Free UVic Course Helps People Manage Chronic Conditions

A popular six-week course that helps people with chronic conditions lead healthier lives will be offered this winter on southern Vancouver Island. “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions,” a free course offered through the University of Victoria Centre on Aging’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) in communities around the province, teaches people how to live with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, fibromyalgia and even mild depression. The course, designed for groups of 10 to 15 people, is lead by trained volunteers, most with chronic conditions themselves, for two and a half hours per week for six consecutive weeks. Courses will be offered starting this month in Duncan, Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, and Sidney.
       The course has proven to be an overwhelming success. An analysis of 638 participants revealed statistically significant changes in 14 of 16 health outcome measures, including higher levels of self-efficacy to manage their symptoms; the belief of better health; fewer limitations in their daily activities; less depression; more energy; less distress with their health condition; less pain; and the belief the disease had less impact on their lives.
       The CDSMP is funded by the B.C. Ministry of Health. Anyone interested in registering for any of these free courses can do so by calling 1-866-902-3767 or emailing mvdavies@dccnet.com. For more information, visit www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp and click on Vancouver Island Health Authority.

Disability Resource Centre for Independent Living
321 Coronation Avenue
Duncan, BC
Fridays, 18 January to 22 February, 2008, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Yakimovich Wellness Centre
1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria
Thursdays, 24 January to 28 February, 2008, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Sunrise Senior Living
920 Humboldt Street, Victoria
Fridays, 25 January to 29 February, 2008, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Gordon Head Recreation Centre (Finnerty Room)
4100 Lambrick Way, Saanich
Thursdays, 7 February to March, 2008, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Henderson Centre
2291 Cedar Hill X Road, Victoria
Mondays, February 11 to March 17, 2008, 1:15 to 3:45 p.m.

Oak Bay Recreation Centre
1975 Bee Street, Oak Bay
Tuesdays, February 12 to March 18, 2008, 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Shoal Centre
10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney
Wednesdays, February 13 to March 19, 2008, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Victoria Chinese Pentecostal Church
2215 Dowler Place, Victoria
Saturdays, March 1 to April 5, 2008, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
For Cantonese-speaking participants

Fairfield New Horizons
1-380 Cook Street, Victoria
Saturdays, March 15 to May 3, 2008 (no classes March 22 and April 26), 9:30 a.m. to noon.

University of Victoria
Sessions #1 to #5 at the David F. Strong Building, Room C114
Session #6 at the Harry Hickman Building, Room 120
3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria
Mondays, March 31 to May 5, 2008, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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