Elizabeth: Better Balance and Strength

Elizabeth’s fibromyalgia and medications contributed to her balance challenge, numerous falls and the need to use a cane in her thirties. Her physician recommended she attend the Strong and Steady class. This 4 week exercise class improved her leg and core strength. It also improved her gait and her balance and made her more aware of her risks for falling. She is proud to say that her TUG test also improved.

She really liked how the program connected the participants with resources in the community to help them continue to be active. She continues to do the exercise on the Strong & Steady poster and the warm ups that she learned. She does little bits throughout each day to help keep her stronger and allow her to function without the cane. Elizabeth says, “The program was very helpful. I also learned of other PCN resources and I am now taking the Chronic Pain and Anxiety programs.”

We (RDPCN) are a partnership between Family Doctors and Alberta Health Services. Health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, nurses and pharmacist work in clinics alongside family doctors. In addition, programs and groups are offered at the RDPCN central location. This improves access to care, health promotion, chronic disease management and coordination of care. RDPCN is proud of the patient care offered, the effective programs it has designed and the work it does with partners in health care and the community.

Please check out more stories from Primary Care Network:

Finally the dam broke

Achieving Mental Health is an Everyday Task