Help yourself for a better life
A TRIP to the Warwick Potters markets next Saturday could be more than a great day - it could be the start of your new life.
The chronic illness team from Warwick Hospital will be at the event, offering people health checks and information on living diseases such as diabetes and asthma.
Chronic disease co-ordinator Nick Whittle said the illnesses weren't curable and his job was to provide people with the tools to manage their disease.
"Most chronic diseases can be treated at home and it is about giving people the information to do that," he said.
Mr Whittle said learning to manage your disease not only positively impacted a person's physical health but also their self-esteem.
Medical student Lisa Major will be on hand to run the tests, such as blood pressure and calculating BMIs.
Miss Major has been stationed at the Warwick Hospital for the past three weeks and hopes to raise awareness among those affected.
"I think this is something Warwick could really benefit from and it's free, so I hope people take advantage of that," she said.
"There are severe consequences to not seeking treatment for or information on chronic diseases, such as heart attacks and stroke, but you will feel better about yourself if you help yourself."
Mr Whittle is hosting free workshops for people affected by chronic illnesses and those interested should phone 4660 3810.
Warwick statistics
- Asthma rates in Warwick are 24.7% higher than the national average
- 16.9% suffer from circulatory diseases, which is 5.3% higher than average
- 3.6% of residents have type 2 diabetes, which is 5% higher than average
