Living with a Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that usually progress slowly over time.

This includes conditions such as:

• heart disease
• diabetes
• osteoporosis
• high blood pressure or cholesterol
• asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• depression
• arthritis
• gut and gastrointestinal disease
• many others

Chronic disease management requires ongoing care and support to assist anyone impacted by a chronic health condition with the medical care, knowledge, skills and resources needed to better manage on a day-to-day basis.

Southern Health-Santé Sud is committed to working with you, health care providers and community partners to improve chronic disease management programs and services available to assist those impacted by a chronic health condition live a healthier, longer life. Our team can help you stay connected with people and help you cope with your illness. Our commitment is to work with you and your family to promote living healthy through:

• group visits – to help you manage your health through education and discussion of topics such as healthy eating, exercise, use of tobacco products; medication; management of chronic conditions
• individual visits – to assess, educate and develop your care plan; to help you set personal goals for your best health possible
• follow up visits – for ongoing education and support
• regular assessment for complications of chronic diseases and their risk factors
• education sessions open to the general public
• training and support to other health care providers

Anyone living in Southern Health-Santé Sud is eligible for this service, free of charge. You can self-refer or be referred by a health care provider. Expand list below to access a chronic disease intake site near you.

Resources

• Diabetes Canada
• Communicable Disease Control
• Dial-a-Dietitian
• TeleCARE
• Smoker’s Helpline