individuals live better with chronic conditions. 
  3. Courses to learn these strategies are available in our area. Visit www.gethealthynoco.org or call the Clinton County Office for the Aging at 518-565-4666 to learn more.


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