Staff Take Up The Challenge To Measure Up And Get Healthy
Posted: 31 August, 2009
Across the North Coast, Staff of the North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) will lead the way to getting healthy by taking up the challenge to eat well and get active when the 12 Week ‘Measure Up’ Staff Health Challenge is launched in early September.
Challenge launches are planned for Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Kempsey, Macksville, Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, Bellingen, Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Kyogle, Murwillumbah, Kingscliff and Tweed Heads Health facilities.
Jillian Adams, NCAHS Nutrition and Physical Activity Coordinator said the innovative health program has already proved very popular with Staff from North Coast TAFE, Country Energy and Grafton Base Hospital, which had some great outcomes.
“ The 12 Week ‘Measure Up’ waist loss challenge will encourage healthy eating and physical activity and help staff reduce their waist measurements. For men and women, a bigger waistline can mean an increased risk of chronic diseases like some cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes,” Ms Adams said.
“ Staff will receive helpful nutrition and physical activity information, including tips and will also be encouraged to access individualised health coaching from university qualified health coaches via the NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service.”
The NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service was launched by NSW Health in February 2009 and is a free confidential telephone Service, which helps people make lifestyle changes in relation to healthy eating, being physically active and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
To date, more than 3,000 calls have been made to the Get Healthy Service. People using the Service can receive up to 10 telephone based coaching calls, where the health coach will help with developing personal health goals, maintaining motivation and creating solutions for successful lifestyle change.
The NCAHS is encouraging all residents of the North Coast who need some support to get healthy to contact the Get Healthy Service by calling 1300 806 258 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm or by visiting www.gethealthynsw.com.au.
For more information on the Measure Up Challenge go to