September 14, 2006 Source: :
http://communications.uvic.ca/releases/release.php?display=release&id=753 Popular Chronic Condition Self-Management Program Now Available Throughout BC A health education program to help people with chronic conditions—such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, fibromyalgia, depression and others?manage their illness is now available throughout British Columbia. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions," implemented by the University of Victoria’s Centre on Aging, is offered at no cost. Participants also receive a course book. "We’re very pleased to make this free program available," says Patrick McGowan, program director and associate professor at the Centre on Aging. "From our evaluations of people who have taken this course, we know that it can be very effective at helping people with chronic conditions manage their illness and feel healthier and more positive about their lives." Trained and certified local volunteers, many living with chronic health conditions themselves, deliver the program in pairs once a week for six weeks to a group of eight to 15 participants. Each session lasts two-and-a-half hours. The program offers practical tips on how to cope with the emotional and physical challenges of day-to-day living with a chronic condition. The sessions provide participants with skills for gaining more control over their illness and for boosting their self-confidence. The program, which receives funding from the BC Ministry of Health, is also open to friends, family and caregivers of people with chronic conditions. For more information, or to register for one of the six-week courses, call the toll-free line at
1-866-902-3767 or visit the website at www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp. --30-- Media Contacts:
Karen Hannah (Chronic Disease Self-Management Program) at (604) 940-3568 or khannah@dccnet.com
Sherry Lynch (Chronic Disease Self-Management Program) at (604) 940-3572 or sllynch@dccnet.com
Patty Pitts (UVic Communications) at (250) 721-7656 or ppitts@uvic.ca
| 