Nearly 300 registered attendees logged in to take part in the 2023 Chronic Disease Management Summit on June 8. This year the focus was on prevention, early identification and management of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and arthritis. With an emphasis on a team-based approach, this event recognized the importance of collaboration among health care professionals. 

Key topics included an overview of prevalence in Kansas, impact of social determinates of health on development of risk factors and current approaches to diet and exercise.

As a collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Chronic Disease Management, this event expands upon previous summits that focused primarily on diabetes. Several breakout sessions afforded attendees the opportunity to dive deeper into the current management of arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.  

Also, with the increase in community health workers across the state, and in recognition of their importance in management of chronic disease, this summit specifically included them as part of the target audience. 

Speakers for the Chronic Disease Management Summit included Stacie Stoltz, MSW, a licensed specialist clinical social worker and clinical manager at The University of Kansas Health System-Strawberry Hill Campus, who spoke on the importance of trauma-informed care and social determinants of health. 

While the topic of chronic disease management is very serious, attendees were introduced to the notion of using humor to combat the stress caused by such difficult circumstances. Sarah Aptilon, Ph.D., an associate professor of religious studies at Johnson County Community College, presented “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” which highlighted the well-documented benefits of laughter on the body. 

According to Dr. Aptilon, laughter can, “both promote neuroplasticity and resilience, elevate mood, lower anxiety, increase pain tolerance, increase immune function, enhance learning and memory, improve relationships and increase creativity.”

Attendees found great value in the Summit, providing positive feedback like:  

• “This was one of the most informative and well-organized events I have attended in a while.” 
• “Lots of great information. Very helpful.” 
• “Please do more. This was very amazing and helpful.”
• "Great educational event for CHWs. All the speakers presented info that will help us in our work and impact with clients and the community.” 

The symposium included 10 expert presenters from a range of disciplines.