"Health First" enhances care for chronic disease patients

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Created on Tuesday, 03 June 2008 11:15

Almost 80% of Ontarians over the age of 45 have a chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis or chronic kidney disease. In fact, most of those people suffer from two or more chronic diseases, because many conditions start with the same risk factors. Left untreated, one chronic disease leads to another.

It's important for people with a chronic disease to understand all of the steps that can be taken to stay healthy. But accessing all of this information can be difficult for patients, especially if they don't have a local doctor.

The Ross Memorial Hospital established the Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Program to improve patients' access to five interrelated disciplines: Cardiac Rehabilitation, Diabetes Education, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Heart Failure Education and Nutrition Counseling. Today, the team has invited the public to tour the program facilities, and to take part in a special "unveiling" of the new program logo and slogan, "Health First".

"Rather than have a focus on disease, we wanted to create an environment that focused on prevention and encouraging clients to think of their health first," said Margot Fitzpatrick, Manager of the Medical Unit and Health First program. "We wanted to empower individuals to take more control over managing and improving their health."

For people who have no local doctor, self-referrals are possible. Calling the clinic and planning an appointment to discuss one's chronic disease will link that patient with the services, and doctors, who will direct the patient on a healthy path.