Chronic Diseases & Conditions

What is Self-Management?

Self-management refers to the tasks that an individual must undertake to live well with one or more chronic conditions. These tasks include gaining confidence to deal with medical management, role management, and emotional management (Adams, Greiner & Corrigan, 2004).
http://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/CommunityPrograms
http://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/
http://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/CommunityResources

Public Health Agency of Canada
Excellent sources for patient information –
www.publichealth.ga.ca (providing lists of a chronic diseases with information).

Complex Chronic Disease Program – B.C. Women’s Hospital – a referral from your doctor is needed and the referral forms are on their website. This is a new program for people who suffer from a group of complex chronic diseases which include but not limited to Chronic Fatique, Fibromyalgia, Lyme disease.
http://www.bcwomens.ca/our-services/specialized-services/complex-chronic-disease-program

Vancouver Coastal Health Chronic Diseases
Information (on referral) 604-984-5752. Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver

Arthritis

Arthritis Society
A Provincial organization which provides a wealth of information on research programs and education services to patients, professionals and the general public.
1-800-321-1433
Lower Mainland (604) 875-5051
http://www.arthritis.ca/BC

Mary Pack Arthritis Program: Vancouver Coastal Health Program
Provides free classes for a range of topics by a multidisciplinary team of instructors. Classes include managing pain, managing fatigue, managing stress, and managing emotions, preventing and managing osteoporosis, complementary therapies, managing osteoarthritis, managing inflammatory arthritis, learning about community resources, improving communication skills, and planning for change. Go to “links” tab for referral forms.
http://mpap.vch.ca/

Vancouver Coastal Health Oasis Program – for people with Osteoarthritis
This program has information, clinic and other service information as well as a link to referral forms
604-904-6200 ext.#5
http://oasis.vch.ca/

Diabetes

The Canadian Diabetes Association provides people affected by diabetes – those living with the condition, their family, friends, caregivers, colleagues, employers and others – with information on the prevention and management of diabetes and referral to various community resources.
1-800-BANTING (1-800-226-8464)
http://www.diabetes.ca/

Type 2 Diabetes
VCH Diabetes Self Management 5 day Education Series
North Shore Chronic Disease Education Series
West Vancouver Community Health Centre
Phone – 604 – 984-5752
Email – phem@vch.ca

http://vch.eduhealth.ca/PDFs/FL/FL.815.T98.pdf

Heart & Stroke

Have you Had a Stroke?  Remember this Simple Do it Yourself Test:
F. A. S. T. —  symptoms of  F = face drooping, A = arm weakness, S = speech difficulty, T= Time to Call: 911.

Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC
Community based organization dedicated to the prevention and relief of heart disease and stroke in B.C. and the Yukon. Provides information on research and support groups. Current information and programs on CPR, high blood pressure, nutrition, exercise programs, rehabilitation, smoking, stress, current research etc.
1-888-473-4636
Vancouver 604-736-4404
http://www.heartandstroke.ca/

Heart & Stroke Healthline – community involvement.

Heart-Stroke Assessment:
Take the Heart and Stroke Risk Assessment to learn your status.
https://ehealth.heartandstroke.ca/?_ga=1.77192213.1419939975.1449121474

Heart Disease and Women:

Women’s College Hospital, Toronto
womenshealthmatters.ca:
Women’s newsletter, featuring articles on fitness, cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.
patientrelations@wchospital.ca:

Clinical Services:

St. Paul’s Hospital – Healthy Heart Program
Cardiac Rehabilitation/Prevention Clinic/The Lipid Clinic – 604-806-8591.

North Shore Cardiac Rehab. (on physician’s referral) – 604-987-7529.
http://www.nvrc.ca/health-and-fitness/specialty-fitness-and-rehabilitation.aspx.
Lion’s Gate Hospital Gymnasium: participatory entry level sessions. Maintenance level sessions: John Braithwaite Community Centre, Parkgate Community Centre.

North Shore Stroke Recovery Centre:  778-340-5803.  Contact Outreach Volunteer at programs for Young Stroke Survivors, Older Adult stroke Survivors and Caregiver Support.
www.nssrc.org

First Aid Courses: www.traumatech.com/
References on CPR & First Aid:
604-662-7740

Respiratory Diseases

The Lung Association of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Facts about lung diseases, smoking and air pollution.
www.bc.lung.ca

COPD, chronic obstructive lung disease – general information relating to COPD
604-731-5864, Toll-free: 1-800-665-5864

https://www.lung.ca/copd

Asthma
Asthma Society of Canada: provides education, support and resources.
asthma.ca
Breath works  Helpline 1-866-717-2673
http://www.asthma.ca/copd/treatment/
Lung Association of British Columbia:
https://www.lung.ca/asthma

Lung Cancer
https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/lung-cancer

Allergies
The Canadian Lung Association

http://www.lung.ca/asthma

General information on asthma and allergies.

Sleep Apnea
IRS (Independent Respiratory Services, Inc.)
Provide information about sleep apnea, oxygen therapy, asthma education, CPAP machines
www.irscanada.ca/

1-877-965-6204
(screens, educates, provides technology).

