Free major health program launches in Wide Bay

Wide Bay locals will be receiving free health checks at the Station Square Shopping Centre in Maryborough today to determine whether they are eligible to participate in a $27 million healthy lifestyle program, My health for life.

Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick Minister said Wide Bay was the first region in Queensland to benefit from the Palaszczuk Government program aimed at guiding people in living healthy lifestyles.

“My health for life is a quality, evidence-based program delivered by health professionals and will be free for eligible participants,” Mr Dick said.

“It’s a lifeline for people who are at high risk of developing chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, because it provides an opportunity for them to get their health back on track.

“The fact is a lot of people may not be aware they are at risk of these conditions because the symptoms or signs might not yet be obvious which is why we want to get as many eligible people into the program as possible.

“The program will launch in Cairns in April and Moreton North in May before being rolled out across other parts of Queensland over the next two years.”

My health for life will offer participants six sessions of coaching and support over six months. The first session is a one-on-one personalised appointment and the remaining sessions will be delivered in either small local groups or structured phone coaching.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said kicking off the multi-million dollar program in Wide Bay would be great for improving health throughout the region.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving the health of all Queenslanders and I’m proud that our region will be the first to use this great program,” Mr Saunders said.

“I think proactive programs that offer people a real chance of avoiding future illness are a great investment in the health of this area.

“The program will be hosting a display and undertaking health checks on the public to determine eligibility and entry into the program.

“Along with achieving positive health outcomes for individuals, My health for life will also create stronger communities and help take pressure off the public health system by allowing participants access to a range of tools and resources both on and off-line.”

Funded by the Queensland Government, My health for life will be delivered by a health alliance led by Diabetes Queensland, and comprising the National Heart Foundation, National Stroke Foundation, the Queensland Primary Health Networks, the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council.

Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute said the program would appeal to people looking for a different approach to achieving a healthier lifestyle.

“People often know what is good for them, but have difficulty starting or getting to where they need to go,’’ Ms Trute said.

“That’s where we come in. The program recognises everyone is different and will have different barriers and motivation for living a healthier life.

“We work with people to set realistic goals and then show them how they can take small steps to achieve big health results.’’

Ms Trute said the alliance had welcomed the challenge of developing the program – one of the biggest preventive health programs to be rolled out in Queensland.

“The organisations that belong to the alliance have been working in this space for some time, so we are delighted to be part of a program that works alongside local health professionals,’’ she said.

“Instead of everyone trying to do a bit, we can combine efforts and work together to achieve a stronger outcome.’’

Information on the program, including eligibility criteria, is available on www.myhealthforlife.com.au or by calling 13 RISK (13 74 75).

ENDS

Media contact:

Emma McBryde        0447 155 332