Willett Watch

Willett keeps busy with healthy programs

Moving Day has come and gone for Dr. Robert Williams and his staff. Together with Doctors McDonald and Piercy, the three make up a core contingent of the PrimaCare Family Health Team located at the Willett. Everyone at the Willett is pleased to welcome them since the PrimaCare Family Health Team fits well with the role of the Willett as a multi-service health care centre. The other members of PrimaCare are Dr. Vlaar located in Ayr and Dr. Hutton situated in St. George.

Dr. William's move has gone smoothly with minimal renovations required to get the physician and other members of the Family Health Team staff up and running in their temporary home. “Willett staff have been excellent and really helped with our move in here,” says a pleased Dr. Willam. He adds, “Working together here we can identify a number of linkages between our organizations.”

A few areas that offer programs at the Willett had to be re-organized to accomplish this achievement and some minor renovations to accommodate the Family Health Team at the Willett are being completed. Improved patient flow is on the agenda for the lower level physiotherapy area and Diabetes Outreach now has their own clinic and office areas on the second floor, positioning this important service for future growth.

The need for more programs such as those run by the Willett and PrimaCare is increasingly apparent according to recent statistics. An important snapshot of health in our area is the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Heart & Stroke Report Card that presents health issues relevant to our community. In the latest offering which is derived from 2005 figures, there are a number of statistics that should serve as a wake-up call.

According to the Report Card, “Over half (56%) of local residents are overweight or obese, over 1 in 4 smoke daily or occasionally and almost half (46%) are physically inactive.” The results of these life-style challenges are immediately obvious. “Almost 1 in 4 (22%) aged 35 and over have high blood pressure.” Every day at the Brant Community Healthcare System five people are admitted to the hospital because of heart disease.

This is part of the reason why the Willett keeps getting busier. Especially on Thursdays and Fridays when the Stroke Prevention Clinic swings into gear. Programs at the Willett are also contributing to our good health with enrollment increasing in the Active At Any Size exercise class and the program TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) now located at the Willett.

Another serious health issue is being addressed, says Karen Kuzmich, Coordinator of Wellness and Health Integration, “The leading cause of death among seniors is attributed to falls.” This takes on an even more ominous tone when we look at the future. Those born during the post war years (baby boomers) will be reaching their senior years soon. Combined with low fertility rates and increasing longevity, 1 in 10 people will be over the age of 80 by 2056.

Helping address seniors falling, the REEACH program (Rehab Exercise and Education Achieves Continuing Health) at the Willett is integrating an entirely new component to its work with a focus on strength training, balance and gait problems.

Sending the message that a regular physical activity as simple as walking can have health benefits, the Paris Well-being Team are beginning their next six-week session of walks on April 2 nd . They will be out walking every Monday and Thursday at 7 p.m.. New this year are weekly giveaways and a chance to win a grand prize of a spa pedicure. Every time you join one of the walks you will be entered into the draw, so take up the challenge and begin walking with your friends and neighbours. To register call 519-442-4000, ext. 6332.

Peter Muir is a communications specialist with Community Relations at the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett provides urgent care, primary and community outreach services.