HANS Kai An Innovative Health Promotion Project to Improve Health and Wellbeing

Transcription

1 HANS Kai An Innovative Health Promotion Project to Improve Health and Wellbeing

2 Mission Vision Values of the NorWest Co-op VISION People taking control of their health. MISSION To engage our community in co-operative health and wellness. VALUES Respect: Integrity. Non-judgment. Dignity. Innovation: Vital. Responsive. Best-practice. Co-operation: Self-health. Engagement. Capacity-building.

3 Take Charge of Your Health Hans Kai aims to empower community members to take control of their own health and provides a unique opportunity to build personal connections while learning and engaging in activities to improve physical and mental health

4 What Is Hans Kai uxqoc

5 Objectives of the HANS Projects 1. To create social networks that support personal wellness. 2. To increase awareness of the connection between personal wellness, healthy lifestyle choices, healthy weights and those factors within and outside of their control. 3. To increase one s ability to take action to improve health 4. To develop peer support and leadership skills to encourage others to make healthier lifestyle choices.

6 Objectives of the HANS Projects 5. To reduce social isolation by developing connectedness with others. 6. To maintain or improve measurable health indicators. 7. To increase access to primary care services and linkages to community programs and services. 8. To collaborate and share resources and lessons learned with other organizations interested in creating HANS groups in their communities.

7 HANS is currently offered in two community areas in Winnipeg (Inkster and Seven Oaks). Currently there are: 4 workplace groups 5 community groups A total of 57 people in HANS groups. We continue to recruit participants Our target is to add 8 10 new groups per year.

8 Innovation Considers the importance of community in creating and environments that supports change. Designed to build personal and community capacity through empowerment. Provides participants the opportunity to take control of their own health. Participant led and self directed. Participants measure and record their own health indicators. Trained in the consensus model and use personality questionnaires

9 How it Works Small groups (8 12) are formed at community sites and workplaces Groups meet at least once every month for at least 2 hours Groups are self directed with participants having an active role in how their group runs Prior to joining Hans, participants will attend Health School

10 Health Schools The Health School offers a series of structured education sessions and includes information about: Nutrition, healthy eating Active living, exercise Proper medication usage Health indicators like blood pressure and blood sugar including how to measure Achieving life balance Healthy sleep habits and stress management Community resources Consensus decision making and managing conflict

11 BP monitor Hans Kai Toolkit Blood glucose monitor and supplies Waist circumference measuring tape In Motion exercise video Reference lists, cookbook Each individual receives pedometer, log book, dyna bands, exercise and nutrition resources

12 HANS Groups What do they do?. Core Activities: Socialize 20 min Prepare a healthy snack 30 min Participate in physical activity 45 min Monitor health indicators as required (BP, BG, WC) 15 min Share their action plans for the next month (set a lifestyle goal)* optional 10 min Some participants exchange numbers with a buddy. Activities can be done in whichever order the group chooses. Times given are guidelines that can be modified.

13 Data Collection The study uses a pre test post test design quantitative and qualitative data is collected about personal health indicators, resources in the community, healthy lifestyle choices and connections with the community. Data is collected at the start, at 6 and 12 months, then annually thereafter. A variety of tools are used to collect data including: In person interviews Participant survey Log book (health measures)

14 Early Outcomes Preliminary Emerging Themes from the Pilot Group Increased Social Support Improved Access to Health Care Services Increased Sense of Connectedness Improved Self Monitoring Promoted Positive Behavior Change Fun and Engaging

15 Strengths Builds community capacity and health sustainability Strengthens partnerships amongst health care professionals Utilizes community space that wasn t otherwise occupied Establishes supports and new friendships. Generates excitement and interest. Supports skill development (how to check BP, how to meaure blood glucose, cooking and exercising etc.) Improves access to health care providers in community.

16 Challenges Establishing and maintaining respectful boundaries for participants can require extra support. If a group becomes really close, it can be a strength as well as a challenge. Potential language barriers with newcomers. Personality conflicts may occur. Sustained participation.

17 Success Stories Improved health status One participant lost 40 pounds in 9 months after joining HANS. Members support one another to meet exercise goals and to make healthy food choices. Participant with diabetes adopted an exercise regiment resulting in stable blood sugar readings. Participant who was not taking insulin was connected to diabetes educator and pharmacist and is now taking insulin. Participant has gone from eating no fruits and vegetables to eating at least 1 serving per day.

18 Partnerships We are collaborating with many different partners and are in the process of establishing a National HANS network to share tools, resources and lessons learned.

19 Next Steps Standardize the Health School curriculum. Access to HANS materials in both French and English. Develop an online web portal to share HANS resources including video how to s and taped health school sessions. Establish a HANS Facebook page and a HANS blog. Share HANS research findings. Establish a National HANS network.

20 Questions?

21 CINDY PETERS Primary Care Nurse