The program, which meets at the Drumheller hospital every Wednesday, has been providing courses in a myriad of topics: from yoga to coping with addictions, recognizing mental illness to heart and stroke prevention.
“We’re giving people the opportunity for people to live a healthier life, to take control of their own health,” said Erica Laycock of the Primary Care centre.
“The main focus is to give an overview on several topics, and to teach them how to get active.”
The 8 Week Challenge is free of charge, and begins at 7:00 every Wednesday evening until November 10.
Tonight’s meeting will focus on learning to understand over the counter medication; October 20 will talk about Heart and Stroke Prevention; October 27 will feature healthy weights and healthy habits; November 3 will help attendees recognize stress, mental illness, depression, and managing stress. The final wrap up will feature Zumba dancing from Carol Todor’s Dance School.
The turnout has been very good, Laycock said.
On Wednesday, October 13, a Heathly Lifestyle Fair will be held at the Drumheller hospital, conference room 1. It will focus on eating and living healthily, running from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Primary Care is the first point of contact a person has with the health system – the point where people receive care for most of their everyday health needs.
Primary Care is typically provided by family physicians, and by the nurses, dietitians, mental health professional, pharmacists, therapists and others.
Primary Care Networks (PCN) are a made-in-Alberta approach to improving access to better coordinating care for patients across the province. In a PCN, a group of family doctors and Alberta Health Services coordinate health services for patient.