Chronic conditions come with their own unique set of challenges, and a new program in the Sunrise Health Region aims to help those diagnosed. "LiveWell with Chronic Conditions" is designed to help people with these conditions manage these challenges.
Cara Murray, Chronic Disease Management Facilitator with the Sunrise Health Region, describes the program as giving practical skills and support for people with chronic conditions, to allow them to improve their lives. The program covers all chronic illnesses, and is focused on self-management skills. The sessions run for six weeks for two hours each. They consist of two trained leaders and groups of up to twelve participants.
The skills learned during the sessions include symptom management, communication skills, relaxation techniques, goal setting and problem solving. The approach of the sessions is to help those with the condition with the many stresses it might cause.
"We talk about anything from medications, to doctor's visits, and just how to take control of their own life instead of the disease controlling them," Murray says.
The first sessions will begin in the end of April. The program is being reintroduced to the area after it wasn't offered for a year, and Murray says it was something that needed to return.
"There's a real need in the community, there are a lot of people that have chronic conditions in the area. The participants really liked it, most of them said that they felt it was really helpful, and that it helped them reach their long term goals. It reduced the time they needed in their healthcare facility, they got some answers without having to talk to their doctor, it allows them to better use the health care system," Murray says.
She also notes that it is a supportive environment, as people within the group talk to each other about their conditions and discuss the challenges they face.
The sessions are open to anyone with a chronic condition, as well as anyone who is the primary caregiver for someone with such a condition. Murray notes that it gives caregivers the chance to understand what the people they're caring for are going through.
The sessions themselves are focused on the different aspects that are in common between conditions, and Murray notes that she will be able to answer condition-specific questions if necessary. The focus of the sessions is improving lives of all people who take part.
"It gives them the skills to maintain their health, and live an active and fulfilling life even with their chronic conditions," Murray says.
Murray hopes to run sessions throughout the region and says that the plan is to operate as many as necessary to help interested people in the area.
To learn more about the sessions or participate people are encouraged to phone Murray at 786-0236.
