Health Professionals
Improving health outcomes together
The role of a professional Health Coach
When you deliver a diagnosis to your patients, the news can be met with fear, shock, and confusion. People often have trouble processing health information and feel lost after their appointment. Having a health coach involved in your patient’s care increases engagement and helps them to create lasting lifestyle changes.
Whether your patient is newly diagnosed or living with a chronic illness, or wants a healthier lifestyle, our professional Health Coaches can provide support, strategies, and guidance to connect them with vital tools and community resources.
People have limited success adopting health-promoting lifestyles through prescriptive and expert educational approaches. In addition to the knowledge they acquire from the expertise of clinicians, to develop a wellness plan and have confidence in implementing it, new life skills are needed. Our health coaches focus on building self-efficacy, confidence, motivation in our clients, which is the key to lasting behaviour change.
Live Well | Bien Vivre is accessible, bilingual, no charge professional health coaching that’s focused on prevention and self-management of chronic disease and conditions. Over 60% of adults in New Brunswick live with at least 1 chronic condition. Our health care provider referrals work to support those patients.
We know that 33% of our clients report that they’ve heard about us through their health care provider. Tell your patients about Live Well | Bien Vivre and refer them to the professional Health Coach nearest them. It only takes a moment to ask and refer a patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Do AEDs really save lives?
A
Yes! Using an AED with CPR within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can double the chances of survival. Real-life stories, like that of Richard Hebb, show how AEDs and quick action make a difference.
Q
Where can I get an AED?
A
You can:
Purchase an AED through Heart & Stroke NB’s Restart a Heart program.
Apply for funding through our AED Subsidy program, in partnership with the Government of New Brunswick, to cover up to 75% of the cost.
Q
How do I use an AED?
A
Turn it on by opening the lid or pressing the power button.
Attach the pads to the person’s bare chest as shown in the illustrations.
Follow the voice prompts – if advised, press the shock button.
If no shock is advised, continue CPR until medical help arrives.
Q
Can anyone use an AED? Do I need medical training?
A
Yes! AEDs are designed for anyone to use – no medical training is required.
AEDs assess the heart and only deliver a shock if necessary. You cannot harm someone by using an AED incorrectly.
Q
How can I recognize cardiac arrest?
A
A person experiencing cardiac arrest may:
· Collapse suddenly
· Lose consciousness and be unresponsive
· Stop breathing or gasp abnormally
If you notice these signs, act quickly by calling 9-1-1, starting CPR, and using an AED if available.
Q
What is an AED?
A
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a device that delivers an electric shock to restart a heart during cardiac arrest. It’s designed to be easy to use, with clear voice and visual instructions.
Q
What about this question? Is it also a test question for the AED Landing Page?
A
Q
Is this a test Question for AED Landing Page?
A
Q
Where does training take place?
A
For corporate / organizational classes, our instructors are happy to come to you, while your group enjoys the convenience of staying put. All we require is a space large enough to be able to move around, and connection to AV – that’s it!
For public courses or corporate courses where a space is not available, our instructors will offer training in a community location.
Q
How many people can be trained at one time?
A
Our instructor to student ratio is 1 to 12. We gladly accommodate larger groups, and will dispatch additional instructors to meet the required ratio & ensure a seamless training experience.
Q
How long is my certification valid?
A
First Aid certifications are valid for 3 years
Q
What can I expect at the hospital?
A
The paramedics will take you to the closest hospital with a specialized program for stroke care. They will call ahead so hospital staff are prepared for your arrival. You should receive medical attention soon after you arrive. If you don’t, let the emergency department staff know.
Provide detailed medical history and information about past medical conditions if possible. Knowing the exact time that the stroke signs began is important, because it can help hospital staff decide what treatment is right for you.
A brain scan should be done soon after you arrive, to find out the kind of stroke you experienced. If the stroke was caused by a blood clot, you may benefit from a drug called tPA. It can re-open blocked arteries which reduces the severity of the stroke, helping you recover more fully. tPA must be given as soon as possible and within four and a half hours from the start of symptoms.
Q
What is a mini-stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack)?
A
TIA (Transient ischemic attack), or “mini-stroke” happens when a clot stops blood from flowing to the brain for a short time. TIA is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency immediately. If you are not admitted to a hospital, ask when you will be seen at a stroke clinic and how that is arranged.
Q
Are there other signs of stroke?
A
Yes. The FAST signs are the most common signs of stroke and they are signs that are more likely to be caused by stroke than any other condition. There are some additional signs of stroke that are less common.
They include:
Vision changes - blurred or double vision
Sudden severe headache - usually accompanied by some of the other signs
Numbness - usually on one side of the body
Problems with balance
Q
Are women’s signs different than men’s?
A
The signs of stroke are the same for men and women.
Q
How do I know if I’m at risk?
A
Your risk of stroke depends on your lifestyle habits, like what you eat and whether you are active. Some health conditions - in particular high blood pressure - are significant contributors to risk. And finally, your risk depends on things you can’t control such as age and family history. Our risk assessment tool will help you assess your risk and will provide you with a personal report.
Q
Can I bring someone with me?
A
You may choose to see a Stroke Navigator or your own, or you may choose to bring someone with you for these sessions (ex: spouse, sibling, child, etc).
Q
What is Stroke Navigation?
A
Stroke Navigation is a service which aims to assist individual who have had a stroke to adjust to life back in the community. Stroke Navigation is focused on helping individuals to improve their participation in everyday activities such as daily tasks, recreation, and socialization. A stroke navigation session is facilitated by a “Stroke Navigator” whose role is to help their clients navigate the health, social, and community systems in order to assist in recovery. A stroke navigator will also help clients to set recovery goals, to access community resources and services, and to evaluate their progress. Our model focuses on patient empowerment and patient centered care. We work collaboratively with clients to develop recovery goals and action plans which best suit their needs.
Q
Is there a cost to Stroke Navigation?
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No – Stroke Navigation is a FREE program available to any individual who has had a stroke and is seeking assistance to readjust to life back in the community.
Q
Do I need to bring anything with me?
A
No – you are not required to bring anything with you. However, some individuals might find it helpful to bring the following.
A notebook and pen to take notes
Any information about the history of the stroke
Current prescriptions
Q
Are there any risks to Stroke Navigation?
A
While participating in Stroke Navigation is generally considered as being minimal risk. It is important to consider the following:
In order to get the most out this program, the Stroke Navigation process may require a level of openness and honesty between the Stroke Navigator and client that may be uncomfortable for some people. Topics may potentially be brought up which are sensitive in nature
Through the process of Stroke Navigation, you may need to confront difficult and/or uncomfortable truths regarding possible limitations post-stroke.
Q
Who can use Stroke Navigation Services?
A
Individuals who have had a Stroke in the past 12 months and who are living back in the community are the primary group that this service is intended for. There are no age requirements to this program.
If you do not meet these criteria, but still feel as though you may benefit from our program, you may still reach out to discuss if Stroke Navigation is right for you.
Q
Do I need a health care professional to refer me to Stroke Navigation?
A
No – While your health care professional may recommend Stroke Navigation to you and make a referral on your behalf, it is not necessary for accessing this service.
We do take self-referrals. If you think you could benefit from Stroke Navigation, you can book an appointment by calling (1-506-634-1620) or e-mailing us at info@hsf.nb.ca.
Q
How is stroke navigation conducted?
A
Currently, our Stroke Navigators are located in Saint John and Moncton. Those who wish to access Stroke Navigation in person can do so at either of these offices. However, those who do not wish to travel or who are unable to, may still access Stroke Navigation by either telephone or videoconference.