New Year’s resolutions can lead to a new you
30 December 2009
With the holiday season almost behind us, it’s that inevitable time of year when post-Christmas guilt sets in: too many mince pies, way too much eggnog, and far too little exercise.
The average Australian puts on a little weight over the holiday season, which makes facing the New Year more than a little challenging on the waistline.
During the coming week, millions upon millions of people around the world will be formulating their New Year’s resolutions.
Apart from wanting to rid themselves of Christmas-kilos, many people will also resolve to exercise more, eat healthier and stop smoking or drinking alcohol.
Hunter New England Health Public Health Physician Dr Craig Dalton said the most effective way people can kick bad habits forever, is to stick to a long-term plan and get support and advice before making any changes in lifestyle.
“Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Smoking continues to be the greatest cause of preventable death and disease in Australia,” Dr Dalton said.
“That is why it is so important to quit smoking now. The sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you will realise the health benefits. The benefits can be felt in as little as a week.”
The NSW Quitline (137 848) offers a free call back service to provide extra support to people during their quit attempt.
For those post-Christmas kilos, there is hope in the form of the NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service. The service can help you make healthy lifestyle changes, including providing information and ongoing one-on-one coaching on healthy eating, physical activity, and ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity now affects more than 1.6 million adults across NSW and according to a recent study, 54.1 per cent of women and 61.5 per cent of men in the HNE Health Area are overweight or obese. The study also highlighted only 59.7 per cent of men and 49 per cent of women undertake adequate physical activity.
The NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service offers participants access to their own qualified health coach who will help them set healthy lifestyle goals and support them by maintaining motivation to achieve results.
The Service is staffed by health coaches who are qualified as dietitians, exercise physiologists, psychologists and nurses, and best of all, it’s free.
People can access Get Healthy by calling 1300 806 258 – a number which can be called from any NSW fixed landline for the cost of a local call – or by visiting www.gethealthynsw.com.au
(HNE-2122)
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: (02) 6767 7135