3rd March 2016
The first of two (2) six-week workshops on Self Management for Chronic Conditions concluded on Tuesday 1st March at the Ministry of Health and the Environment's Conference Room.
The workshop which was primarily designed for persons living with chronic conditions, provided pertinent information and equipped each participant with the necessary skills to enable them to better manage their various conditions.
All skills taught at the workshop form part of the Self-Management Tool Box which is laid down in a manual which resulted from a study carried out by Stanford University.
The areas that were covered included relaxation techniques- using thinking skills to reduce or eliminate tension in the body and mind, breathing techniques- an important technique especially for those with lung disease and problem solving- dealing with troublesome issues.
Exercise and Physical Activity for Everyone, Health and Weight Management as well as Healthy Eating and Mind and Body\ Distraction were the other topics examined.
It was an emotional ending as the thirteen (13) participants received their Certificates.
"I have learnt a lot since coming to this workshop; I have gathered so much information that my whole eating habits have changed and I thank the organizers for extending the invitation to all of us," remarked one of the participants.
Another stated, "Before I started coming to this class, I never use to like water and now I find myself drinking water instead of juice, I even began to exercise, the sessions were interactive, I use to look forward to coming every Tuesday evening".
The second workshop is in its fourth week and will conclude on March 17 2016. One of the Facilitators Susan Gardner said the feedback so far has been positive and some of the participants have also changed their lifestyles.
The next step will be to train health care professionals, who will then train others to become master trainers.
Gardner wished the participants well and she remains hopeful that the many skills which they have learnt will stay with them permanently and that they will continue to improve upon the lifestyle changes which they have already made.
Nurse Practitioner Almarie Coates was the other Facilitator at the Workshop.
The workshops are a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Health and the Environment and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Debbie Francis
Ms. Debbie Francis
Communications Officer
Ministry of Health & the Environment
Redcliffe Street, St. John's, Antigua
Tel: 1(268) 464-8026
