The Integrated Health Network partners with the patient, physician, dietitian, nurse, social worker and community supports to understand and manage chronic health conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, COPD, depression, HIV, HEP C, Kidney Disease, and stroke. For patients enrolled in the IHN by their family physician, services to support you include education, nutrition, activity, counseling and more!
The Port Alberni Integrated Health Network works out 4711 Elizabeth Street (Alberni Family Medical Centre). We have a Registered Nurse, two dietitians, a registered social worker and medical office assistant. As part of the IHN model, we work with specific chronic conditions.
We are connected with several community supports in Port Alberni, and more than half of the General Practitioners (GPs). Please inquire with your physician to find out if her or she is enrolled in the program.
We do offer individual appointments, but one of our group sessions may meet or exceed your needs! Below is a list of group sessions offered:
Walk with the Doc
Thursday May 10, 2012 5:30-8:30pm
We are so excited to offer this evening program in collaboration with Parks and Rec, Dr. Lund and other Port Alberni Family Physicians. Walk with the Doc coincides with the World Health Organization's Move for Health Day, which is to encourage physical activity and fitness. The event will take place at Bob Daily Stadium, and in addition to your physician taking part, there will also be music, healthy treats, and professionals in the area of walking. There will be information around mobility supports (walkers, canes etc.), correct footwear, walking trails and more... You can register and support your Doc by either contacting the office directly, or calling the IHN at 250-731-1310.
Pain Management
Chronic Pain Self Management To Be Determined - please call to put your name on the waitlist, and check back often
Discover how to manage symptoms, make lifestyle changes, set goals, and develop problem solving strategies in either of these six week programs. For more information, please visit: http://www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp/
General Wellness
A Healthier You Thursday May 31 - June 21, 10:30-12:00
Our most popular group! Topics for this session include health literacy, activity and what Port Alberni has to offer, activity's relationship to mental and emotional well being, recipes and shopping for summer activities.
Healthy Food Box ongoing
The IHN and the Salvation Army have partnered up to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to clients who have demonstrated need for education and experience around healthy foods and their preparation. Education includes, shopping on a budget, preparing and storing seasonal fruits and veggies.
Taking Strides Mondays beginning May 28, 1:30-2:30 (Please RSVP so that we can tell you where we will be walking that day)
A gentle walking group led by Nurse Cathy to meet each week. Together we will walk the dike, various gentle trails and streetscapes along Port Alberni. Bring your Nordic walking poles, walking sticks etc, while we take strides towards better health.
Healthy Weight - 4 Week Bi Weekly Program Thursdays April 5 - May 18, 9:30-11:00
This 4 week program looks at healthy eating and portion sizes, the reasons we make the food choices that we do, and provides tools and resources to help us on our paths. Participants have the benefit of these groups being facilitated by all clinical members of the IHN, including dietitian, nurse and social work.
Kidney Care To be determined
Learn how to manage your kidney health. "Get in the Driver's Seat" is a workshop provided by the Nanaimo Kidney Care Team and available at the Port Alberni IHN through video conferencing.
My Voice Alternating Wednesdays, May 30, June 13 and 27, 1:30-3:00
Questions about future decision making? Do you know the difference between Power of Attorney and a Representation Agreement? What happens when you sign a DNR? Come to this two day workshop and find out. This is a program that everyone should attend.
Healthy Feet Workshop June 2012
A self-management workshop for anyone who would like to learn more about ways to take care of their feet and prevent long term complications.
Heart & Lung Group Education Sessions
Heart Matters Wednesdays To be determined - please call to put your name on the waitlist and check back for dates and times
This is an 8 week heart health program for people who would benefit from cardiovascular risk management and lifestyle education. Speakers include a dietitian, pharmacist, and physician. This program is held at the Diabetic Education Centre and the Westcoast General Hospital.
Stress and Depression Management
Port Alberni Family Guidance Association Ongoing registration
Free and confidential access to individual, couple and family counseling with registered Clinical Counselors. This program is to support clients in overcoming barriers to personal health goal achievements.
Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health Ongoing Registration
This program offers community based health support to persons with depression and/or anxiety disorder. Bounce Back provides two interventions - A DVD which provides education on depression and suggests strategies to manage mood, and a telephone coach to support patients and to help improve their mood and quality of life.
Mental and Emotional Wellness Tuesdays July 10 -August 28, 2:00-3:00
Modules include Stress and Well-Being, Social Support, Problem Solving, Anger Management, Getting a Good Nights' Sleep, Eating and Living Well and Healthy Thinking. This is a new program for the Integrated Health Network.
Smoking Cessation
First You Smoked, Now You Live Evening Courses THURSDAYS July 12 - August 23, 6:30-8:30 at West Coast General Hospital, Meeting Room C
This 7 week smoking cessation program looks at the psychological and addiction pieces of smoking and how to overcome them. More information is available at: http://www.cisic.ca/
Exercise and Fitness
Fit Beginnings Tuesdays and Thursdays Fall 2012
A twice a week gentle fitness program for those who have been sedentary for a long time. Participants who may have health concerns such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity or other chronic conditions and who find it difficult to be physically active and fit into other exercise classes are invited to join. Fit Beginnings offers a supportive environment, lots of group support and exercises modified to meet participants' needs.
Nordic Walking Wednesdays Fall 2012
Using Nordic Walking poles, this group meets Wednesdays at Bob Daily Stadium or Glenwood Centre. This is a great full body work out and the poles add to balance. Upon attendance in the class, you will learn how to effectively use the poles and be able to take them home with you to continue your regime at your convenience. Poles need to be returned on the last day.