Sheila's Story
November 27, 2019Whether you or a loved one is facing a serious health challenge or looking to lead a healthier life, we offer a variety of programs to help people better manage their health,” explains Annice Cody, president, Holy Cross Health Network.
As stewards of our community’s health for more than 55 years, Holy Cross Health is a leader in delivering high-quality, state-of-the-art health care services and offering innovative programs to prevent illness, promote wellness and speed recovery.
Getting Healthy, Staying Well
“Each week, Holy Cross Health hosts more than 70 exercise, health education, screening and self- management classes at multiple convenient locations throughout the area,” says Annice.
Our educational seminars equip adults and children with information about everything from healthy eating to first aid—and free health screenings and special events promote disease prevention and early diagnosis. Childbirth and parenting education prepare parents-to-be with the tools they need to raise healthy children.
"My class, Living Well: A Chronic Disease Self-Management Program,helped me realize that supporting my chronic illness wasn't just about seeing doctors. It was about my lifestyle.
- Sheila Langston
Self-Managing Chronic Diseases
When it comes to wellness, one size does not fit all. Sheila Langston of Takoma Park knows this first hand, having dealt with a chronic auto- immune disease for decades. When she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis—a second chronic auto-immune condition—she knew she needed more support. Sheila found it through one of Holy Cross Health’s life-changing, chronic disease self-management classes.
“My class, Living Well: A Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, helped me to realize that supporting my chronic illness wasn’t just about seeing doctors,” explains Sheila. “It was about my lifestyle—eating well, exercising and maintaining my strong mental health.”
For Sheila, and those like her living with a chronic disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions, Holy Cross Health’s range of classes are critical to helping participants learn how to manage symptoms and reduce stress. Sheila explains it this way, “Everyone’s challenges continue, but their quality of life improves.”
Caring for More People in More Ways
Holy Cross Health’s continuum of care delivers services where, how and when people need us most.
In addition to serving individuals, Holy Cross Health works to address social and physical factors that affect health outcomes, such as access to healthy foods and health insurance. “These efforts take a long-term view of improving the health of our community and will make an impact for years to come,” explains Annice.