Ontario

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Maple NewsSummer 2013

Get Inspired Take Control of your Health! With help from Maple FHT, Mike lost 80lbs!

until January 2012, so Mike started taking small steps toward health. At first it was a daily walk to the end of the street, about 500 feet. The next week he went a bit further, around the block. He continued this gradual increase in exercise and by the time the program started he had already lost 10 pounds (4.5kg).Now Mike had tried other weight loss programs, but they just frustrated him. When Mike started the six week Healthy Hearts program in January he knew it was different. He said, “I loved it when I got

Meet Mike. In many ways Mike is just like you and me. After a recent life change, retirement, his weight ballooned to a point where it was bothering him and he knew it was out of control. He decided to speak to his doctor. She mentioned that Maple FHT had a program available, Healthy Hearts, and asked if he’d be willing to try it. The moment Mike said, “Sure”, his journey began. That was November 2011 and since then Mike has lost over 80 pounds (36 kg), reduced his waist size by over 10 inches (25 cm), improved his cholesterol levels, and continues to improve his overall health. The Healthy Hearts program didn’t start

here. It was good. Everyone had input.” For instance, he learned about the food nutritional facts and label reading, but what he really liked is that the leaders didn’t tell him what to eat. They taught him about

food so he could make his own food choices. He said, “They presented it to me like an adult and then suggested ‘this would really help you’. That’s how it was. It made sense. I was ready to accept it. No

one is hounding you ‘diet, diet, diet’, they didn’t talk about that. They talked about lifestyles, choices, options, willingness to

Message from Maple FHT Executive Director, Marg Alden

if we can help! See page four for a list of upcoming programs offered to Maple patients.On behalf of all of us at Maple, we wish you a healthy, safe and enjoyable summer.

Welcome to the first edition of the Maple FHT newsletter. We hope you will find each issue interesting and informative and on this note, a special thank you to Mike for al-lowing us to tell his motivating weight loss story. It details how the Maple FHT Healthy Hearts program, and our healthcare team, supported him in reaching his personal goals. Hopefully Mike’s journey will inspire you to set some goals of your own this summer. Keep us in mind

maplefht.ca

I loved it when I got here. It was good. Everyone had input.

Summer foot care t ips page 3

Get InspiredWelcome Message

P1Maple NewsP2

Summer Foot Care TipsSpotlight on Healthy HeartsAfter Hours Clinic

P3Contact InformationGroup Programs

P4In This Issue

Continued on page 2

Maple News: connecting you to your family health team.

survey

What does it mean to be part of a Family Health Team?

On Tuesday, May 21st, John Gerretsen, M.P.P. for Kingston and The Islands, visited Maple FHT and had the opportunity to learn about family teams. His “patient journey” started by participating in a “Walking Group” led by a Registered Nurse and a Registered Dietitian from Maple Diabetes. During that walk he participated in the diabetes discussion where helpful tips to manage health were shared. Next, one of the team’s Nurse Practitioners explained how annual physicals are being replaced by the personal health visit. The personal

health visit has been introduced because patients have different needs depending on their age and other risk factors. Finally, he reviewed his food record and eating habits with a Registered Dietitian. On this day, much of his care was provided by a variety of profes-sionals, which is how a Family Health Team works. The team approach brings together family doctors with other health care providers in order to coordinate the best possible care for patients. Everyone on the team works together to meet patient needs. Their focus is on keeping patients and their family healthy, not just treating them when they are sick.

survey and more surveying will be done this year. And, like any survey, there were a few surprises…..

Over 30% of participants didn’t know we offer After Hours ServicesOver 75% of participants didn’t know about our website, www.maplefht.ca, our most readily available source of information for you

Overall, Maple FHT found the results helpful to better understand patient needs, to inform decisions around patient care, and to plan for the future. Maple FHT will continue to use patient surveys and other feedback to enhance the services we provide. If you ever have any comments, an electronic feedback form is available on our website: www.maplefht.ca.

