Windsor Essex Community Health Centre (weCHC) was formed as a result of the amalgamation of Teen Health and Sandwich Community Health Centres in 2009.As a community Health Centre our Mission is desiging and delivering an accessible, inclusive and collaborative approach to providing primary care, illness prevention and health promotion.The Chronic Disease Self Management ProgramThe Windsor Essex Community Health Centre is the Erie St. Clair LHIN lead for the Chronic Disease Self Management Program. The program is divided into two streams:1) Community Education Workshops2) Healthcare Provider Continuing Education Workshops1. Community Education Workshops Include:TheChronic ConditionsSelf-Management Program will teach participants how to (6 weeks, 2.5 hours):Improve communication with your healthcare providerPositive thinking, guided imagery and relaxation techniquesAction planning, problem solving and setting personal goalsTheChronic PainSelf-Management Program will teach participants how to (6 weeks, 2.5 hours):Light exercises to improve strength and flexibilityTechniques to deal with stress, pain, depression and improve sleepFatigue management, pain medication and treatmentsTheDiabetesSelf-Management Program will teach participants how to (6 weeks, 2.5 hours):Learn to manage blood sugar levels and prevent complicationsHealthy eating, light exercise, foot care and dealing with difficult emotionsGain confidence with medication managementDiabetes, Healthy Feet & You (1 week, 2.5 hours):Led by peers who have experienced firsthand diabetic foot related complicationsFocus on prevention of diabetic foot related complicationsEducation surrounding when to seek guidance of a health care professionalInformation on local foot care resourcesVery participative - participants will do a hands on foot exam on themselvesPowerful Tools for Caregivers(6 weeks, 1.5 hours):Learn the imortance of and how to reduce stressTechniques to communicate needs to family members and healthcare or service providersCommunication in challenging situationsRecognizing the messages in emotions, dealing with difficult feelings and making tough caregiver decisions2. Healthcare Provider Continuing Education Workshops Include:Choices & Changes: Motivating Healthy Behaviors (4.5 hours):Explore the role of a health care professional as a facilitator of changeIdentify specific strategies to assess the motivation to changeUnderstand the skills needed to influence behavior changeDemonstrate essential techniques to influence changeBrief Action Planning (4.5 hours):Learn how to assess patients' confidence and commitment to engage in health behavior changeLearn skills to influence change in patients' health behaviorsLearn techniques to use in clinical settings to promote adherence to treatment plans and encourage follow-up for reflection, reassurance and next steps
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