NLHHP - Women and Heart Health (Section B)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Section A

Section B

Section C

Appendices

Section B
Information for Facilitators

This section provides additional information for facilitators to help with preparing for the presentation:

Please read this information well in advance of conducting the information session.

Tips For Giving Effective Presentations

The following is a checklist for conducting an information session. Keeping these steps in mind will help you feel more relaxed and confident.

Follow the step by step instructions given for the information session. Most of the materials that you need are included in this package.

Mentally run through the information to review each idea in sequence.

Practice answers to questions that you may anticipate from the audience.

Review the videotape prior to showing it at the information session.

Arrive early to the location where the presentation will be held and ensure all the necessary equipment is in place and working.

Arrange chairs in a circle, if possible.

Arrange to have some refreshments at the end of your session ( Hint: think heart healthy!)

Tips for Reducing Anxiety

1. Organize

Knowing that your thoughts are well organized will give you more confidence, which will allow you to focus energy into your presentation.

2. Visualize

Imagine yourself giving a great presentation . Mentally rehearse the sequence of events of the information session. This will help you focus on being successful.

3. Practise

Practise your presentation standing up as if the audience was in front of you. Use your visual aids (if you have them). This is one of the best ways to prepare.

4. Breathe

When your muscles tighten and you feel nervous, you may not be breathing deep enough. The first thing to do is to sit up straight and inhale deeply a number of times.

5. Focus on Relaxing

Focus on relaxing. Repeat to yourself "I am relaxed", over and over.

6. Eye contact with the Audience

Try to make your presentation a one on one conversation. Talk to your group as individuals. Look at people’s eyes when you speak. Connect with them. Make it personal.

Adapted from Heart Health Project in Ontario
Families in Training Kit

Adult Learning Principles

As a group leader, you will have the opportunity to create an environment which supports learning. The following principles explain how adults learn. By including these in your group session, your participants will feel comfortable and respected and learning will be enhanced.

Adult learning is enhanced when:

The information being shared is meaningful for them and is applicable to their lives.

Adults are in group settings, sharing ideas and experiences with others.

Adults are encouraged and shown respect when sharing their ideas

Adults are given the opportunity to become actively involved with the information you want to share with them.

Why Icebreakers and Wrap Up Activities Are Important

Icebreakers

Purpose: To relax participants and allow them to learn more about each other and help to focus the session.

To warm up the group.

To reduce tension.

To get everyone involved.

Icebreakers are usually short, light hearted, non-threatening.

Wrap-up Activities

Purpose: A wrap up brings the events of the session together and leaves the participants with a strong sense of purpose.

Examples:

a recap of highlights or key points

a discussion of how each participant will carry these ideas back home to incorporate into their lives.

summarize highlights

Factors That May Hinder Women From Attending A Heart Health Information Session

Facilitators must consider the pattern of a woman’s life and the role that a woman’s responsibilities play in the decisions that she makes.

Understanding and valuing a woman’s situation will help educators provide ways for her to continue learning.

Responsibility for child care or care of other relatives often means shortage of time and lack of social support and may hinder a women's ability to participate in programs.

Women become isolated in the home for many reasons such as:

language barriers

cultural differences

traditional expectations to "stay at home"

being a single parent

loss of spouse or partner

As a facilitator be sure to schedule information sessions at times which are convenient for most women.

Advertise sessions well in advance (at least 2 weeks before). Put posters up in grocery stores, church halls, community centres, town halls, and post offices.

Explanation of Terms

Angina: Pain and discomfort caused by lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. Angina may occur by: an increase in physical activity, a stressful event, exposure to the cold, or following a large meal.

Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is the force created in your heart when it contracts which is necessary to carry blood to all parts of the body.

Cardiovascular Disease: Diseases of the heart and blood vessels which decrease ability to function.

Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a type of fat that occurs naturally and is needed by your body. But too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of having heart disease and a stroke. High fat diets tend to raise blood cholesterol levels.

Diabetes Diabetes is a disease that results in abnormally high blood glucose (sugar) levels and can cause damage to different organs and blood vessels in the body.

Heart Attack: A heart attack happens when the artery supplying blood to the heart becomes narrowed or closed, so that blood cannot get to the heart. As a result part of the heart muscle dies.

Heart Disease: Disease which interferes with the proper functioning of the heart muscle and vessels.

High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure puts an extra burden on your heart and blood vessels. Pumping against abnormally high pressure makes your heart overwork.

Stroke: A stroke happens when a blood clot prevents blood from getting to some part of the brain. Bleeding from a blood vessel in the brain may also cause a stroke. During a stroke, some brain cells may die and the parts of the body they control stop functioning.

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Section B Information for Facilitators