COVID-19 Update
- All in person health education classes are suspended until the threat of the COVID-19 virus has subsided in Central Oregon. Check back for updates.
- Walk With Ease self-directed program is available from OSU Professional and Continuing Education. Sign up for the six week program and get weekly email support.
Healthy lifestyles and behaviors are known to impact older adults’ quality of life by maintaining:
- Strength, flexibility and balance that help prevent falls
- Healthy eating habits to prevent or manage chronic diseases
- Physical activity to manage weight, support heart health
- Social outlets to prevent isolation and depression
The Council on Aging offers and supports effective evidence-based classes that encourage healthy lifestyle activities and enable older adults to live with greater quality of life. These classes include topics like:
- Chronic disease prevention
- Chronic disease and chronic pain self-management
- Physical activity and fall prevention
Here is a brief overview and dates/times of the health education classes available in the tri-county area:
A year-long lifestyle change program for adults with pre-diabetes or those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Participants learn about tools and strategies for healthy eating and being physically active in a group setting. There is no charge for the program but you need to pre-register.
Adult patients or clients may be referred (or use this self-refer form) to DPP if they meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old and
- Be overweight (body mass index ≥25; ≥23 if Asian) and
- Have no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes and
- Have a blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past year
- HbA1C (5.7-6.4)
- Fasting blood glucose (100-125 mg/dL) or
- Previous Gestational Diabetes (may be self-reported) or
- Positive Screening for prediabetes based on the prediabetes Risk Score Test 5 or higher: DPP Risk Test
| Location | Info Session | Contact Name Phone/Email |
|---|---|---|
| Bend | January 28, 2020: 11am and 1pm | Sarah Worthington (541) 322-7446 sarahw@deschutes.org |
| La Pine | January 22, 2020: 4pm | Patty Kuratek (541) 876-1848 pkuratek@lapinehealth.org |
| Prineville | January 20, 2020: 1pm January 27, 2020: 1pm | Kylie Loving (541) 447-3260 KLoving@h.co.crook.or.us |
| Redmond | March 9, 2020 1pm | Sarah Worthington (541) 322-7446 sarahw@deschutes.org |
| Sisters | January 9, 2020: 12pm January 23, 2020: 5:30pm | Kylie Loving (541) 447-3260 KLoving@h.co.crook.or.us |
Developed at the Stanford University Patient Education Center, these classes assist those who live with chronic conditions to become good self-managers of those condition(s). Each program is facilitated by two leaders and meets weekly for 2-1/2 hours for six weeks. There is a small fee for a textbook; scholarships are available.
REDMOND
Redmond Senior Center, 325 NW Dogwood Avenue, (541) 548-6325
- Date/time TBD: Sign up by calling (541) 322-7430
Based on research from Oregon State University’s Bone Research Laboratory, this class is designed to gradually increase strength and improve balance. The goal is to reduce the risk of falls that may result in osteoporosis-related fractures by improving strength, balance and mobility, and reducing bone loss.
BEND
Central Oregon Community College, Boyle Education Center, 2600 NW College Way, (541) 383-7270
- Date/time TBD
- Registration is required. Sign up online at: https://www.enrole.com/cocc/
REDMOND
Central Oregon Community College – Redmond Campus, 2030 Southeast College Loop Building 1, 2248 SE College Loop, (541) 383-7270
- Date/time TBD
- Registration is required. Sign up online at: https://www.enrole.com/cocc/
SISTERS
Sisters Athletic Club, 1001 Desperado Trail, (541) 549-6878
- Date/time TBD
- Registration is required. Sign up online at: https://www.enrole.com/cocc/
Adapted from Boston University Roybal Center by Maine’s Partnership for Healthy Aging and Oregon Health Science University, this workshop teaches practical coping strategies to reduce the fear of falling.
SISTERS
Sisters/Camp Sherman Fire District, 13033 SW Forest Service Road #1419 – Camp Sherman (541) 549-0771
- Date/time TBD
MADRAS
Jefferson County Senior Center, 860 SW Madison, (541) 475-1148
- Date/time TBD
Tai Chi is a graceful form of exercise that involves a series of movements, which are performed in a slow, focused manner combined with controlled breathing. It is a low impact activity. Tai Chi is shown to improve balance & mobility, increase leg strength & flexibility and reduce the fear of falling.
BEND
Trinity Episcopal Church, 469 NW Wall,
- Date/time TBD
- No fee
REDMOND
Redmond Senior Center, 325 NW Dogwood Avenue, (541) 548-6325
- Date/time TBD
LA PINE
La Pine Senior Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, (541) 536-6237
- Date/time TBD
La Pine Parks & Rec, Finley Butte Sports Complex, 51390 Walling Ln, (541) 536-2223
- Date/time TBD
MADRAS
Local Motion, 346 SW Culver Highway, (541) 475-2996
- Date/time TBD
- 1st week free
The national FallProof™ balance and mobility program is designed to assess and treat balance-related problems.
BEND
The Alexander Bend, 1125 NE Watt Way, (541) 749-8376
- Date/time TBD
The WISE (wellness initiative for senior education) Program is a substance abuse prevention and wellness program targeting older adults created by the New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN). WISE promotes health through six education sessions that address high-risk behaviors in older adults.
The WISE Program is designed to help older adults celebrate healthier aging, make healthier lifestyle choices and avoid substance abuse. The curriculum is designed to take place once per week over a six-week period. Each of the six lessons is about two hours in length, not including breaks or refreshments.
REDMOND
Redmond Senior Center, 325 NW Dogwood Avenue, (541) 548-6325
- Date/time TBD
- Registration is required. Sign up by calling (541) 322-7435
*More information about the WISE Program*