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Your opinion matters. Using survey results to enhance the patient experienceLast summer, the regional Family Health Teams developed a common patient survey.The purpose of the survey was to obtain feedback in the areas of Access to Care, Healthcare Provider, and Overall Satisfac-tion. Across the region, and for Maple FHT, generally there were high levels of satisfac-tion in all of these areas. This was our first

Quality Improvement PlansOn April 1, 2013, each Family Health Team was required to submit a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to the Ministry of Health. While Maple Family Health Team has always been committed to providing quality care, this is a way of formalizing that commitment and aligning with the Excellent Care for All Act, 2010. Each QIP was required to have initiatives in the areas of Access, Integration and Patient-Centred-ness. Maple FHT will continue to work on quality initiatives over the year.

As a patient of a family health team you have access to many different providers and programs, but many patients are unaware of the benefits of being part of the team.

Maple FHT News

change…everything they were telling you they were trying to get you on track, but they weren’t telling you ‘this week you’re going to do this or that’.” Mike also found it very motivational to set goals and reach them.When asked how he stays on track, Mike credits the monthly follow-up groups that are available to those who have done the program. In that group they talk about setting and reaching achievable goals, about taking the small steps today that move you closer to a larger goal. It keeps you focused.Throughout this ongoing process, Mike has great insight into what works for him. He knows that to reach his goal, he has to take small steps every day and that using just one tip from each class can make a difference. He knows if he learns something and ignores it, that’s his choice, and that you need to be willing to help yourself. Most importantly, Mike knows he is just like you and me; that we are all capable of meeting the goals we set, we just have to take the first step.

Get Inspired(con’d from page 1)

See Healthy Hearts info next pageA

Make sure to visit our website for

more information

www.maplefht.ca

Your Health

spotlight on programs

Contributed by Heather, Foot Care RPNSummer time is here; time to enjoy hot weather, sandals and swimming. However, what you may not know is that Athlete’s foot is also more common in the

summer months. Athlete’s foot is a common fungal

infection. Fungus grows on the top layer of the skin and thrives in warm, moist areas. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be transmit-ted in moist environments, such

as pools, showers, and gyms, or by sharing shoes or towels. It most often occurs between the toes, but can be found anywhere on the feet. The skin may become very dry and cracked, red and swollen, and may be accompanied by burning and /or itching. Most cases of Athlete’s foot can be cleared up with an over-the-counter topical anti-fungal medication. In some cases, you may need a prescription medication, and if there are open cracks the area is susceptible

The Healthy Hearts ProgramThe Healthy Hearts program is designed to provide you with skills to help you lower your risk for heart disease and improve your health. It is a group that runs for six consecutive weeks, two hours per week, and is led by a multidisciplinary team of professionals.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMThe program covers these topics:

Strategies for lowering your risk for heart diseaseHow to eat in a healthy wayWays to incorporate physical activity into your daily lifeStress management and relaxation techniquesWays to manage medication side effects and other concernsHow to set SMART goals for changeHow to problem solve to help you meet your goals

Who is the program for?This program is right for you if you are an adult who is at an increased risk for heart disease, meaning you have three or more of the following:

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ObesityHigh CholesterolHigh Blood PressureDiabetes or Pre-DiabetesTobacco use and/or excess alcohol useFamily history of heart attack, stroke or coronary artery disease

How do I get into the program?

If you are interested in the program, and have an increased risk for heart

disease, you are encouraged to attend a two hour “Introduction to Healthy Hearts”. At the Introduction, you will learn more about the expectations and requirements of the program.You will also have a better under-standing of your readiness and commitment to make change in your life, and you will be invited to register into a six week group. Your doctor’s office can register you into an “Introduction to Healthy Hearts”.

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to bacteria which may require an antibiotic. Always consult your doctor first to confirm the diagnosis.How can you prevent Athlete’s foot?

