The Living a Healthy Life self-management program offers Islanders the tools they need to take control of their own health and well being, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Doug Currie.
“The Living a Healthy Life self-management program is an educational tool and support system to assist individuals in overcoming their daily health challenges,” said Minister Currie. “The program allows Islanders living with ongoing health conditions the confidence and motivation to manage their health and feel more positive about their lives.”
Living a Healthy Life is a fun and practical self-management program that helps people with ongoing health conditions overcome daily challenges and maintain active, fulfilling lives. Topics covered include managing symptoms, healthy eating, exercise, better communication, and how to make daily tasks easier. Sessions are held once a week for 2.5 hours over a six-week period. The program costs $10 and participants receive a copy of the book: Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.
Upcoming programs for winter 2012 include:
Charlottetown
• Tuesdays beginning March 13, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Four Neighbourhoods Community Health Centre (152 St. Peter’s Road)
Souris
• Tuesdays beginning March 27, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Access PEI Souris Centre (16 Green St.)
Summerside
• Tuesdays beginning April 3, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Access PEI Summerside (120 Harbour Drive)
“A key component of the program focuses on goal setting and problem solving and, each week, participants look at making their own action plan,” said Meighan Forbes, Healthy Living co-ordinator for the department’s Healthy Living unit. “The sessions are led by peer leaders, many of whom have ongoing health problems themselves. The sessions are very interactive and give people a chance to share and learn from one another.”
“It was the idea that I wasn’t alone. Even though not all chronic conditions are the same, there are similar challenges,” said former participant, Joanne Paquet. A participant in the Living a Healthy Life program in October 2010, Joanne was inspired by the program and went on to complete the comprehensive training to become a peer leader for the program.
To register for a program or for more information, please call 1 888 854-7244. Additional information can also be found at www.gov.pe.ca/health/livingahealthylife.