Incentives
By making the changes that I needed to make more convenient, as well as providing me with the knowledge I needed to understand my condition, I have changed my life. By having a place to ask questions, finding support for the many things that had to change, and receiving incentives and discounts, I feel like I am able to make changes that will affect the quality of my life for the rest of my life. Thank you for making this feel more like a blessing than a problem!
Relationships
I have been seeing the Health Coach for more than 10 years now and I have gotten a better understanding of my health condition and how to manage it. These meetings give me documentation and help with accountability, which helps me stay on track.
Education
I was involved in formulating the Asheville Project while interim HR Director in 2006. Then I enrolled in the program to manage high cholesterol, and the medications and care I have received in this program reduced my numbers to normal. They have remained that way for 14 years with minimal medications. Additionally, my wife was enrolled in the diabetes program, which was a lifesaver for her as well. Fundamentally, people develop personal habits that adversely affect their health in both the short and long term. This program works to help people realize that they are fundamentally responsible for their health! There is no panacea in medicine if you abuse your body! The education component is thoughtfully executed and not at all directive. It is simply logical and fact-based (as your medical information is reviewed and discussed as to reasons why you are unhealthy). This proactive, education-based medical program is invaluable and should be a cornerstone of health care!
Empowerment
I felt as though I did not have a voice concerning my health care. My doctors were prescribing me medication, and not giving me any information. The pharmacy no longer put the leaflets in the bags telling you about the drugs, and the websites have too much information and are overwhelming. I did not know how to talk to my doctor. I am a little afraid to confess but I was intimidated by them. I was very depressed and felt hopeless at times. When I started this program, I felt comfortable and was able to ask questions. I was given strategies to talk to my doctors, and express my concerns about certain meds, and the side effects. I gained the confidence to take control, and I wanted to be more in charge of my medical care. My goals have changed, and I always found the advice given to me by Pharmacist Care Manger, to be 100% accurate. For example, the suggestion to change my diabetic medication changed my life. I was tired all the time and could not keep my eyes open during the day. The recommendation that I ask my doctor to change my meds to something else, and it was like a wonder drug. They encourage me to want to do better, and I look forward to our meetings, so I can have a positive report of a little weight loss or increase in physical activity. It has been a life savior. Thank you
Accountability
I feel that this program really helps hold me accountable for the things I contribute to regarding my health condition, whether good or bad. My Care Manager always listens and takes notes about my concerns or questions. If he cannot give me an answer that day, then he will research it and get back to me. With my diabetes condition, he is always there to offer up alternatives that are very helpful to me.
Incentives
When one has lived with a chronic condition for years, staying motivated is hard. This program has helped me find to motivation to make a difference in my health and wellbeing.
Relationships
Prior to meeting with my chronic condition management provider, I had several health issues that I thought were for a lifetime. In the last 3 years, my provider has worked with me to make adjustments, and because of that, one of my issues is no longer an issue. I feel so blessed for that and wish I had her help years ago! We have made some great progress in another area of my health that I truly believe I could not have come to without this program!
Education
This program has been a big help to me. We not only worked on my asthma management, but we came up with healthier food and exercise choices that left me feeling much better. I was encouraged to speak to my doctor about adjusting my anxiety medication and to see a counselor on a more consistent basis. Best health decision I have made in a long time.
