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Chronic Diseases
Learn about chronic diseases: long-term conditions that usually progress slowly over time, such as heart disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that usually progress slowly over time, such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depression and arthritis, among many others.
Chronic disease management provides individuals impacted by a chronic health condition with the medical care, knowledge, skills and resources they need to better manager their day-to-day life. This may include lifestyle changes, regular visits and support from your health-care provider, community-based programs or referrals to specialist programs and services.
We’re committed to working with individuals, family physicians and community partners to improve Chronic Disease Management programs and services available to help those impacted by a chronic health condition live a healthier, longer life.
Good chronic disease management includes care and support that is:
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Proactive
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Team based
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Well integrated with primary care (e.g. your family physician or nurse practitioner) and the broader community
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Coordinated across providers and points of care
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Easily accessible
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Has a focus on health promotion and well being
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Encourages involvement of the individual and family in their own care and their ongoing self management. Visit Self-Management BC’s website for more information.
Other partner programs and services available in B.C. and the Interior Health region include:
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University of Victoria: Chronic Disease Self Management Programs
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Canadian Mental Health Association: Bounce Back
Acquired Brain Injury
Interior Health’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Services help adults 19 to 64 years old who have a documented brain injury. ABI Services has adopted the World Health Organization definition of acquired brain injury: Damage to the brain, which occurs after birth and is not related to a congenital or a degenerative disease. These impairments may be temporary or permanent and cause partial or functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment (Geneva 1996).
ABI services also help families, caregivers and staff in supporting individuals with a brain injury and in understanding and managing the changes to their family that may occur. Search for ABI services in your community.
For more information visit Brainstreams.ca, an online education and networking site for the Brain Injury Community in B.C. and beyond.
ABI services provide the following:
- Assessment and rehabilitation planning/consultation
- Coordination of services to ensure a holistic approach to rehabilitation and support
- Assistance in goal-based community integration and skill development
- Information about acquired brain injury
- Training and education to service providers working with patients with ABI
As part of an overall case management approach to supporting individuals with brain injury to live as optimally independent as possible, the ABI service case coordinator facilitates referrals to outpatient and community rehabilitation, and community support services. These services may include:
- Neuropsychological assessment
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Psychological and counseling services
- Home support services
- Social support programs and agencies
- Speech language pathology services
- Day programs
- Drop-in programs
- Life skills
- Mental health resources
- Recreational programs
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects many people in our region. The burden can be felt by an individual when they’re at home or work, and in many other areas of their lives. The ability to manage chronic pain is key to improving quality of life for those experiencing pain that has extended past the normal healing time.
This section is a central resource for individuals living with chronic pain and the families and providers who support them. Review these chronic pain informational videos or browse our useful list of links and resources.
Along with this information, Interior Health in partnership with multiple partners developed a Chronic Pain Strategy for the provision of chronic non-malignant pain services for adults in the region. This strategy will guide future IH service improvements as resources become available.
Currently, general practitioners are the primary health-care providers for patients with chronic pain. Other health-care providers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other allied health and alternative therapy providers are also important members of the chronic pain care team.
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Okanagan Interventional Pain Clinic: Specializing in procedural, medical and rehab interventions for chronic pain including pain management groups, self management, consulting services, medical management, interventional treatments and rehabilitation/physiotherapy.
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Self Management BC: Find or request a self-management program near you. Become a peer leader and help others with chronic pain self management. The Self Management BC programs provide information and teach practical skills to help people manage their health conditions.
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Pain BC: Learn about the provincial organization advocating for better lives for those living with chronic pain. Access resources, find out about events and services in your area, and learn more about opportunities to get involved.
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The Arthritis Society of BC: The Arthritis Society offers events in communitiesacross BC for education, self management and techniques for living well with arthritis.
