Carol, age 65, has diabetes and has been in the Birmingham
OwnHealth programme since it began in April 2006. Here's what
she had to say…
When I started on the Birmingham OwnHealth programme my
health was of a low standard, I was overweight and had low self
esteem due to several strokes. By 2009 I had lost enough weight to
have my diabetic medication stopped, I was fitter, breathed easier
and had confidence in myself.
The main thing that my Care Manager did for me was to believe in
me. Initially the Care Manager gave me the support and confidence
to be willing to make a change with my life. Support was given
through knowledge of my condition and ways to improve my health.
Being informed that housework was an acceptable physical activity
was a simple boost to my daily activity routine.
It was easier to know I was doing exercise when doing housework
rather than having to go to the gym. However, as time elapsed I did
end up going to the gym, walking between bus stops and gardening
(an activity I really love). I enrolled on a course to begin
studying again, such was the confidence that I developed after so
many years of it being absent.
Sometimes a very small amount of advice and support can make a
vast difference to my life. I hope this service continues for a
very long time as I have gained a lot more from this than I ever
envisaged."