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WEYBURN -  A Healthy Living program will help educate and guide local residents with a chronic disease to self manage their chronic condition, with the support of the Primary Health Care Services. A five-year agreement was recently signed between the City of Weyburn and Saskatchewan Health Authority, which will allow the rehabilitation program to be offered at the Credit Union Spark Centre.

“Since partnering with the City of Weyburn, we revamped the Chronic Disease program that we had before and are now calling it the Healthy Living Program,” explained Dana Renwick, member of the Primary Health Care Services team.

There are three main topics that are presented to clients with chronic disease that are presented by a different healthcare professional from Primary Health Care Services.  “It is four weeks of health education, focusing on risk factors and physical activity guidelines, healthy eating with chronic disease, and managing stress and anxiety,” added Renwick.

In the risk factors and physical activity presentation, clients will learn about risk factors for chronic conditions and lifestyle changes, including exercise, which can reduce risk and improve quality of life with a chronic condition. A Saskatchewan Health Authority physical therapist or PT assistant provides the guidelines and information to clients.

During the Healthy Living Program, dietitians from Primary Health Care department will also teach clients about healthy eating, meal planning, and tips and tricks for grocery shopping. “We talk about the Canadian Food Guide, overall healthy eating, meal planning, and answering any questions from the clients,” said Rebecca Blackburn, member of the Primary Health Care Services team.

It is also important that clients are guided in managing their mental health, so a registered nurse will aid clients in recognizing and exploring ways to manage emotions, thoughts and behaviours assisted with a chronic condition. “The mental health program is very valuable to our clients, to help manage their stress, to help them navigate a life-changing situation,” said Renwick.

There is no cost associated while attending the Healthy Living Program. Clients can be referred to the program by their physician, or by speaking to a member of their health care team.

“The intent of the Healthy Living Program and what we do is to empower the participants so they have the power to deal with their chronic disease,” said Trevor Tessier, director of Primary Health Care for Weyburn Primary Health Services. “It is important to realize it is never just dealing with chronic disease, as it comes with mental health issues, a consideration of your diet, and other lifestyle changes.”

“Hopefully after this program, our vision is that the individuals who did participate have the tools in their hands to be healthier after the program,” added Tessier.