It has been shown that a high number of people within the Burntwood Region suffer from some form of chronic disease, whether that be Type II diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, chronic pain, Parkinson's Disease, asthma, depression or cancer, BRHA communications co-ordinator Blake Ellis said in a press released issued May 20.
A self-management program is set to be offered within the Burntwood Region, to assist those dealing with chronic diseases.
What is needed are volunteers from the communities of Thompson, Gillam, Thicket Portage, Pikwitonei, Ilford, Wabowden, Nelson House, Split Lake, Cross Lake and Norway House with ongoing health conditions, interested in taking training to lead the Get Better Together sessions. They will serve as peer leaders who have "a great understanding of the issues that the participants are going through, because you are coping with chronic conditions as well."
The Get Better Together! training program involves four-day sessions where participants learn to lead six-week sessions of health management skills for others living with chronic health conditions.
Get Better Together! meets once a week in community settings. Some of the areas explored in the program are learning health management skills; development action plans to help those manage their ongoing health concerns, listening to one another, brainstorming and problem solving.
The Get Better Together! program and training are free of charge. Leaders teach from a scripted manual and receive thorough training, as well as an honorarium for each six-week program they deliver. During leaders' training, participants practice teach several times before being certified. Leaders always teach in pairs. There is no obligation to participate if you decide after training that it's not for you.
The next four-day training is taking place May 31-June 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the BRHA administration building in Thompson. To register contact Anita Crate at (204) 677-5316.
