Chronic Disease Nurses

1. Advocate for you by consulting with other health care providers.

2. Provide information and education on how to prevent and manage chronic diseases on a daily basis, with as much independence as possible.

3. If possible, they try and match your treatment to your work and lifestyle schedule.

4. Discuss complications and how to avoid them.

5. Provide follow up and support to you and your family.

6. Perform arterial brachial index (ABI) testing to assess your circulation when ordered by your health care provider.

7. Perform spirometry testing to assess your breathing when ordered by your health care provider. 

8. Perform foot exams for patients living with diabetes and discuss foot care principles.

In the Interlake-Eastern region, the main conditions that chronic disease nurses deal with are:
• Diabetes- type 1, 2, and gestational
• Prediabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
• Heart conditions (heart attack recovery and congestive heart failure)
• Poor circulation (arterial vascular screening, arterial brachial index (ABI) testing)
• Asthma education 
• Stroke and mini-stroke

Chronic disease nurses also offer education in smoking cessation and healthy lifestyles.

Chronic disease nurses provide this information in many ways, including:
• Individual sessions for the person living with a chronic disease and their family
• Group sessions
• Public education and awareness

Any Interlake Eastern resident or family member is able to see a chronic disease nurse – no referral needed. All services are free of charge.