- List of useful links for patients and providers
- Arthritis Society Alternative Therapies Guide
- Chronic Pain Self Management Past, Present and Future
- Physical Activity and Arthritis
- Chronic Pain Self Management Programs UVIC
- Pain Self Management Strategies
- Sleep Hygiene
- Arthritis Top 10 Exercises
- WebMD Chronic Pain Coach app
- My Pain Diary app
Research and National Awareness
- Body in Mind: Research into the role of the brain & mind in chronic pain
- International Association for the Study of Pain
- National Pain Centre McMaster University
- A Whole Person Model of Care
- A Meta-Analysis Chronic Disease Self Management Program
- Fibromyalgia Guidelines
Dementia
Dementia is a broad term to describe the symptoms of a large number of brain illnesses which cause a loss of memory, judgement, and reasoning, as well as changes in behaviour and mood. These changes often result in a progressive decline in a person’s ability to function at work, in social relationships, or to perform regular daily activities.
While an occasional episode of delayed short-term memory is very common, a regular pattern of memory loss, a lack of insight or awareness into memory loss or its effects, or the lack of returning memory is not normal, and should not be assumed to be a normal part of aging.
We’re dedicated to working with the public to provide access to current information, support, and care services that will help people with dementia to live well and to support their family caregivers.
Dementia often causes a loss of memory, judgement, and reasoning, as well as changes in behaviour and mood. These changes often result in a progressive decline in a person’s ability to function at work, in social relationships, or to perform regular daily activities.
If you or someone you love have experienced these types of changes, it is important that you seek medical help and a diagnosis. Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is critical to ensuring proper support, care, and treatment of the illness. Contact your doctor to discuss your concerns, and to investigate and seek a diagnosis as early as possible.
Receiving a diagnosis of dementia
Your family doctor is usually the health professional who makes the diagnosis of dementia. While disclosing a diagnosis is challenging to both give and receive, when it is done with care and compassion, it can help the person with dementia understand the changes they are experiencing, and provide opportunities for them to be more involved in their own care. In the early stages, that involvement can include asking questions and participating in decision-making and personal planning for the future.
Learning about the disease
Whether you are a person living with dementia, a family caregiver or a friend, it is important to learn as much about dementia as you can. Understanding what the disease is, how it progresses, and what the treatment options are, may help you to adjust to changes being experienced. It is very important to understand that the changes are due to disease and they are not the fault of the person with dementia.
Looking for a place to start? The Alzheimer Society of BC can send you an information package of brochures, fact sheets, and a list of helpful resources. We also recommend learning more about:
Finding Help
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. offers a variety of educational and support programs for persons with dementia, their caregivers, and even the whole family. Find the latest offering of ASBC services and programs in the Interior Health region.
Access to community resources is available by contacting your local community health centre. Check the blue pages of your phone book and ask to speak to a home and community health-care professional.
The Dementia Helpline is a province-wide service for people with dementia, their caregivers, family, and friends. This helpline assists individuals in building the confidence to maintain quality of life when facing dementia.
There is no cost for a home and community health professional to come visit you at home to assess and discuss the care needs of the person with dementia. At the time that the health professional recommends the services that are available, and if you decide to use some community care programs for support (i.e., home support or adult day services), daily charges may apply based on your income.
There is also no cost involved to contact the Alzheimer Society of BC. Mailed print and resource materials and attendance to support groups are provided for free. Some education programs have a small cost associated with them.
Brochures and fact sheets
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. has a variety of free educational brochures and fact sheets for people with dementia, their families, caregivers, and anyone who is concerned about dementia. Fact sheets on day-to-day living, research, legal and financial issues, as well as ethical guidelines are also available. These resources are also available through local Alzheimer Resources Centres or by calling the Dementia Helpline.
Life stories
Resources
Diabetes
Diabetes programs and services are available across Interior Health to help individuals and their families gain the knowledge, skills and resources they need to better manage their diabetes, live well and prevent future complications.
