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Welcome to the Polk County Health Department
1907 Carpenter Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50314
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515-286-3798
515-286-2033
866-209-1300
HealthDept@polkcountyiowa.gov
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RESOURCES FOR HEALTHY AGING
WHAT IS HEALTHY AGING?
Better Choices/Better Health Program (formerly Chronic Disease Self-Management Program)
Iowa Healthy Links-Better Choices/Better Health Program is a Stanford University evidence-based program for adults that have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and emphysema. Do you experience fatigue, frustration, pain and/or limitations? If so, there is a healthy way to live with a chronic health condition and overcome the physical and emotional problems caused by the condition.
Tomando Control de su Salud (Spanish Better Choices/Better Health Program)
This is a Spanish version of the Iowa Healthy Links-Better Choices/Better Health Program. Subjects covered are similar to the English version, but they are presented in ways that are culturally appropriate. All workshops are given in Spanish without translators. Spanish speaking with different chronic health problems attend together. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both of whom are living with a chronic disease themselves. Workshops are held once a week for six weeks, for two and a half hours. Each participant in the workshop receives a copy of the companion book, Tomando Control de su Salud: Una guía para el manejo de las infermedades del corazón, diabetes, asma, bronquitis, enfisema y otros problemas crónicos, an audio relaxation tape, Casete de Relajación,and an audio exercise tape with booklet, ¡Hagamos ejercicio! All materials are in Spanish. It is the process in which the program is taught that makes it effective. Classes are highly participative, where mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.
MATTER OF BALANCE
The Polk County Health Department in partnership with Aging Resources of Central Iowa, and Polk County Senior Services is implementing an evidence-based fall/injury prevention program, "A Matter of Balance" in the community. A Matter of Balance can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falling. Classes are taught by lay led coaches twice a week for four weeks for two hours. The Coach Job Description and Coach Application are also attached.
SPONSOR A WORKSHOP
Interested in bringing a Better Choices, Better Health or A Matter of Balance workshop to your agency, site or workplace? Opportunities are available to host community workshops.

Sponsors Provide:
  • Meeting space for 8-16 people, with seating that can be arranged in a “U” shape
  • Assistance with recruitment and marketing
  • Assistance with registration (if applicable).
  • Healthy snack at each session for participants (If applicable)
The Polk County Health Department Provide:
  • Trained Facilitators to conduct workshops
  • All materials needed for a workshop
To sponsor a workshop, please contact Polk County Health Department at (515) 323-5234 or jessica.sheets@polkcountyiowa.gov.
BECOME A PROVIDER AGENCY
In addition to providing meeting space, marketing, and registration help for workshops (see Sponsor a Workshop), provider agencies agree to have staff members trained and certified as facilitators and recruit for workshops within their organization.

To become a provider agency, please contact Polk County Health Department at (515) 323-5234 or jessica.sheets@polkcountyiowa.gov.
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