The free Life! program contains six education modules based on nutrition and physical activity guidelines.
It aims to offer the motivation and support needed to make and maintain a more healthy lifestyle.
Indigenous Australians are three times more likely than non-indigenous Australians to develop type 2 diabetes and six times more likely to die from diabetic complications.
And, most concerning, indigenous children are eight times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Which is why local exercise physiologist and Life! coordinator Mick Cannon said something desperately needs to change.
“At the end of the day, we are all responsible for how we treat our bodies,” he said.
“We can blame the government, we can blame a lack of resources and so on, but in the end it’s all a choice.
“Education, good choices and accountability are key to any successful lifestyle modification.
“During the program we aim to debunk myths associated with dieting, and exercise and teach participants how to make informed choices to reduce their risk of lifestyle related diseases.
“We also hope participants will pass these skills onto the next generation and assist in the Close the Gap initiative.”
Mick is seeking 15 people to participate in an eight-week trial, with locals from Moama, Echuca and Cummeragunja invited to attend.
He will co-ordinate the trial program alongside Njernda health promotion officer Keith Hearn.
Keith said he was planning on taking part in Life! himself.
“I’m at the risk of being diabetic but I know being part of a team will motivate me,” he said.
“I’m not going to tell people to do something if I’m not going to do it myself.
“We are too reactive instead of proactive. We want to prevent people from getting sick in the first place.”
The program covers gestational diabetes, chronic kidney disease, pre diabetes, high cholesterol and polycystic ovary syndrome.
In future, the flexible program can be delivered one-on-one or in groups, and will be run in Moama, Echuca and Cummeragunja at dates and times suited to the needs of the communities.
GPs, pharmacists, medical practices and allied health professionals are entitled to a $27.71 rebate for any participants they refer to the program who complete the introductory session.
The trial program will launch on Thursday, November 21 with a lunch and open day at the Njernda Hub from 12.30pm to 2pm.
The first session will kick off on Thursday, November 28 from 1pm to 3pm at Njernda Medical Centre.
To self-refer, locals can call Keith at Njernda on 5480 6252 or Mick on 0418 553 349.
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