Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone; But there's half-a-hundred ripples Circling on and on and on, Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea. And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be... From Drop a Pebble in the Water By James W. Foley 1

Ripples Thoughts on the CDSMP experience Ripples: The CDSMP experience You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

I feel more like the engine that could – I think I can and it is easier to do things that for years I have just given up on trying. I feel a renewal and am gratified for this class…  Chantilly 3 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

I had Hypertension. The big word is had. After taking the workshop I have since lost 25 pounds. I began exercising and eating healthier. After losing the weight along with proper nutrition and exercise I have been able to get off my blood pressure medicine and my blood pressure now runs about 130/70. I feel great and have a lot more energy.  Marion 4 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

Aches and minor pains disappear with the lessons learned. Couch potato inclinations are gone with an activity plan. I left this class with an ‘I Can’ attitude.  Big Stone Gap 5 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

Loved it all  best workshop I ever attended.  Charlottesville 6 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

Letter to physician:... I am now able to cope with my restless legs as well as manage my overall health issues. Program was very informative regarding the precious gift of life and should be offered to all seniors in Hampton Roads. Looking forward to seeing you on my next visit.  Portsmouth You Can! Live Well, Virginia! 7

Letter from participant and pastor of McLean church hosting DSMP workshop 8 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

This was an experience worthy of every moment sacrificed. GIVES HOPE AND GIVES CREDIBILITY TO SELF.  Charlottesville 9 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

I thought it was all great. I have taken other courses that were more like lectures and not interactive. I got more out of just 1 session than I did the other courses. The class helped me manage my diabetes better and my A1C is within normal limits now. I enjoyed the workshop so much I was trained as a leader so I could help other people as much as it helped me.  Marion 10 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

I learned to stand up on my own two feet and say “no.”  Timberville 11 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

Since I’m better now I visit other people who can’t get out and help them with their grocery shopping.  Norton. 12 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

Letter to leader, McLean DSMP workshop 13 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

I enjoyed each meeting. Instructors were very informative and friendly, kind, and sweet. It helped me in many ways deal with my illness.  Chilhowie 14 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

This was a fantastic experience. I really enjoyed the interaction for learning strategies to better handle health challenges and problems in general.  Alexandria 15 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

I really enjoyed the interaction of the instructors. They enjoy what they are doing and that enjoyment is contagious. The information was clear and effectively communicated.  Fishersville 16 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

My wife signed up to attend the Diabetes Self- Management Program. I figured I could earn some brownie points with her and show her some support. I intended to attend only the first class. The first class proved to be so interesting and educational that I resolved to attend all classes with her. That was a great decision…This class opened my eyes to the daily effort required to eat healthy… continued…. You Can! Live Well, Virginia! 17

Since the class started I have set some lifestyle changing goals along with other people in the class. One that I set immediately was to begin eating breakfast regularly, which I had not done for many years. I have met that goal and now look forward to deciding what to eat for breakfast soon after waking up… …The use of an action plan and problem solving tools has proven to be very beneficial – and will be quite useful in the future. Thank you for presenting those classes and for being supportive and sensitive friends as well as excellent teachers.  Prince George 18 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

The workshop has been beneficial for me as I have been helping my mother with dealing with doctors as a caregiver, helping me understand chronic conditions, and to be more understanding of my mother when she needs help.  Waynesboro 19 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

The leaders made learning a fun thing. It was very informative and pleasurable experience. The information and techniques we learned are things we can use daily.  Council 20 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

I feel more hope and reason for my existence.  Staunton 21 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

Leadership thoughts As a leader, it is gratifying to watch as groups begin to bond and trust each other. The sharing between participants about feelings, experiences, and things they have tried that work or don’t work is unique to every group and yet seems to develop in each group so that, by the end of the 6 weeks, most participants express that they wish the group could continue. 22 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

Leadership thoughts (continued) People who begin the workshop thinking that it is a huge time commitment realize the value and ask if they could attend again 23 You Can! Live Well, Virginia!

These are the ripples that you started… Lets see how far they will go… Thank you so much! 24