BROOKINGS, S.D. – SDSU Extension Better Choices, Better Health-South Dakota is observing National Chronic Disease Month in July with a series of free, family-friendly events.
National Chronic Disease Day is on July 10, 2024. It is led by Good Days, a national nonprofit and advocacy organization, to educate communities on promoting health and expanding access to care.
To raise awareness, Better Choices, Better Health-SD will host six events in five different communities from July 6 to 11:
- July 6 – Aberdeen Farmer’s Market, 8 a.m. to noon.
- July 10 – James Valley Community Center, Mitchell, 10:30 a.m.
- July 10 – Mitchell Recreation Center, 1 to 4 p.m.
- July 10 – Pierre Regional Center, 2 to 4 p.m.
- July 10 – Winner Regional Center, 1 to 4 p.m.
- July 10 – The Good Samaritan Society – Prairie Creek, Sioux Falls, 3:30 p.m.
- July 11 – Startup Sioux Falls, 8:30 a.m.
- July 11 – Sunnycrest Village, Sioux Falls, 11 a.m.
The events will include education about Better Choices, Better Health-SD’s programs, along with games, giveaways, refreshments and a chance to connect with health and education professionals from the host community. Registration is not required. For details, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “chronic”.
For those who can’t make an in-person event, virtual workshops are available for cancer patients and survivors, caregivers, and those dealing with chronic health conditions like chronic pain and diabetes. Upcoming workshops include:
- Chronic pain self-management, Tuesdays from July 2 to Aug. 6
- Chronic disease self-management, Tuesdays from July 23 to Aug. 27
- Cancer: Surviving and Thriving, Wednesdays from Aug. 14 to Sept. 18
- Building Better Caregivers, Tuesdays from Aug. 20 to Sept. 24
Better Choices, Better Health-South Dakota provides free, evidence-based programming to help participants manage chronic diseases, improve their quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. It has served more than 4,500 participants in the last 10 years.
Studies have shown that participants who complete the program have experienced better overall health, have more energy and less fatigue, make fewer doctor visits and have less stress about their health.
“Together, we can create a South Dakota where everyone with a chronic condition has the tools and support they need to live a healthier and happier life,” said Megan Jacobson, SDSU Extension Chronic Disease Management Field Specialist.
For more information, contact sdsu.betterchoicesbetterhealth@sdstate.edu or Jacobson at 605-995-7378.
