Hypertension Education
Call 541-768-1242 to make an appointment for the class or to become a coach. Soon our classes and coaching resources will be on-line
Hypertension is an Epidemic - everywhere. Hypertension Education only reaches 7% of those people newly diagnosed with hypertension. Hypertension Educators struggle to reach communities where English or Spanish may be a second language. Together let's improve lives and make our communities healthier!
In English
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"Sweet Talk" (English) provides a new approach to Diabetes Education. Community Health Workers or Community Volunteers are trained to be Diabetes Coaches using practical, hands-on relevant information with teach back and motivational interviewing techniques. No literacy is required for participants. Family members, including children, other caregivers, and those with prediabetes are encouraged to attend. The more a family understands diabetes, the more successful self-management is. Participants in the 3-hour class learn the basics of Diabetes Self-Management in 5 modules. Each module consists of a video containing evidence-based information. The Coach then leads a hands-on demonstration and discussion, which brings out many of the concerns of participants. New Coaches complete 12 hours of training taught by experienced Coaches. In the first 3 hours all materials and videos are reviewed. During the second 3 hours the new Coaches teach back to the experienced Coaches. The next 6 hours new Coaches teach 2 classes of participants with an experienced Coach present. The package of materials for coaches includes an instruction manual that leads the Coach through the 5 modules. There is a section on the basics of adult education and Motivational Interviewing, a FAQ section, and finally several case studies. One participant package is included with the coaching materials, and includes: 1. a pamphlet with reminders of lifestyle changes, complications of diabetes and a page to record blood sugar, blood pressure and current medications. 2. A Diabetes Placemat and Cards. For the beginner, this is an easy way to learn different food types, and for the more advanced learner, meals can be planned and discussed. 3. A Completion Certificate acknowledges the participant completed the 3-hour class.
En Español
"Conversación Dulce" (Spanish) provides a new approach to Diabetes Education. Community Health Workers or Community Volunteers are trained to be Diabetes Coaches using practical, hands-on relevant information with teach back and motivational interviewing techniques. No literacy is required for participants. Family members, including children, other caregivers, and those with prediabetes are encouraged to attend. The more a family understands diabetes, the more successful self-management is. Participants in the 3-hour class learn the basics of Diabetes Self-Management in 5 modules. Each module consists of a video containing evidence-based information. The Coach then leads a hands-on demonstration and discussion, which brings out many of the concerns of participants. New Coaches complete 12 hours of training taught by experienced Coaches. In the first 3 hours all materials and videos are reviewed. During the second 3 hours the new Coaches teach back to the experienced Coaches. The next 6 hours new Coaches teach 2 classes of participants with an experienced Coach present. The package of materials for coaches includes an instruction manual that leads the Coach through the 5 modules. There is a section on the basics of adult education and Motivational Interviewing, a FAQ section, and finally several case studies. One participant package is included with the coaching materials, and includes: 1. a pamphlet with reminders of lifestyle changes, complications of diabetes and a page to record blood sugar, blood pressure and current medications. 2. A Diabetes Placemat and Cards. For the beginner, this is an easy way to learn different food types, and for the more advanced learner, meals can be planned and discussed. 3. A Completion Certificate acknowledges the participant completed the 3-hour class.
Just for Kids
The Wise Tree story shows children the basics of food, and encourages them to share and experiment with food. The Story about a child with Type 1 diabetes allows children with Type 1 diabetes to know they are not alone. Ideas are shared about out to approach this new life challenge. The Diabetes Plate Game, is a card game where children and a family can explore food choices and discuss how to build meals that are tasty and interesting while still looking after their diabetes.
5 Sweet Talk / Conversación Dulce Modules
Call 541-768-1242 to make an appointment for the class or to become a coach. Soon our GNE diabetes coaching classes and diabetes coaching resources will all be online.
Module 1 Video–Introducing Diabetes Practical–why is diabetes important to you? Optional–Prediabetes risk assessment
Module 2 Video-What is type 2 diabetes Practical -why understanding type 2 diabetes matters. Optional–How to use a glucometer
Module 3 Practical–review of individual meds
Module 4 Video–Nutrition for People with Diabetes Practical–Diabetes Plate Optional–Diabetes Plate Games
Module 5 Video–relieving Stress and Being Active Practical–breathing exercises and discussion of physical exercise. Optional–blood pressure activity Case Studies Cases for Coaches to share
“Sweet Talk”/ “Conversación Dulce”
A fun way to learn about Diabetes
“Sweet talk/Conversación Dulce” is a teaching program that empowers people with diabetes or prediabetes to take charge of their self-management. Family members are encouraged to participate in classes that build confidence in managing shopping, cooking, exercise, and stress management. A fun card game rounds out the interactive 3 hours with laughter and comradery.
The “Sweet talk/Conversación Dulce” script and interactive apps were developed at Albany’s InReach Clinic by many GNE and InReach Volunteers. Diabetes Educators coached six premed and pre-PA students to gather evidence-based teaching materials developed by the CDC and American Diabetes Association.
5 Guatemalan nurses from Faith In Practice, Xela Aid and Partners in Development learning the “Conversación Dulce”
The core of the program is short modules of the most important information people with diabetes and their families need to understand. Topics include: What is diabetes, and why it important for you?; Prediabetes; Type 2 diabetes; How to use a glucometer; Common medications used in diabetes management; General Nutrition; The Diabetes Plate and How to plan meals; Exercise and Stress Management to help control blood sugar. The current version is 4 hours of hands on, interactive learning, well suited to adult learners, and enjoyable for the participants, families, and the coaches.
Coaches are community members and do not need special knowledge about diabetes. They guide participants through the modules and lead discussion about the topics. Practical hands-on components encourage a lot of discussion and sharing of stories.
Next for GNE is the scaling up of this innovative and effective way to introduce people with diabetes and their families to self-management. The IHN-CCO in Albany has seen the potential in this model to help people understand diabetes. They have funded GNE to initiate a program at Samaritan Health’s Geary Street Clinic in Albany starting in June 2023. Providers will refer people with diabetes and their families to Sweet Talk. Their knowledge about diabetes before and after the program will be evaluated. The results of the program will be shared. Education material is rarely assessed for effectiveness in health care, and we hope this will be a new model to improve patient education in general.
GNE has also partnered with Faith in Practice in Guatemala. Five nurses have been trained and are now “Conversación Dulce” coaches with the tools to reach people with diabetes in several communities. GNE thanks and recognizes Xela Aid and Partners in Development in this exciting new health education development. We will follow their progress with Zoom meetings every couple of months to assess and improve the program.
After completing the Sweet Talk program, participants walk away empowered to improve their health and manage their diabetes. In the next 6 months we will be collecting data on the effectiveness of the program for our Geary Street participants.
Are you interested in learning more about Sweet Talk? Would you like to become a Diabetes Coach or bring this program to a clinic near you? Contact GNE at info@globalnutritionempowerment.org to learn more.