‘The Good Life’ session for people with neurological disorders

Sep 7 2009

The European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) and European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) will be celebrating ‘The Good Life’ at the 13^th EFNS Congress in September, to focus on what people living with neurological disorders can achieve with hope, determination, education and the re-discovery of personal capability. The session will show that Life Can Be Good and that quality of life can be enhanced with a positive approach and the right support.

The session, on Sunday 13^th September, will be hosted by Mary G. Baker, MBE, President of EFNA and from Slovenia, Professor of Neurology, David Vodusek, Treasurer of EFNS. Demonstrating the powerful influence that music and movement can have in the ‘Renaissance’ of the patient, will be performances by people living with neurological conditions.

‘The Good Life’ session will include a presentation by Paul Lasiuk of American Company, Healthy Interactions, which is pioneering patient self-education with its Conversation Map programmes.

Mary Baker is convinced of the benefits that arise when people are encouraged to look for the positives in life. They re-gain control of their condition, rather than focusing on the problems they face: “People diagnosed with a neurological condition are confronted with what must feel like an insurmountable set of challenges. EFNA helps by providing projects that enable them to see beyond the negative, and to discover skills and strengths to improve their quality of life.

Mary adds that providing the right tools to help people is a vital part of this process: “The work we have started with Healthy Interactions will deliver a programme of Conversation Maps that will involve people in the management of their own condition. We are working together to provide maps for the journeys people face. We believe that this kind of partnership with healthcare providers, healthcare educators and people impacted by chronic neurological conditions is essential. ”

The Conversation Map content is developed with disease associations and healthcare professionals, to ensure the material included aligns with the needs of the people involved in the programme, which will usually comprise of several sessions. Being part of the programme helps them make informed decisions and become better motivated to take positive action in dealing with their condition, gaining better self-management over lifestyle choices.