Life! Is for living

OCAV has partnered with Diabetes Victoria and Back in Motion to run a free healthy living program for residents, staff and volunteers to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The program, delivered over six sessions in a year, covers diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and goal setting.

The program will initially run in Leith Park and be rolled over to other villages depending on demand.

Kim D’Angelis, Volunteers’ Coordinator, said the program was designed to be practical and fun, delivering evidence-based advice.

“Everyone who takes part will be given the best possible support to help them make the most of the program and, importantly, reduce their risk of developing chronic disease,” she said.

Participants need to take a Life AusDRisk questionnaire to determine their eligibility. They also should have a BMI over 25. There are also health criteria to be met including high cholesterol, glucose levels and blood pressure.

The six sessions cover learning how changing your lifestyle can improve health and reduce the risk of chronic disease; nutrition including reading food labels and modifying recipes; understanding how to incorporate more exercise into your lifestyle and set achievable physical goals; learn about how to manage stress, relax and improve sleep; and how to manage setbacks, barriers and set new long-term goals.

Vanessa, a physiotherapist with Back in Motion, said that currently there is no cure for type 2 diabetes.

“Changing and keeping a healthy lifestyle can help keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. That is what this program is about – discovering how to make healthy living easier and then doing it,” she said.

More information can be found here: https://lifeprogram.org.au/

To learn how to get involved with the OCAV program, please contact Kim on kimd@ocav.com.au