Islanders interested in learning how to better manage living with chronic illness are encouraged to sign up for new Living a Healthy Life programs taking place this fall, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“The Living a Healthy Life program is a self-management program providing support to Islanders and their families who are coping with issues associated with chronic disease,” said Minister Currie. “The program offers Islanders the tools they need to take control of their own health and well-being.”
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.
The program is open to people with any type of ongoing health condition (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, etc.), their caregivers or loved ones, as well as those looking to make lifestyle changes to help prevent future health problems. Participants learn ways to manage symptoms, make daily tasks easier, get started with healthy eating and exercise, better manage difficult emotions like fear, anger and frustration, and communicate well with family, friends, doctors and other health care providers.
Upcoming programs for fall 2013 include:
Souris
Tuesdays beginning October 15, 1:00-3:30 p.m., Access PEI Souris (15 Green St.)
Georgetown
Tuesdays beginning October 22, 1:00-3:30 p.m., Georgetown Baptist Church (67 Glenelg St.)
Morell
Thursdays beginning October 17, 1:00-3:30 p.m., at Morell Credit Union (301 Main St.)
Charlottetown
Tuesdays beginning October 8, 1:00-3:30 p.m., at Four Neighbourhoods Health Centre Community Room (152 St. Peter’s Road)
Cornwall
Wednesdays beginning October 16, 9:00-11:30 a.m., Cornwall Town Hall (39 Lowther Drive)
Summerside
Tuesdays beginning October 15, 1:00 -3:30 p.m. at Summerside Youth Centre (159 Greenwood Drive)
Tignish
Tuesdays beginning October 15, 1:00-3:30 p.m. at Tignish Village Office (209 Phillips Street)
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.