Check your feet regularlyKeep your feet clean and dryAvoid tight-fitting shoes that squeeze your toes togetherWear shoes made from natural materials that breathe (avoid plastic or plastic-lined shoes)Do not share towels or footwearAlways wear water shoes when walking on wet surfaces that are shared by othersChange your socks throughout the day if they become moistLambs wool between the toes will help keep them dry

Have a great summer!

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The After Hours Clinic for Maple FHT patients is now

open on the weekends!

Monday – Friday5:00 PM – 8:00 PM*

Location – Maple FHT,

1036 Princess Street

After Hours Clinic

Saturday & Sunday9:30 AM – 2:00 PM*

Summer Foot Care Tips!

*except holidays, see website

”“A year from now you may wish you had started today.

Karen Lamb

After Hours ClinicMaple Family Health Team1036 Princess Street, Unit D2

Mon–Fri: 5:00PM–8:00PM*Sat & Sun: 9:30AM–2:00PM*

*except holidays, see website

This is a listing of the currently scheduled single-session group programs. To register into one of these groups please contact your doctor’s office.

Check the website for detailed program descriptions and up-to-date information on all groups being offered: www.maplefht.ca

August 2013Aug 6 Weight Management Introduction 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMAug 19 Weight Management Introduction 1:30 PM – 3:30 PMAug 21 Nutrition & Osteoporosis 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

September 2013Sep 3 Weight Management Introduction 10:00 AM–12:00 PMSep 10 Nutrition Label Reading 10:00 AM–12:00 PMSep 12 Stress Management Introduction 10:00 AM–11:30 AMSep 12 Diabetes Medications 11:00 AM–12:00 PMSep 16 Weight Management Introduction 1:30 PM–3:30 PMSep 18 Healthy Hearts Introduction 9:30 AM–11:30 AMSep 19 Stress Management Introduction 10:00 AM–11:30 AMSep 24 Nutrition & High Blood Pressure 10:00 AM–12:00 PMSep 25 Healthy Hearts Introduction 9:30 AM–11:30 AMSep 26 Medications & the Older Adult 10:00 AM–12:00 PMSep 30 Weight Management Introduction 1:30 PM–3:30 PM

October 2013Oct 15 Weight Management Introduction 10:00 AM–12:00 PMOct 17 Cholesterol Medications 10:00 AM–11:00 AMOct 29 Weight Management Introduction 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

November 2013Nov 11 Weight Management Introduction 1:30 PM–3:30 PMNov 21 High Blood Pressure Medications 9:00 AM–10:00 AMNov 26 Weight Management Introduction 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

December 2013Dec 3 Nutrition Label Reading 1:30 PM–3:30 PMDec 9 Weight Management Introduction 1:30 PM–3:30 PMDec 17 Nutrition & High Blood Pressure 1:30 PM–3:30 PM

Group Programs Team DirectoryClinicsClergy Family Physicians71 Clergy StreetKingston, ON K7L 3J3Phone: 613-542-7858

Maple Centre Health Clinic1036 Princess Street, Unit D2Kingston, ON, K7L 1H2Phone: 613-546-9721

Reddendale Family Health Centre125 Lakeview AvenueKingston, ON K7M 3T6730 Front RoadKingston, ON, K7M 6P7Phone: 613-384-4664

Rideau Family Medical Centre235 Gore RoadKingston, ON K7L 5H6Phone: 613-546-0151

Willow Family Physicians325 University AvenueKingston, ON K7L 3R4Phone: 613-544-2902

Dr. Westenberg115 Lower Union StreetKingston, ON K7L 2N3Phone: 613-542-7095

Team OfficeMaple Family Health Team1036 Princess Street, Unit D2Kingston, ON, K7L 1H2 Phone: 613-531-5888 www.maplefht.ca

Maple Diabetes Prevention and Education Centre Phone: 613-531-6086 www. maplediabetes.ca