News
Health Unit launches online stroke prevention program
SIMCOE, AUGUST 3, 2010 – A new website aimed at preventing stroke has been launched by the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. The ‘Step Up to a Healthier You’ free online program is a series of learning modules that provides education and skill building on topics related to stroke prevention.
The website, www.stepuptoahealthieryou.com, is the result of a highly successful stroke prevention education series which took place in various communities within Haldimand and Norfolk over the last year and a half.
The first module in the program explains the various types of strokes, factors which place certain people at a higher risk, and the signs and symptoms of stroke. Subsequent modules focus on various stroke prevention issues including: physical activity, healthy eating, blood pressure and blood cholesterol, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation and stress reduction.
“The ‘Step Up to a Healthier You’ program is ideal for anyone hoping to prevent a stroke in their own life or the lives of loved ones,” said Michele Crowley, Health Promoter with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s Population Health Team. “Also, knowing how to recognize and react to a stroke can greatly reduce the long term effects a stroke has on the body.”
A variety of features and tools are included in the online program, such as resources to start a physical activity routine, community walking group schedules, smoking cessation tools, a healthy eating tracker and a recipe analyzer.
“The site was designed to be very user friendly,” said Crowley. “Participants can work through each of the modules in sequence or skip ahead to the topics specific to their own situations. Plus, the online format allows people to educate themselves at their own pace, and from the comfort of their own home.”
Funding for this online learning program was provided by the Ministry of Health Promotion. For more information about www.stepuptoahealthieryou.com, please contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit at 519-426-6170.
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Media contact:
Jill Steen
Program Coordinator
Population Health Team
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
Ext. 3256 at either 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623
[email protected]