diseases are learning a new philosophy to create healthier lifestyles.

The Health Department has invited about 20 representatives from a variety of different governmental and non-governmental agencies to come together at the Elbow Beach Hotel to learn how to help clients change negative risky behaviours.

The three-day seminar is led by Peter McGrath, a prevention training centre coordinator for the University of Rochester in New York State, and Kimberley Berkhoudt, a nurse practitioner and STD clinic coordinator also from the university.

Yesterday, Gaylia Landry of the Bermuda Health Department said the seminar was designed to keep local professionals up to date with evolving techniques.

"We've been educating (clients) for years, but somehow that education doesn't always translate into behaviour change,'' explained Mrs. Landry.

Now, instead of the lengthy, eighties model of simply educating clients who came to them for assistance, counsellors will listen to their existing attitudes and perceptions.

And determining the willingness or preparedness of those clients to change is also an important new focus.

Ultimately, it is hoped the new client-centred approach will be more successful in encouraging them to avoid risky lifestyles.

And Mr. McGrath said persons who were already infected with diseases were typically the most unwilling to change.

But by listening to what steps they were prepared to take -- and when -- counsellors could guide them toward healthier lifestyles more effectively and quickly.

However, Mr. McGrath pointed out that while the social costs of victims were easy to figure, the potential savings by reducing the number of future victims was not always possible.

And Mrs. Landry said she hoped Bermuda's small size would allow the new approach to spread throughout the Island.

If so, it could lead to greater corroboration amongst the agencies and a more consistent system for those seeking help.

Seminar leaders: US trainers Peter McGrath and Kimberley Berhoudt are on the Island to present a seminar on new methods in STD and HIV counselling.

HEALTH HTH