BEING BEST IS CLOSER THAN YOU REALIZE
Meaningful group discussions center on good lifestyle behaviors
UF’s Mobile Outreach Clinic is known for providing clinical education to medical and nursing students through an immersive experience that focuses on impacting the health of patients in low-income areas of Alachua County. Their mission is to provide health care services to the underserved and help bridge the gap of those suffering from health disparities, delivered in a respectful, low-barrier setting.
Mobile Outreach Clinic initiatives include the BESTYou chronic disease self-management program, which takes an integrative approach to chronic pain and illness relief through lifestyle changes. The six-week schedule is available to anyone. Some of our colleagues at UF Health have been among the first to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their well-being and a healthier lifestyle.
Kiesha Young, an employment coordinator with UF Health Shands Human Resources, found the program to be interactive and focused on self-care.
“It’s important to set aside time for yourself and find the resources to help you achieve your goals,” Young said.
Through meaningful group discussions and effective strategies centered on good lifestyle behaviors, the program can transform you into your BESTYou.
BESTYou topics vary depending on the group or individual’s goals, including:
- Stress management and emotional wellness
- Gratitude and reflection
- Nutrition and physical activity
- How to communicate effectively with your health care provider
- Budgeting and financial responsibility
- Problem-solving skills
Prior to the program, Young practiced an all-or-nothing approach, she said, setting unattainable goals for herself. After completing the program, she learned, “You can make small changes, and that gets you to where you need to be.”