Health First - Chronic Disease Prevention & Management
Ongoing Support for Individuals with Diabetes, Pulmonary and Cardiac Concerns During COVID-19
Individuals with chronic conditions are considered at high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people depend on the Health First Programs for the support they need to manage their conditions and prevent visits to the emergency department and acute care.
To continue to support these at-risk individuals, RMH Health First Programs; Cardiac Rehab, Pulmonary Rehab and Diabetes Education, is going virtual! We are very excited to announce that our programs are offering both group and individual education and support in the comfort of your own home by phone or videoconferencing with the Ontario Telemedicine Network.
If you need help with technology we can help with that too. Contact us for assistance with getting your tablet/phone/laptop connected. For more information call us at 705 328-6091.
Do you live with, or are trying to prevent diabetes, heart disease or lung disease? Would you like to learn more about how to manage your lifestyle (diet, exercise, medications, or stress)? Then, the Health First Chronic Disease Prevention & Management program is for you! This is a unique program offering clients access to experienced health professionals and physician specialty clinics.
Our Services
The Health First Chronic Disease Prevention & Management program at Ross Memorial Hospital offers a variety of services to assist clients and families living with a chronic disease. To refer yourself in any one of the programs listed below, please click on the referral form.
Click here for the Health First Referral Form.
Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
Our goal is to improve and maintain the client's heart and vascular health through exercise, education and support. Read More...
Diabetes Education & Management
Our goal is to help people and their families with diabetes and pre-diabetes learn the necessary skills to effectively prevent diabetes complications, and improve their quality of life. Read More...
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Our goal is to improve and maintain the client's lung health through exercise, education and support. Read More...
Our People
The Health First team of professionals includes:
- Registered Dietitians
- Registered Nurses
- Physiotherapist
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- Respiratory Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Physicians
- Administrative Support
Learning Opportunities
The following classes are open to the public, providing information on how to live well with a chronic disease. All sessions are free of charge.
1. Healthy Living Series
A series of three classes, covering:
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Cardiovascular Health and Medications
2. Living with Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Classes:
Small group classes offered in a community setting
- Meal planning tools to guide you in healthy eating
- Lifestyle tips including the benefits of physical activity
- Learn how to prevent and monitor for long-term complications
- Learn about financial assistance programs
3. Insulin Pump Classes
A set of classes designed to help the patient start insulin pump therapy
4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- What is COPD?
- Causes and Symptoms
- How to improve quality of life
5. Stress Management & Depression
- Explores the connection with chronic disease
- The difference between stress and depression
- The overall impact on the body
- Question & Answer session
6. Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
- Six-week self-management workshop
- Empowers people to live well while dealing with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, lung disease, and other chronic health issues
- Help to develop new tools and skills to break the "symptom cycle" to feel better, and do more of the activities you love and enjoy
(http://www.healthylifeworkshop.ca/)
7. Craving Change
Offered in a variety of community locations, this workshop helps participants change their relationship with food
- Understand WHY you eat the way you do
- Comfort yourself without food
- Change your thinking, change your eating
Attending a Class
If you're interested in attending any of these Health First classes, please call:
(705) 328-6091 or e-mail us at healthfirst@rmh.org
Helpful Links
- Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) (http://www.diabetes.ca/)
- City of Kawartha Lakes (http://www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca/)
- Heart & Stroke (http://www.heartandstroke.ca/)
- Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) (http://www.ccac-ont.ca/)
- Eat Right Ontario (http://www.eatrightontario.ca)
- Hypertension Canada (www.hypertension.ca)
- Kidney Foundation (http://www.kidney.on.ca/)
- The Arthritis Society (http://www.arthritis.ca/)