April 23, 2013 - 3:52 PM
Chronic disease, such as diabetes and heart disease, is the leading cause of death and disability in Canada. Chronic disease affects half of all Canadians and a quarter of all Canadians live with multiple chronic diseases.
There is hope. Thousands of British Columbians with chronic medical conditions are taking control and living healthier lives thanks to a new self-management program.
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program developed out of Stanford University is a free six-session educational workshop for adults with ongoing physical or mental health conditions. This innovative program will teach participants how to better manage their health using goal-setting and problem-solving techniques. Participants will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to better communicate with their health care team and get better results.
The workshops are available to adults of any age who are living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease etc., as well as their family and friends. Groups of 10 to 16 people will meet for a couple of hours each week for six consecutive weeks. The workshops are lead by pairs of trained volunteers who have chronic conditions themselves. Workshops are being offered throughout B.C. at no cost. A free book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions is included.
A workshop will be held in Penticton at the Research House, 613 Martin Street, Wednesdays 5:30-8 p.m. from May 8 to June 12. Space is limited.
Register by phone at 604-940-1273 or toll free at 1-866-902-3767, or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca. Visit the website at www.selfmanagementbc.ca
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is administered by the University of Victoria and the provincial government in partnership with the BC Medical Association .
News from © iNFOnews, 2013