Diabetes Support Group to gather

William James Schafer, Mercy director of pastoral services, will be the guest speaker at the Diabetes Support Group at 6 p.m. Monday, July 16, in McAuley Room A and B at Mercy Hospital. The public is invited and individuals with diabetes or caregivers are encouraged to attend.

The topic is Chronic Disease Self Management.

Schafer will provide an overview of a six-week program, developed by Stanford University, to help patients with a chronic illness to improve and manage their health. He facilities the six-week program through Mercy Hospital on an as-needed basis. He is a cancer survivor, Mercy chaplain and enjoys helping others help themselves.

The discussion will include: ways to reduce pain; dealing with fatigue, frustration and isolation; benefits of exercise; handling stress; eating well to live well; using medication effectively; and tips for talking with your doctor and making choices about your treatment.

No appointment or registration is required to attend the Diabetes Support Group. For more information, contact Alice Helton with Mercy Hospital at (620) 223-8412.