Living with a chronic disease such as rheumatism, diabetes, cancer or depression often changes the daily lives of patients and their loved ones. It also means that people have to take an active role in managing their own health and the effects of the disease. This includes learning about nutrition and exercise, and being able to discuss their wishes and goals with their healthcare providers. It is especially important to learn how to manage the physical and emotional ups and downs of the disease. Active self-management can help. With the Initiative for Self-Management and Active Living (INSEA), a proven self-management program - the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) - was brought to Germany in cooperation with BARMER GEK health insurance company, the Hannover Medical School, Self-help Coordination Bavaria e.V. (SeKo Bayern) and the Swiss association EVIVO network.
