Archive: Around Town

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga announced the launch of our Health Coaching Program, funded through a grant by Care Compass Network. The goal of the program is to assist individuals in taking proactive steps to care for themselves and in developing a sense of control over their own health.

Program participants themselves will choose which personal health issues they will focus on. Examples of such issues include, but certainly aren’t limited to, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, COPD and asthma. The program will encourage preventative care and provide education, encouragement, and accountability.

The program is being offered to Tompkins County residents and targeted to individuals who are on Medicaid or are uninsured, with a special emphasis on people living in rural areas. Because low income individuals outside of Ithaca often face transportation barriers, home visits are available to make it easier for them to access this service. Some program participants will be offered “health-positive” incentives such as access to free classes on exercise, cooking, and gardening.

According to Catholic Charities’ Community Health Worker Sarolta DeFaltay, “Health Coaching shows people facing chronic health issues that they are not alone. We will walk with them, encouraging them to take one step at a time toward better health. We’ll also help them to recognize the warning signs they shouldn’t ignore and to manage their health records, so they can give their health care providers accurate information.”

v14i28