The lifestyle modification course, returning for the second time this year, aims to improve the primary prevention of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
And it’s all facilitated by Echuca-Moama health gurus.
As coordinator Jane Qualmann describes it, it’s ‘‘locals breathing life into Life!’’
‘‘I’m a diabetes educator in town and I deliver the first session,’’ she said.
‘‘The second session is facilitated by Danielle Paterson who is an expert in all things dietary.
‘‘Session three is by one of our local physios Bree Gaylor who is well known in town for her football skills and is an expert in terms of physical activity. But she doesn’t just address physical activity and its benefits, it’s more about core strength, balance and posture rather than just getting fit and going to the gym.
‘‘And the last session is by Bronwyn Buller who is a local meditation expert in town. That’s where stress management, relaxation and improved sleep quality comes into it.’’
Ms Qualmann said the hospital had received rave reviews for its first Life! program, launched February this year.
It’s a statewide trend, with 98 per cent of past participants saying they would recommend the program.
‘‘The feedback was overwhelmingly positive,’’ Ms Qualmann said.
‘‘What they liked most was how holistic it was. It looks at emotional health, physical health and wellbeing and captures the actual effects of food.
‘‘And it breaks down all these concepts into something understandable for most people who don’t have any health education or health literacy.
‘‘Plus the group aspect of the program is beneficial for a lot of people because they feel supported, not isolated or under a microscope like it can sometimes feel in a one-on-one setting.’’
There are six sessions for Life! that run over 12 months, with the first four sessions in the first eight weeks of the program.
‘‘So that’s fairly concentrated sessions every second week. Then after that, there’s a session every fourth month. And at 12 months there’s a bit of a catch-up,’’ Ms Qualmann said.
Life! will return to ERH on Wednesday, July 17 at 10am at the ERH Education Centre on Leichardt St.
■ For more information, contact Jane Qualmann or Danielle Paterson on 5485 5801.
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