Features

Personal Stories & Experiences

There are a number of excellent websites and organisations that have specialised in capturing people’s stories and experiences which you may find interesting and helpful.

We would also like to hear your stories and useful suggestions.

The Your Heart Forecast tool was designed by Drs Sue Wells and Andrew Kerr, at the University of Auckland, and supported by the Heart Foundation, to help doctors and nurses address that challenge using a graphic story.

The graphic story shows patients:

1. Their current risk (where they are now)
2. How it relates to a peer with ideal risk factor control and same CVD risk (their cardiovascular age)
3. What would happen to their risk as they get older and made no changes (their heart forecast), and conversely
4. What would happen to their risk if they made healthy lifestyle changes, for example,stopped smoking.

 Mental Health - MoodGYM – Online CBT for Prevention of Depression

MoodGYM is a FREE online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) programme designed for the prevention of depression. The innovative and  interactive web programme provides users with online exercises, an interactive game, anxiety and depression assessments, downloadable relaxation audio, a workbook and feedback assessment that can be completed over 5 modules.

Developed by the Australian National University, MoodGYM teaches the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy – a proven treatment for depression. “It also demonstrates the relationship between thoughts and emotions, and works through dealing with stress and relationship break-ups, as well as teaching relaxation and meditation techniques.”

Mental Health – The Low Down Website for Youth with Depression

This is an exciting and appealing website looking at support for young people with depression or low mood. There are lots of excellent resources such as:

• TV and Music personalities talking about their experiences with depression
• Text and email support
• Music clips you can download
• Funded by NZ Government

Book – Managing Chronic Illness by Veronica Latham

This is an excellent book for anyone living with a long term condition or illness such as asthma, diabetes, chronic pain, arthritis, depression and heart problems. “Sympathetic, effective and informative, the book provides practical advice on steps you can take to reclaim your health and take control of your life again.” The author is able to bring a unique perspective and understanding, both as a patient living with a long-term condition and as a health professional. Well worth reading.

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Video for Health Providers - “Baby Steps in Healthcare” Helping People Set Useful Goals and Action Plans

Short, 5 min video by Dr Terry Davis produced as a Health Literacy Out Loud podcast (Episode 16). Video goes through some of the key aspects of working with patients to identify small steps they can take (action plan) towards improving their health.