Free Health Workshops for Individuals With Development Disabilities

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 11, 2016) – A new program at the University of Kentucky is helping individuals with developmental disabilities take control of their health. Participants will learn about making healthy choices across all areas of health and wellness, including physical, emotional, social and spiritual health.

The free program, part of the health and wellness initiative at the UK Human Development Institute, is called Health Partners. Interested individuals complete the program with a health partner, which can be a friend, family member, or other support.

The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 15.

"Research shows that individuals attempting to make positive health changes are much more likely to experience success if they have support and are being held accountable," said Megan Jaspersen, Health Partners program facilitator.

Throughout the program, participants reflect upon their current health habits and identify areas in which they would like to improve. Individual goals are chosen and specific steps are identified. Goals can include losing weight, improving friendships, obtaining a specific job, exercising more, eating healthier, and more.

A pilot program was completed in November 2015 and was well received with participants reporting positive results. According to feedback from their first follow-up meeting, participants increased water consumption, decreased food portions and are choosing healthier methods to prepare food since beginning the pilot program. Weight loss was also reported and participants noted they are more conscious of their daily health and wellness decisions.

Over several sessions, participants will receive the tools and information needed to be successful in reaching their goals. The program also includes six monthly follow-up meetings.   

Sessions will take place from 1-4:30 p.m. in the Human Development Training Room at the Coldstream Research Campus, 1525 Bull Lea Road in Lexington.

Session schedule:

Monday, Jan. 25

Wednesday, Jan. 27

Monday, Feb. 1

Wednesday, Feb. 3

For more information visit http://www.wellness4ky.org/health-partners/. To register, contact Megan Jaspersen at 859-257-2304 or megan.jaspersen@uky.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Harder, 859-323-2396, whitney.harder@uky.edu