11:12am Friday 8th February 2008
By Staff Reporter
A RADCLIFFE woman who regained the confidence to take control of her health is inspiring other local people to follow in her footsteps.
Doreen Monaghan (39) signed up to the free NHS course known as the Expert Patient Programme (EPP) during 2006. She has the immune system illness, Lupus.
The course is designed for adults with chronic or long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, stress and depression, and aims to give people the confidence to manage their health more effectively on a day-to-day basis.
Relating her experiences, Doreen said: "Up until taking part in the EPP course in 2006, my health condition dominated my life. The course was a major turning point for me as it helped me to take control back over my life, instead of my condition controlling me. I was amazed with how different my life had become."
The EPP course covers many different topics including how to deal with pain and extreme tiredness; coping with feelings of depression; relaxation techniques; exercise; healthy eating and communication.
Since the course originally got under way in Bury back in 2003, it has gone from strength to strength.
Doreen is now helping other local people to gain the confidence to take control of their health. After being inspired by the course, she went on to become an EPP tutor for Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT). And together with colleague Linda Spencer, she has successfully run more than ten courses, helping around 75 local people in the process.
Bury Primary Care Trust has EPP courses planned throughout 2008. If you are interested call on 0161 272 4060.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk