Congratulations to all the recent graduates of the 12-week Lay Health Promoter Program, presented by Central Virginia Health Services through the Appomattox Area Health & Wellness Center in Petersburg. Crater Community Hospice graciously hosted the program at its South Crater Road office, and classes were taught by Betty Smith, community health educator, with the assistance of guest speakers. The free program focused on chronic diseases, promotion of making healthy lifestyle choices and the prevention of disease.
"The wealth of information we received is invaluable," says Pat Sharpf, city editor for The Progress-Index and program graduate. "I highly recommend the class, whether you're coping with a chronic disease yourself or you have a family member who is. We learned so much about chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, depression, arthritis, and even obesity. I better understand now how diet and exercise play such a significant role in our overall health and well-being.
"On behalf of all the Aug. 17, 2011, program graduates, I thank you, Betty Smith, for working so tirelessly to educate, not only us, but this entire community. Hopefully we will all be inspired to improve our health behaviors."