04 January 2010
A new online healthy lifestyle program is helping Western Australians to reduce their risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes WA designed My Healthy Balance in response to continued growth in diabetes rates, which is forecast to cost Australia $7 billion annually by 2033 – an increase of more than 400% from 2003 levels*.
According to Diabetes WA’s Director of Health Promotion, Diane Ledger, the free program is supporting people in making positive lifestyle changes, such as reaching a healthy weight through healthy eating and regular physical activity.
“My Healthy Balance can help people to reach and maintain a healthy weight, a crucial part of reducing the burden of disease in Australia, as people with obesity are four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes,” Ms. Ledger said.
“If current lifestyle trends continue unabated over the next 20 years, it is estimated that nearly three-quarters of the Australian population will be overweight or obese by 2025.”
Mandurah resident, Allan Wiseman has found My Healthy Balance valuable in managing his blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
“My doctors told me I had to lose weight and exercise to relieve the pressure on my heart. Through the sessions on My Healthy Balance, I learnt lots about how to change my lifestyle and lost about 10kg over 6 months,” Mr Wiseman said.
“Nowadays, I don’t just walk, but I’ve also taken up cycling, canoeing and golf. I used to eat way too much – I now keep away from biscuits and cakes and try and get in my two fruit and five veg a day. My Healthy Balance was easy to follow and everything was explained very well. It motivated me to change my ways.”
My Healthy Balance can be accessed at www.myhealthybalance.com.au or, for more information, phone Diabetes WA on 1300 136 588.
This free online program was developed by Diabetes WA, supported by the Heart Foundation and The Cancer Council WA and funded by the Department of Health, Western Australia and the Australian Government Department of Health Ageing.
ENDS
*Projection of disease & healthcare expenditure in Australia, 2003 to 2033, University of Queensland and Australian Institute of Health & Welfare
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