It’s time to celebrate the one year birthday of the PCN On Your Weigh Program!

The Camrose Primary Care Network is celebrating the birthday and success of its On Your Weigh Weight Management Program.  The goal of the program is to assist people with creating a healthier lifestyle while learning strategies to better manage their weight.

The program began January 2012 and since has had over 200 referrals into the program, with over 140 regular active participants. 

Following a referral from their family doctor, participants get started in the program by attending monthly Weight Wise classes through the Healthy Living Center, a key partner in the program. From there they work one-on-one with the PCN program nurse lead, Karen Lewis, RN, in looking at the root cause of their weight gain. This involves assessment of four areas including Mental (ie: stress or depression symptoms),  Mechanical –( i.e. sleep apnea or chronic pain),  Metabolic  (ie: Type 2 Diabetes or hypertension) and Monetary ( employment and  income).

Depending on what needs the client has, a care plan is then developed by the Nurse in collaboration with a healthcare team including their PCN Physician and/or PCN Dietitian, Exercise Specialist, Pharmacist, Social Worker as well as Community resources and supports.

Karen and the team will then work with the client to manage of the causes and work towards achieving a healthier lifestyle.  Managing a healthy weight is important as being overweight or obese puts you at increased risk for developing conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, sleep apnea, painful joints and back, impaired fertility, depression and low self-esteem.

There are numerous accomplishments to date with the On Your Weigh program, and one that stands out to Karen is the journey of client Jodie Feddema, who has been in the program for about nine months.  “From my perspective, she has become a great role model for her family in achieving a healthy active lifestyle,” states Karen.  “I’m really proud of her success.  She’s made positive change and has been able to maintain that even while on holidays.”

Jodie is also excited about her personal journey, “I have made several changes since being in the program. I now incorporate daily exercise (I use a step counter and aim for 10,000 daily steps), I have started tracking my daily food and exercise with an app on my phone, and I have involved my whole family in this journey.  We are all aware of healthy choices and I take my kids grocery shopping with me so they can learn about nutritional information in the food and drinks we consume.”

Jodie adds, “Being in the program has made a difference in our lives… we all feel better overall.  Our energy levels are up and we all look forward to some family time while taking a walk or doing some sort of activity.  I really enjoy the program and look forward to my visits.  The staff is very supportive and go above and beyond to help with whatever I may need.”

Jodie is not alone in her excitement about the On Your Weigh Program. Other patient testimonies include:
• “I’m really proud of myself”
• “I feel so good”
• “This is my way of life now”
• “My whole family is getting healthy”
• “It’s a lifestyle”
• “weight management is not just (about) trying to eat less”

If you would like to learn more about the PCN On Your Weigh Program, talk to your PCN Family Doctor or visit the On Your Weigh Program page.

For more information, please contact:
Colleen Lindholm
Communications Lead - Camrose Primary Care Network
Main Line: 780.608.4927 Cell: 780.679.5975
Email: colleenl@camrosepcn.com