In our region, evidence-based health promotion programs (EBHPs) are widely offered. These programs have been researched and proven to provide positive outcomes for participants. They give participants many ways to explore ways to get healthy and live better. All classes are led by instructors certified in the program(s) they facilitate.

The following are common EBHPs offered in the region:

Living Healthy with Chronic Conditions (CDSMP)	Developed by the Self-Management Resource Center (formerly of Stanford University), the Living Health with Chronic Conditions six-week program provides participants with tools to help manage life around chronic conditions. Participants learn to develop action plans, communicate better with loved ones and health care providers, deal with challenging emotions, make decisions, use medication appropriately, and understand the importance of good nutrition and physical activity. This program is research-proven to make a positive impact on quality of life and decrease physician and emergency room visits.
Living Healthy with Diabetes (DSMP)	This program uses a similar format with emphasis on living better with Diabetes. It teaches some basics about the disease and generalized guidance regarding nutrition and physical activity specific to those with Diabetes. Like the CDSMP course, it concentrates on tools that help individuals with Diabetes live a better quality of life. This program is research-proven to make a positive impact on quality of life and decrease physician and emergency room visits.
Living Healthy with Chronic Pain (CPSMP)	This program uses a similar format to the CDSMP but concentrates on issues associated with chronic pain. It teaches tools that help those with chronic pain learn to communicate with loved ones and health care providers, deal with negative emotions, and live a better quality of life. This program is research-proven to make a positive impact on quality of life and decrease physician and emergency room visits.
A Matter of Balance	This eight-week classroom-style program was developed to help people 60+ address concerns about falling, learn assertive behaviors, identify environmental hazards, change negative thinking patterns, and introduce physical activity designed to improve balance, strength and flexibility.
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Classes	Offers a low-impact physical activity program to reduce pain and decrease stiffness associated with arthritis. The program is suitable for every fitness level, and it has been proven to increase flexibility and muscle strength, improve quality of sleep, increase energy, and improve overall health. It has even been shown to reduce physician and emergency room visits.
Tai Chi for Arthritis/Fall Prevention	This program, developed by Dr. Paul Lam, uses gentle Sun-Style tai chi routines that are safe, easy to learn and suitable for every fitness level. This Tai Chi program has been proven to reduce stress, increase balance and flexibility, and improve overall mind, body and spirit health.
Walk with Ease	This six-week, 18-session program is designed to help you learn how to safely make physical activity a part of your everyday life. It has been proven to help reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis, increase balance, strength, and walking pace, build confidence, and improve overall health.

Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging has certified Master Trainers in CDSMP, DSMP, CPSMP, and A Matter of Balance. Lay-leader trainings are offered periodically. If you have an interest in becoming a certified lay-leader to facilitate these life-enhancing classes, please contact us.