URBANA, Ill. — Experiencing symptoms from chronic disease is a daily and often private occurrence for many. Illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, liver disease, bipolar disorder, or other chronic long-term conditions can cause symptoms such as fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, and frustration. These can be difficult to manage each day.

For farmers and farm families, these symptoms can slow progress on and off the farm, making everyday tasks an extra chore or sometimes impossible.

Illinois AgrAbility emphasizes the importance of being proactive with agricultural health and safety and providing opportunities to help individuals in the agriculture industry. The Take Charge of Your Health: Chronic Disease Self-Management webinar series is a six-week series beginning on July 15 and runs consecutive Mondays through August 19. Each webinar session runs from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

The chronic disease management webinar series is grant-funded and a partnership between University of Illinois Extension, Illinois AgrAbility, Age Options, and specialists from Illinois Extension family life and health teams. Expanded versions of weekly topics can include:

• Adding safety with fall prevention.
• Learning better breathing techniques.
• Working effectively with health care professionals.
• Creating action plans for problem-solving and decision-making.

“Following a successful spring series, expanding this webinar series through summer is an opportunity for those still looking for some relief options to try within their current lifestyles,” says Haley Jones, AgrAbility program coordinator. “Sign up, find resources, and start on a journey to take charge of your health and get back to the responsibilities on the farm.”

The virtual series is free, but registration is required at go.illinois.edu/CDSMRegister by July 8. Space is limited to 12 total attendees who sign up once to participate as a class attending all summer sessions. Participants will receive a hard copy of Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions as an additional resource. 

For series questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Haley Jones at haleyj@illinois.edu, 217-244-2948. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs. 

To learn more, visit Illinois AgrAbility or subscribe to their email list at go.illinois.edu/JoinAgrAbilityNews. To request services, contact Illinois AgrAbility at agrability@illinois.edu or the phone number listed above. 

Source: Haley Jones, program coordinator, Illinois AgrAbility
Writer: Jenna Braasch, media communications coordinator, Illinois Extension

About Illinois AgrAbility: Illinois AgrAbility provides direct services and solutions to farmers, veterans, and farmworkers in Illinois with disabilities so they can maintain their independence and continue farming. Illinois AgrAbility is a program within Illinois Extension and is funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture NIFA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA, under sponsored project number 2022-41590-38130.