Interior Health’s Diabetes Services teams work in partnership with patients, their primary care providers and Primary Care Networks, and specialist physicians to assist patients with understanding and managing their diabetes and related treatments. We apply a team-based care approach to provide consultation or ongoing diabetes management for the following diabetes populations:
- Diabetes in pregnancy (pre-existing diabetes or gestational diabetes)
- Adults living with Type 1 diabetes
- Infants, children and youth living with diabetes
- Young adults living with diabetes who are transitioning to adulthood
- Adults living with Type 2 diabetes who have difficulty reaching recommended targets and/or who require additional diabetes self-management support.
Services are available for both adults and children affected by all types of diabetes including: Type 1, Type 2, gestational (diabetes in pregnancy) and also pre-diabetes. Support partners, caregivers and family members are also encouraged to attend.
Our diabetes services are offered in a team approach, which puts you and your family at the centre of your care. Nurses, dietitians and physicians with specific training and expertise in the area of diabetes management will work with you, your family/support partners, family physician and members of your broader health care team to support your ongoing and changing medical and self management diabetes care needs.
This may be done though individual appointments with a nurse and/or dietitian and, where necessary, also a physician specialist. Group education sessions are offered to help with your initial and ongoing learning needs and skill development. These may include topics such as: Pre-diabetes, diabetes basics, meal planning, carbohydrate counting, or foot care. During these sessions you and your support partners can learn from trained staff, as well as others like yourself living with diabetes.
In most cases a referral is not required from your physician in order to participate.
Find a diabetes education program closest to you to learn more.
- IH Dietitian Services
- HealthLink BC: Food and nutrition
- BC Children's Hospital: Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit
- University of Victoria: Chronic Disease Self Management Program
- Patient Voices Network
- Diabetes at School
- Diabetes Canada
- Breakthrough T1D Canada (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
Type 2 Diabetes Video Series
New to Type 2 Diabetes
Blood Sugars and Testing
Highs and Lows of Blood Sugars
Nutrition Basics
Carbohydrate Counting and Label Reading
The Glycemic Index
How To Be Heart Healthy
Alcohol and Diabetes
Sugar and Sweeteners
Physical Activity
Diabetes Medications
Sick Day Management
Complications
Caring For Your Feet
Making Lifestyle Changes
Staying Healthy Reminders
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a chronic health condition and, like any health problems, it can bring uncertainty and change into your daily life. Heart disease can occur due to a variety of risks factors within, or without our control. For example; high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history and congenital (born with) factors. We can have some control of the risk factors and it’s never too early to start caring for your heart.
Visit our Heart Health page for more information.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition in which there is a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in urine. When CKD reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up.
Visit our Kidney Health page to learn more.
Stroke/TIA Rapid Access Clinic
A TIA is an important warning sign of a higher risk of having a stroke, even though your symptoms disappear after a few minutes to a couple of hours.
The symptoms for a TIA or stroke are:
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Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg (especially one side of the body)
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Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
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Sudden loss of vision in one eye
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Sudden dizziness and inability to walk
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There is usually no pain
The aim of the TIA Rapid Access Clinic is to see clients quickly following a transient ischemic attack (TIA), as patients with TIA are at much higher risk for stroke.
The TIA Rapid Access Clinics provide assessment and treatment by a stroke specialist such as a neurologist, internal medicine specialist, or geriatrician. The stroke specialist may order additional tests, prescribe new medication, and suggest follow-up with other health care professionals. The clinic also provides referral to other specialists and specialized programs, and information for your family physician on how to support you in reducing your risk for stroke.
Patients are asked to avoid driving themselves to the clinic for their appointment, particularly since they may have recently experienced a stroke event. A family member is encouraged to attend appointments with the patient.
TIA is a medical emergency. If you believe you have had a TIA, or are showing the symptoms listed below, you should get to the emergency department as soon as possible, as there is treatment that can be initiated to reduce your risk of having a stroke.
The emergency department can arrange for you to get the appropriate diagnostic assessments to confirm your diagnosis and referrals to physicians who can initiate treatments to reduce your risk for stroke. In some centres, this service is provided through referral to TIA clinics. In other centres, this service may be provided through the emergency department, or in collaboration with your family physician.
Find a TIA Rapid Access Clinic near you.


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