Q: What is the Living a Healthy Life- Self-Management Program?
A: The Living a Healthy Life – Self-Management programs help people to develop new tools and skills to manage the symptoms and feelings that can result from chronic conditions. These three programs are Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Diabetes Self-Management Program, and Chronic Pain Self-Management program. These programs are of 2.5 hour workshops that run once a week, for 6 weeks. Community volunteers lead the workshop which is based on self-management principles developed by Stanford University. Participants learn how to set achievable goals, solve problems, and develop an understanding of their symptoms during this group program.
Q: What is self-management?
A: Self-management refers to the activities that an individual can do to live well with one or more chronic conditions. These activities include gaining confidence to deal with medical needs, everyday roles & responsibilities, and emotional issues.
Q: What is a chronic condition?
A: Chronic conditions are ongoing physical or mental health issues that may impact a person’s life for many years. Some examples of chronic conditions include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, lung disease, and arthritis.
Q: Who should attend the Chronic Disease Self-Management program?
A: Any person living, with or at risk of chronic conditions and their spouses or caregivers are welcome to attend. Participants must be able to set goals and participant comfortably in a supportive group setting.
Q: Who should attend the Diabetes Self-Management program?
A: Any person living with or at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, and their spouses or caregivers are welcome to attend.
Q: Who should attend the Chronic Pain Self-Management program?
A: Any person living with a primary or secondary diagnosis of chronic pain. Pain is defined as being chronic or long term when it lasts for longer than 3 to 6 months, or beyond the normal healing time of an injury. Examples of chronic pain conditions are: chronic musculo-skeletal pain (such as neck, shoulder, back pain, etc.), fibromyalgia, whiplash injuries, chronic regional pain syndromes, repetitive strain injury, chronic pelvic pain, post-surgical pain that lasts beyond 6 months, neuropathic pain (often caused by trauma), or neuralgias (such as post-herpetic pain, and trigeminal neuralgia), and post stroke or central pain. The CPSMP may also benefit those who have conditions such as persistent headache, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, or those who experience severe muscular pain due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Q: Is a referral from a health care professional needed to attend any of the Living a Healthy Life programs?
A: A referral is not required. Participants may self refer. We encourage health care providers to share program information with those who would benefit from the workshops.
Q: Do the Living a Healthy Life programs replace existing programs and treatment?
A: These programs will not replace existing programs or treatment you are receiving. It is designed to help you make changes to improve your health.
Q: Is there are cost?
A: The programs are free, including all workbook materials.
Q: What languages are the programs offered in?
A: The programs is offered in English and Punjabi. We also have leaders that speak Hindi and Urdu. All written materials are in English.
Q: How many people are in the program workshops?
A: Workshops have anywhere from 5 – 15 people.
Q: What topics are covered each week?
A: Participants learn how to set achievable goals, solve problems, develop an understanding of their symptoms and take action to manage their health. For specific weekly topics, click here.
Q: What happens if I miss a session?
A: To benefit most from the program, we encourage participants to attend every session. It is understood situations happen that may prevent a person from attending all sessions however it is strongly suggested that a minimum of four sessions are attended to gain maximum benefit.
Q: Can I start the program at week 2?
A: Yes, you can start in week 2 if the workshop is not full. Starting after week 2 is not recommended as benefit is lost for the person and other group members.
Q: Where are the workshops delivered?
A: The Living a Healthy Life– Self-Management Programs are offered in many community settings across the Central West region of Ontario: Brampton, Caledon, Orangeville, Etobicoke, and Malton. The same workshops are also offered in many parts of Canada and around the world. Different areas may have different names for the workshop, but the content is the same. For contact information on provincial programs please visit http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/diabetes/self_manage.aspx
Q: Can the programs be delivered at my organization?
A: Yes, we are happy to bring the program to you and your organization. For information on hosting a workshop click here.
Q: How were the program evaluated?
A: The Living a Healthy Life Programs are an evidence-based licensed programs developed and researched at Stanford University. They follow a standardized format that is proven to help people learn to better manage the symptoms of chronic conditions. These programs have a proven benefit and are offered in over 25 countries around the world.