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation – general information
www.cdhf.ca

badgut.org
A wealth of information about digestive and gastrointestinal disorders –
www.badgut.org/

Hearing Loss

Resound Canada –
Information source on various topics concerning hearing, e.g. “ Protect your Hearing, Difficult Listening Environments, Quiet Listening Environments, Finding the Right Hearing Solution, Living with Hearing Devices.
1-888-737-6863.
http://www.resound.com/en-CA

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – North Shore Location
Community Support dedicated to improving communication skills for those with hearing loss.
604-926-5222
www.chha-nsb.com

Western Inst. For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
A Hearing Aid Loan Program Contact Main office to discover eligibility
2125 W. 7th Ave., Vancouver
604-736-2527
www.widhh.ca

Mobile Hearing Clinic Ltd.: Canopy Integrated Health,
Provides services e.g. home visits, assessments, selection and fit of products, counseling. 149-1233 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver
778-840-7203
www.hearathome.com

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Provides a variety of services and programs including: information and referral services; support counselling; equipment loans; self help groups for persons who have multiple sclerosis and their family and friends; and public awareness and education programs for professionals and others. This line operates from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
604-689-3144
http://mssociety.ca/

Kidney Diseases

The Kidney Foundation of Canada
604-736-9775
www.kidney.bc.ca

NIDDK – National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Provides education for kidney and urologic diseases. This phone number will connect you with a volunteer who can give you information about kidney disease and patient services.
(604) 736-9775
www.niddk.nih.gov
www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov

Neurological Conditions

Public Health Agency of Canada
Information about many neurological conditions.
www.publichealth.gc.ca,

Parkinson Society Canada
1-800-565-3000
http://www.parkinson.ca/

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis Canada, a registered charity that works to educate, empower and support individuals and communities in the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis. They provide medically accurate information to patients, health care professionals and the public. The organization service to individuals with osteoporosis and the public include free publications, a bilingual toll-free information line, educational programs and referrals to self-help groups and community resources, as well as this web site
www.osteoporosis.ca

Canadian Osteoporosis Patient Network (COPN) – is a virtual network of people who are living with or affected by osteoporosis. Its members are patients and it works on behalf of the needs and interests of people living with and/or affected by osteoporosis. COPN also endeavours to educate, empower and support members of its network through the use of virtual technologies and mutual support.
http://www.osteoporosis.ca/osteoporosis-and-you/copn/

Bowen Island Community Recreation Program – The recreation office is located at Bowen Island community school (1041 Mount Gardner Road) and offers a variety of programs year-round in the areas of fitness, weight room, personal training, health and wellness etc.

http://www.bowencommunityrecreation.com

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada disseminates information on healthy aging and encourages seniors’ health promotion, risk reduction and stabilization of chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/seniors-aines-ost-eng.php

Active Aging Canada (previously ALCOA) is a charitable, not-for profit organization that strives to promote a society where all older Canadians are leading active lifestyles that contribute to their overall well-being.

https://www.activeagingcanada.ca/

Patient advocacy site offering peer support, education forums, information about local activities, tips on nutrition, physical activity and fall prevention
www.osteoporosis.ca/copn

The Osteoporosis Program website at BC Women’s Health Centre provides comprehensive assessment and care for people who have osteoporosis. This includes education about lifestyle changes and medical therapies to improve bone health.

http://www.bcwomens.ca/health-info/staying-healthy/bone-health

“Health and Bone” Canadian website that has a broad array of information and resources on osteoporosis.
https://www.healthandbone.ca/en/home/

Medicinet Website – information on treatment, medications, symptoms, and prevention
http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/article.htm

Pain

Pain BC
Pain BC reduces the burden of pain through engagement, education, advocacy, and knowledge translation. A great website with B.C. specific information about resources for people suffering from chronic pain.
http://www.painbc.ca
Pain Toolbox
http://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/pain-toolbox

Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid Foundation of Canada

Provides links for thyroid patients.
thyroid.ca

Thyroid patient-centered resource website
MyThyroid.com

Foot and Ankle Problems

BC Foot and Ankle Specialists
Based out of several clinics in Vancouver, surgeons provide orthopedic care for a variety of common foot and ankle issues. Referral from family physician is required.
bcfootandankle.com

Vancouver Coastal Health
Provides surgical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for patients with chronic or acute foot and ankle problems. Provides referral to a surgeon if necessary.
www.vch.ca/Locations-Services/result?res_id=630

The Paris Pedorthic Services team provide expert solutions for people suffering from a wide range of foot and ankle problems including: plantar fasciitis, heel pain, heel spurs, bunions, knee pain (like patellofemoral pain syndrome), general foot pain and many other conditions associated with flat feet, high arched feet and over-pronating feet. (private services)
1-800-463-6842 providing free information, brochures.
http://parispedorthic.com/

Orthotics

975 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Help with forefoot pain includes metatarsalgic, neuromas, shin splints.
604-980-KNEE
http://www.kintec.net. .

Fibromyalgia

General information about Fibromyalgia
Arthritis Society
http://www.canadianpainsociety.ca

Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia syndrome in adults – comprehensive document written by experts from across the country
http://www.fmguidelines.ca/

National patient resource website with comprehensive information about fibromyalgia.
Fibrocentre.ca