Free Online Health Program Available to Maui Residents

By Robin G. Pilus

Maui citizens can participate in the online Better Choices Better Health (BCBH)  for free thanks to the Maui County Office on Aging’s participation in a seven state pilot program offered through the National Council on Aging.

Better Choices Better Health is typically offered in a community based setting, but the online version offers the same information and support in a virtual setting.    The program helps people with chronic conditions manage their symptoms and take control of their health.

“Nearly half of all adults live with one or more chronic health condtions, and many struggle to find ways to manage their condition,” said Deborah Arendale, Maui County’s Executive on Aging.  “Better Choices Better Health meets peole where they increasingly are – online.  The workshop represents a convenient way for people to develop the confidence and skills they need to cope with their illnesses.  It provides a way for them to help others, while they help themselves.”

Online participants can log into the free sessions from any computer with an internet connection, including dial-up.  Sessions are posted on a secure Web site each week for six weeks.  There are no set times for workshop sessions; participants log on remotely at their convenience to complete exercises, read posted material and interact with others.  Participants also receive the book, Living a Healty Life with Chronic Conditions, for no cost.

Jo Reyes, Program Specialist invites people to participate in the Better Choices Better Health Program. Photograph courtesy of MCOA.

The online workshop can be particularly useful to inviduals without access to transportation, people that are homebound because of their condition or those that prefer the anonymity of a virtual group.