Program converts `illness to wellness’

Participants of the chronic disease self management program called ‘Illness to Wellness’ were thoroughly impressed with the program, several making changes in their lives to improve their health and well-being.
Chronic Disease Self Manage-ment Clinical Nurse Helen Ferrier, who works from Stanthorpe Hospital, said 15 enrolled in the program and the feedback had been very positive.
“The participants told me they had learned about setting goals and achieving them, some had changed their diet and others had realised they were coping better emotionally once they understood their disease better.
“‘Illness to Wellness’ is for people with a chronic disease who want to better manage the challenges of living day-to-day with their illness.
“The program recognises that, to self manage and improve quality of life, a range of information, knowledge, skills and services need to be in place.
“The program is very comprehensive and seeks to be holistic in nature by looking at social, physical, mental, emotional, nutritional and environmental health elements.
“We had six sessions held weekly from 1pm to 3pm and our participants learned about a range of skills, including goal setting, self management principles, physical activity, sleep health, nutrition, complimentary health options and medication management,” she said.
Ms Ferrier congratulated the participants and looked forward to presenting another course later in the year.
“For any enquiries, please phone Stanthorpe Community Health on (07) 4681 5260 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday,” she said.