Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions are health-related, so to help people turn these health goals into healthy habits, Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is offering the free Get Healthy service.
The Get Healthy service is a phone and online customised coaching program for anyone who is over 16 and lives in NSW.
It is perfect for anyone who wants to eat well, get active and reduce their alcohol intake. It can also support women to gain a healthy amount of weight in pregnancy.
NNSWLHD Acting Director of Integrated Care and Allied Health Services, Kathryn Watson, said that people who set specific goals, such as walking for 30 minutes three times a week, are more likely to succeed than people who set general goals like ‘exercise more’.
“Positive goals, like eating more vegetables, are more successful than planning to avoid foods such as, not eating chocolate,” Ms Watson said.
“When people join the Get Healthy Service, they have access to their own university-qualified health coach, with six or more regular confidential coaching calls at a time that suits them.
“Our health coaches keep people on track to achieve their goals and overcome barriers.”
Participants who complete the Get Healthy program lose an average of 2.1 kg, reduce their waist circumference by 1.4cms, eat more fruit and vegetables and become more physically active.
Cultural support is available for Aboriginal participants with a dedicated Aboriginal team that includes a health coach.
Mia, an Aboriginal woman and mum, has completed the Get Healthy in Pregnancy program and said it really helped her.
“As a single mum, it’s good to have someone to mentor you to get to your goal, so it drives your motivation skills,” Mia said.
Free access to in-language health coaching is also available in several languages including Cantonese and Mandarin along with interpreter services provided by the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS).
For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, the Get Healthy service is delivered by the National Relay Service.
Get Healthy Service e-referrals are in Best Practice and Medical Director. Medical professionals can refer, or community members can self-refer by calling 1300 806 258 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, Saturday, 9am to 5pm or register online at gethealthynsw.com.au.
This service is also identified as a Healthy North Coast Primary Care Impact statement, if GP practices decide they embed health coaching in care planning health and assessment.
Get Healthy NSW is also included in the below HealthPathways:
(Username manchealth, password is conn3ct3d)
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
