New WA health initiative giving people across the State access to free online health coaching

A new healthcare initiative is giving people access to free online health coaching to help curtail the rise of chronic conditions across WA.

The new initiative, run by Better Health Company with funding from the Department of Health, has launched in WA with aims to address the pressing preventable health challenges many Australians face.

After a successful launch in South Australia the program aims to address the rise of conditions such as obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, all of which often impact those living in regional WA to a higher degree.

According to a 2022 report published by the Western Australia Department of Health on the health and wellbeing of adults in Western Australia, the Mid West had a higher prevalence of adults who rate their health as “poor” or “fair” compared to the the State average.

The data showed the Mid West had more than 50 per cent of its adults categorised as obese, compared to WA’s 37 per cent average, with associated conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease also more prevalent.

The Mid West had 17 per cent of adults diagnosed with a mental health condition in the past year, fewer than the State average of 21 per cent. But the region is home to a slightly higher percentage of adults who consumed alcohol excessively than the State average.

Better Health’s new initiative aims to tackle these challenges head-on by providing personalised remote support and practical guidance.

The free coaching service offers West Australian adults the tools they need to make positive changes, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall quality of life, including 10 phone appointments with a qualified health professional.

A DoH spokesperson said the investment into community-based services like this initiative is one of the key priorities identified in the WA Sustainable Health Review from 2019, aiming to improve access to health care and better health outcomes for people living in regional and rural communities throughout WA.

“The impact of health coaching services has demonstrated significant improvements in diet and lifestyle factors, as well as marked improvements in skills, confidence, self-esteem, leading to an improved quality of life,” they said.

“BHC has supported more than 50,000 Australians by helping people make healthy lifestyle changes to prevent chronic disease.

“The approach has demonstrated that early intervention can have a significant impact by supporting individuals, families and communities.

A BHC spokesperson said West Australians are invited to take advantage of this valuable resource and join the movement towards better health.

“Whether you’re looking to manage a chronic condition, improve your diet, or reduce stress, the Better Health Coaching Service is here to support you every step of the way,” they said.

For more information visit Better Health Coaching’s website or contact Better Health Company on 1300 822 953.