The Aboriginal Health & Lifestyle Program is a three year program aimed at improving the lifestyles and reducing risk factors for chronic conditions within the local Aboriginal community.
Chronic conditions include:
Diabetes [Type 1 & Type 2]
Heart Disease
Kidney Disease
Why we need this program here in Kwinana
For Aboriginal people diabetes death rates are eight times higher, respiratory deaths almost four times higher and circulatory conditions almost three times higher than for non-aboriginal people.
These statistics are extremely alarming so prevention, early detection and self management of chronic conditions is important if we want to increase the lifespan of Aboriginal people
The Program will be aimed at providing and promoting healthy lifestyle opportunities to Indigenous people with Chronic Health diseases, in the Town of Kwinana, by;
Organising education /awareness workshops and activities to promote the risks of chronic health diseases. These could include:
Nutritional workshops
Health promotion workshops
Diabetes awareness workshops
Participation at community events to promote healthy lifestyles.
Promoting existing health services and linking clients to appropriate services
Attending the first initial appointment to local health services
Providing ongoing support and assistance to Indigenous clients with chronic health diseases by
Liaising /networking with both medical staff and clients in relation to their medical conditions.
Working with local agencies and the wider community to address access issues/barriers which prevent Indigenous clients from accessing appropriate healthcare eg; Arranging transport, cultural appropriateness of service
Ensuring clients are equipped with the tools to self manage their chronic health disease.
Assist with the education/training of medical equipment.
Assistance
The program will increase physical activity and nutritional educational opportunities in Kwinana by conducting the following sessions;
Walking groups
Cooking classes
Screening Programs
Exercise Programs
Dance Classes
Water aerobic classes
Diabetes educational sessions
Early intervention sessions within the local schools.
Why we need this program here in Kwinana