Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that develop slowly over time and can often be controlled but rarely cured.  These conditions often have a large impact on the person’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Chronic diseases include conditions such as:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Asthma
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic pain (arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia and many other causes)
  • Insomnia
  • Weight Management
We Want to Help!
  • Have you been to the hospital with heart failure or a COPD flare-up?
  • Have you had a heart attack and are wondering what to do next?
  • Would you like to manage your chronic pain with less medication?
  • Are you interested in Cardiac Rehab?

Living with a chronic condition can be overwhelming and confusing. We want to be part of your health care team and to support you as you learn how to manage your chronic condition.

We can help you better understand:

  • Your condition and why you have the symptoms you have
  • Your medications, what they do and how to take them safely, including knowing what side effects they may cause
  • How to improve your overall health through nutrition, better sleep, regular exercise and stress management. Better overall health helps reduce the effects of a chronic condition
After the Hospital

The first few months after being in the hospital for COPD, a heart attack or heart failure is a vulnerable time. We want to help!  Our program offers:

  • Timely assessment by a nurse practitioner after hospital discharge
  • A chance to figure out what might have caused the worsening of symptoms and how to avoid this in the future
  • Information about any new medications
  • Cardiac rehab programs

A therapeutic trial of acupuncture, laser, cupping or TENS may also be available to allow individuals an opportunity to see if this type of therapy might help with their chronic condition.  This therapy is at no cost to the individual.

Groups

Groups run several times a year and are a great place to receive information, meet other people experiencing the same health challenges and to have some fun.  To find out when the next groups are running, please see our events calendar or call the Health Centre.

In Control of COPD

A free program where you learn more about COPD and how to manage it (including a review of inhaler technique).  Develop an individual plan to reduce symptoms and an action plan of what to do during flare-ups.  Meet others living with COPD and exchange ideas about how to minimize the impact of the disease.

Living Well with Chronic Pain

A free program where you learn more about chronic pain and why it can be difficult to manage.  Find out about medication options and other holistic ways of reducing pain and living a good life even with chronic pain.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

The Health Centre offers a free 8 week Cardiac Rehab program that combines supervised exercise and education on how to live a heart-healthy life.

Cardiac Rehab is recommended for anyone who has had heart surgery, a heart attack, angina or who has coronary artery disease (blockage of the heart arteries). Those with risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease are also welcome (ex. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of early heart disease etc.).

This program runs periodically through the year depending on how many people are interested in it. Spaces are limited and the application process can take several weeks, so please apply early.  Please have your family doctor or nurse practitioner fill in the following form & fax it to the Health Centre at 519-768-2548.

Cardiac Rehab Application Form

Best Weight

A free program that combines supervised exercise and education.  Education focuses on explaining why obesity is considered a medical condition and deserves medical treatment; nutrition; factors that can lead us to take in more calories than we need; that may help reduce cravings and maintain motivation; medications and surgeries that are available.

How to Access Our Services

These services are at no cost to you and are available to anyone even if they do not have a primary care provider at the Health Centre.

To access these services please ask your physician or nurse practitioner for a referral to the Chronic Disease Management Program.

For more information, please call 519-768-1715.

Printable Chronic Disease Services Brochure

 Exercise Videos