Spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, and Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is encouraging the community to spring into action and take some steps to improve their health and wellbeing.
NNSWLHD Health Promotion Manager, Elayne Mitchell, said there are many ways to get active and take advantage of the beautiful local environment.
‘Spring is a great time to check out a local park run, try the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, visit a waterfall, join a local exercise class, or register for the free Get Healthy Service,’ said Ms Mitchell.
‘Residents who are over 16 can access the free Get Healthy Service, a phone and online tailored coaching program designed to help people make lifestyle changes to improve their health.
‘The Get Healthy Service is available no matter where you live in Northern NSW, from Bonalbo to Byron and everywhere in between.’
Finding and reaching specific goals
The Get Healthy coaches are qualified dietitians, nurses, exercise physiologists that also have coaching training. The service helps people set specific goals, such as walking for 30 minutes three times a week, rather than general goals like ‘exercise more’.
‘It is perfect for anyone who wants to eat more healthily, get more active and reduce their alcohol intake. It can also support women to gain a healthy amount of weight in pregnancy,’ Ms Mitchell said.
‘Health coaches empower and motivate individuals by asking people what is important to them, so people are invested in their goals and are more likely to succeed.’
More than 95 per cent of participants of the Get Healthy Service report being satisfied or very satisfied with the service.
Free service
Free access is also available to Aboriginal health coaches, bilingual health coaches in 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.
To spring into action and join the Get Healthy Service today, you can call 1300 806 258 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, Saturday, 9am to 5pm, or register online at gethealthynsw.com.au.
