The HEAL™ program was developed by Sydney South West GP Link who conducted programs in the South Western Sydney area for 10 years. HEAL™ is now administered by South Western Sydney PHN. ESSA is a HEAL™ regional licence holder.
Who can participate in HEAL™?
The program assists people who are overweight, or obese, with existing chronic disease or at risk of developing chronic disease to improve their health and well-being. Persons at risk of developing, or with existing diabetes, heart diseases or other conditions are examples of some of the participants that can attend HEAL™. People who are ready to change their behaviour will also benefit most from participating in HEAL™. Such persons should be ready to start planning simple steps and take appropriate action to improve their lifestyle.
HEAL™ Program Benefits
The HEAL™ program takes a non-dieting approach towards weight management. The program aims to change attitudes and mindset regarding dietary fads, gimmicks, and weight loss misconceptions. Participants of HEAL™ are encouraged to look beyond weight as the sole measure of success. HEAL™ takes into consideration that weight loss, or fat loss is a slow process that is best achieved by maintaining long term lifestyle changes to eating habits and physical activity levels. The program focuses on combining nutrition, physical activity, and psychology by addressing:
- Behaviour modification and goal setting
- Benefits of being physically active and the associated opportunities
- Nutrition education
- Label reading, recipe modification and low-fat cooking techniques
- Eating in a social environment- takeaway meals and eating out
- Skills for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Psychosocial issues of eating
Participant Feedback
“I would recommend this program to everyone. It is extremely well organised and supervised. It has provided me with the motivation I need to get fit as well as very helpful dietary information.” – Elaine
“I learnt a lot about being healthy and eating well. I feel more confident that I can keep making positive changes in my life.” – Steve
"Great course, great people. It’s really helped me turn things around.” – Dianne
To find your closest HEAL™ facilitator, click here