Ready for change
You’re ready to make a major
lifestyle change, but you’re not sure
how. Highland PCN designed its
Health Improvement Program for
this purpose—to guide patients by
providing support and direction to
implement lifestyle changes such
as weight loss, managing stress and
anxiety, and increasing activity.
Nancy Tolonen started the program
after several health problems,
including congestive heart failure.
She wanted to learn to eat better
and lose weight. “I was ready to
make a change. I had reached the
point where I could see there wasn’t
a very bright future ahead. I hadn’t
left my house in months. The Health
Improvement Program gave me a
reason to go out and feel better.”
With the support of Highland
PCN’s health team, patients choose
group classes about the importance
of sleep, managing stress, mental
wellness, self-acceptance, goal
setting, healthy eating and
enjoyable movement.
Tolonen signed up for a Mindful
Eating class and soon lost 14. 5 kg
( 32 lb.). “My mobility has really
improved. It’s been great, getting
out and speaking with other people
going through the same thing,” she
says. “You realize you’re not alone.”
Tolonen also meets regularly with
a registered nurse. “I need to be
accountable to someone,” she says.
“So I weigh in, and we set goals. Just
knowing you have to check in
is good motivation.”
Sleeping better is also a big win
for Tolonen. Since her weight
loss, she no longer needs a CPAP
machine, a device to treat sleep
apnea that delivers constant air
pressure while you sleep.
“I used to wake up with no energy
and struggle to do anything. Now
I look forward to getting up. I’ve
changed my outlook on everything.
Everyone at the program is like my
cheerleader. I can’t stress enough
what a fantastic program it is. And
it’s available right in our community.”
The Health Improvement
Program is by physician or
health team referral within the
Highland PCN, (587) 287-1727.
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