Healthy changes coming to Kawana
A HEALTHY lifestyle program aimed at motivating people towards better eating, regular exercise and relaxation habits is coming to Kawana.
The next Lighten Up program, run by Queensland Health, will begin on Monday August 6 from 6-8pm at the Lake Kawana Community Centre.
Queensland Health healthy lifestyles program coordinator Jenny O'Dwyer said turning to comfort food and snuggling up on the couch was a common barrier to healthy living during the chilly winter months.
"Shedding a heavy winter coat need not be a problem if you remember to focus on healthy eating and regular activity and, just sometimes, allow yourself to indulge in comfort behaviours," Ms O'Dwyer said.
"Indulging in comfort behaviours is normal, but overdoing it leads to weight gain and can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers."
The seven week program is not a weight management program, but rather a healthy lifestyle program suitable for people of all shapes and sizes.
"The program encourages eating in moderation, finding activities that you can enjoy regularly and developing an awareness of unhealthy habits at their triggers," Ms O'Dwyer said.
The program involves presentations from a range of health professionals, physical activity demonstrations and a weekly walking group.
Lighten Up costs $20 and involves a two-hour weekly workshop for seven weeks.
The program is designed for men and women over 18 years of age, who are starting to show signs of poor health (overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypertension) and need motivation to make lifestyle changes.
Anyone interested can register by calling Ms O'Dwyer on 5470 6985 or by emailing jenny_odwyer@health.qld.gov.au.
