The Challenge of Access to Healthcare
In rural communities, the struggle to access healthcare is a stark reality, with individuals often having to traverse long distances on foot to reach the nearest health facility. This journey becomes even more arduous when seeking rehabilitation services, requiring a significant financial investment and impacting the lives of patients and their families. The burden of caring for those with chronic conditions falls disproportionately on girls and young women, leading to interruptions in education and perpetuating a cycle of helplessness.
The Birth of the Health in Motion (HiM) Model
In response to this pressing issue, the HiM model was developed to promote healthier, physically active communities through informed decision-making and proactive healthcare approaches. This model addresses the root causes of healthcare challenges in rural areas and empowers communities to take charge of their well-being.
HiM Programs: A Holistic Approach
Two key programs under HiM address different aspects of the healthcare challenge:
Injury Prevention Program:
Focuses on educating communities about overuse injuries.
Implements strategies such as ergonomics to prevent injuries.
Teaches alternative movement patterns and home modifications using locally available materials.
Chronic Home Rehabilitation Program:
Targets the elderly population with chronic overuse or degenerative limitations.
Assesses physical function and provides relevant stretches to alleviate symptoms.
Overcoming Cultural Resistance: The HiM Approach
Cultural resistance poses a significant challenge, with 32% of the community initially denying involvement. However, 92% of those adopting the HiM model experienced a notable decrease in physical pain and limitations. To foster acceptance, the HiM approach employs strategies such as empowering individuals through knowledge, storytelling for cultural discussions, month-by-month movement progression teaching, and community mapping tailored to specific environments.
Local Engagement: Programs Taught by Community Members
To ensure effectiveness, HiM programs are taught by passionate local community members committed to development. By emphasizing prevention and chronic care at the grassroots level, HiM aims to promote physical longevity and enhance the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
Program Results: Transforming Lives
The impact of HiM implementation is evident in the following outcomes:
89% of participants were pain-free post-implementation.
76% experiencing low back pain while farming significantly increased their pain-free hours.
All individuals previously stopping income-generating activities due to low back pain resumed after HiM implementation.
Chronic patients in the home rehabilitation program showed improved independent function within six months.
Founder's Journey and Vision for the Future
Founded by Christa Roby, a Canadian manual therapist with extensive experience, HiM has evolved through rigorous community engagement since 2015. The vision is to create thriving communities where improved physical movement leads to increased productivity and well-being. The mission is to empower rural communities through local initiatives and strategic partnerships, providing rehabilitation interventions and training.
Values: C.A.R.E.
HiM's values are encapsulated in the concept of C.A.R.E.:
Compassion: Acting out of compassion to enhance the well-being of communities.
Awareness: Recognizing the needs of the voiceless, particularly in the realm of pain.
Respond: Engaging the community to stand for the betterment of all.
Educate: Empowering individuals through knowledge for sustainable change.
HiM stands as a beacon of hope for rural communities, bridging healthcare gaps and fostering a future of increased physical well-being. Through compassion, awareness, response, and education, HiM envisions a world where healthcare is a right, not a distant privilege.
Ministry Overview:
Health in Motion (HiM), founded by Christa Roby, tackles rural healthcare challenges through programs like Injury Prevention and Chronic Home Rehabilitation. Locally taught, these strategies have reduced pain and improved functionality. Guided by values like Compassion and Education, HiM envisions thriving communities with enhanced well-being, bridging healthcare gaps and transforming lives.
Prayer Request:
Pray for blessings for all of the Health in Motion initiative to bring healing, compassion, and positive transformation to more rural communities.
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