Patients begin to take small actions

[Yog Raj]

I am working with NGO Mamta for HealthRise program supported by Abt Associates and funded by Medtronic Philanthropy. Through SALT and CLCP we are trying to motivate patients to respond to diabetes and Hypertension.

In Sangti Village, Himachal, India Patient Support group (PSG), there are small changes. One patient used to not exercise but during action planning he committed to regular exercise. Now he goes for a walk daily with another patient or with his wife. Whenever he goes for a function or a meeting, he encourages other people to get themselves checked, eat controlled diet and not skip medicine.

Another patient was very regular in both morning and evening walks even before SALT. But he has begun to encourage others to exercise.

Meanwhile a lady patient has become regular in taking medicine. Her family has been accompanying her in Patient Support Group meetings. The family has understood that diabetes and hypertension are related to one's lifestyle.  and now the family encourages her to take medicine on time,and go fo regular checks up. The families of patients have become more cooperative and support the patients for their health issues.