Answer ALL the bulleted questions for this discussion post.

This week another focus of the course was on support groups. Working in groups can be a powerful tool for modifying behavior and can influence morbidity and chronic disease outcomes in a group setting. For this discussion board, students will examine a few different aspects of support groups.

· First, define support groups using the text.

Bensley, R.J., & Brookins -Fisher, J. (2009).  Community health education methods: A practical guide  (3rd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett ISBN: 978-0763755331

Read Chapters 4, 5, & 6

· Then, define two terms using an outside source: morbidity and chronic disease. Sources such as the CDC, National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic, etc.. are great sources to use.

· Next, select one of the two types of support groups below and follow the requirements:

A. Using Ebsco Host (via NU) or Google Scholar, research, identify, and describe a specific support group that was implemented with the goal of impacting (e.g. improving) a chronic disease outcome (e.g. heart disease, obesity, cancer, etc...).

· What was the impact of the support group? Was it effective in improving chronic disease outcomes?  Did the support group provide any other benefits for participants? Describe and include relative statistical data to support.

OR

 B. Research, identify and describe a support group specific to an age group that focuses on any type of ailment/illness (e.g. could be children, adolescents, adults or older adults).

· What was the structure of the group (e.g. when and where did it meet; activities, etc..?)

· Describe the purpose and goals of the support group

Sources: 

· You are required to use at least THREE sources from government reports, peer-reviewed journal articles or textbooks. You can use the course textbook. 

· Use your OWN WORDS (e.g., do not cut and paste from a government report or article). 

·  Paraphrase (use your own words) to report the information.

· Include APA formatted in-text citations to identify your sources AND include full APA formatted references for your sources at the end of your post.