In 2017, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the Healthcare that counts (HCTC): A framework for improving care for vulnerable children in Victorian health services. The HCTC framework was developed to support all Victorian health services to strengthen their response to children at risk of abuse or neglect and drive system-wide improvements to deliver coordinated and high-quality care. All health organisations across Victoria are expected to implement the HCTC framework – whether they be a community health service, acute hospital, Aboriginal health service, rural health service, mental health service, drug and alcohol service or integrated health service.

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A survey of PCP partners established that there were low rates of awareness of the HCTC framework.  DHHS has funded the HCTC project to support six health organisations in the Loddon area. These organisations were selected through an expression of interest process.

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Learnings from this project are being shared with the Department via the project steering committee to inform the ongoing review of the HCTC Framework. The project model supports pathways for both advocacy and information sharing across Victoria. A final report will be submitted upon completion of the project in June 2019.

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Click here for project updates and further information.

From all of us at Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership, we'd like to wish you a very merry and safe holiday season.

It has, yet again, been a productive year for our partnership. We moved into our new home in King Street, Bendigo and we've worked together as a partnership to promote healthy lifestyles, good mental health and wellbeing and prevent family violence across the region.

As 2017 draws to a close, we'd like to take a moment to acknowledge your ongoing support and let you know 2018 is set to be even bigger and we sincerely hope you're part of it.

Our office will be closed from Friday, 22 December 2017 until Tuesday, 2 January 2018.

See you in January.

On October 10, The Engine Room will host the cast of Carpe Diem for an uplifting look at men’s mental health and the importance of mateship as part of Bendigo’s annual Mental Health Week activities.

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Stressing the role of friendship and professional care during times of crisis, the comedy by playwright Megan Rigoni follows two men played by comedian John Walker and actor Chris Pidd, on their mental health journey during a long-running drought.

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A spokesperson for Bendigo’s Mental Health Week Committee, Peter Nelson, said nearly half of Aussies will encounter mental illness during their lives, which means many of us have a friend or family member who’ve lived that experience.

“For many of us it’s hard to know how to support our loved ones and finding the right advice can be tricky if you don’t know where to start,” said Mr Nelson.

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“With Carpe Diem we want to encourage people, especially men, to talk to their mates, ask if they’re OK and if there are concerns, assist them to seek help.

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“Services are available locally; with the right help and a good support network, people can recover to lead healthy, productive and satisfying lives."

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The free community event will be staged at The Engine Room located at 58 View Street, Bendigo. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The performance will be followed by a light supper and a Q&A with the actors.

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This production of Carpe Diem has been proudly supported by the City of Greater Bendigo, Bobcat of Bendigo, the McKern Foundation and the Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership.

Tickets can be reserved online at www.gotix.com.au or by telephone on 03 5434 6100.

At Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership, we take time each holiday season to reflect upon the good things we have…like our work and friendship with you.

It's been quite a year and we owe our productivity and success to our colleagues, partners and supporters.

We hope that 2016 has been just as memorable for you, your colleagues, clients and loved ones. 

We look forward to working with you in 2017. Happy Holidays

Staff at Heathcote Health are slipping on their running shoes and limbering-up ahead of the Up for a Lunchtime Walk? Challenge this December 5 - 9.

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The challenge is an initiative of Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership’s Healthy Eating Active Living Working Group (HEAL), that encourages partnering health and community organisations across the region to step away from their desks  and take a 10 minute walk each lunchtime for better health outcomes.

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Bendigo Community Health Services Senior Manager of Prevention and Population Health and HEAL Chair, Kaye Graves said more than 30 per cent of Bendigo and Loddon residents were not doing enough physical activity to benefit their health.*

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“A lot of us work in jobs where we spend much of our day behind a desk, but this can have a detrimental effect on our health, increasing our risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes,” said Ms Graves.

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“Just 10 minutes of regular exercise each day can help turn this around, preventing the onset of chronic illness, boosting mental wellbeing and increasing our social connections.

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“Organisations that their support staff to be active also see the benefits, with significant reductions in absenteeism and increases in productivity of up to 50 per cent, with minimal financial investment.”**

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Heathcote Health Chief Executive, Dan Douglass is looking forward to taking part in the inaugural challenge and is hoping to kick-start a more active workplace culture the busy rural hospital.

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“It’s often hard to find the time to exercise while at work, especially in the demanding health sector,” Mr Douglass said. 

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“But we know taking regular breaks and staying active during the workday is important to maintaining a healthy workforce.

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“Our team is excited; plans are already underway to set up regular walking groups so work colleagues can share the experience and encourage one another.

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“We also want to set an example for our community and encourage more Heathcote residents to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

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Heathcote Health isn’t alone, with a number of local organisations stepping up to challenge including: 

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• Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative

• Bendigo Community Health Services

• Bendigo Health

• City of Greater Bendigo

• Inglewood & District Health Services

• Loddon Shire Council

• Northern District Community Health Services

• Women’s Health Loddon Mallee

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For information about how your organisation can get involved visit www.blpcp.com.au or contact Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership on blpcp@bchs.com.au.

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*Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership Population Health Profile, Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership, 2015

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**Health & Development through physical activity and sport, WHO 2003

Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership’s Healthy Eating Active Living Working Group (HEAL) is calling on workplaces across the region to step away from their desks and into a pair of walking shoes for better health as part of the Up for a Lunchtime Walk? challenge this December 5-9.

Bendigo Community Health Services Senior Manager of Prevention and Population Health and HEAL Chair, Kaye Graves said more than 30 per cent of Bendigo and Loddon residents were not doing enough physical activity to benefit their health*.

“A lot of us work in jobs where we spend much of our day behind a desk, but this can have a detrimental effect on our health, increasing our risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes,” said Ms. Graves.

“Adding exercise to our already busy lives can seem like a hassle, but a quick 10 minute walk during your lunch break is enough to see noticeable benefits.”

Local organisations and businesses are urged to take part in Up for a Lunchtime Walk? by supporting their staff to get moving and recording their daily walks. 

You can kick-start an active culture at your workplace and boost your campaign by:

• Supporting staff to get up from their desks during breaks

• Encouraging staff to use the stairs instead of the elevator

• Promoting healthy lifestyle events via the noticeboard or intranet

• Taking informal meetings outside; where possible have walking meetings

• Starting a lunchtime walking group

• Championing the benefits of walking or cycling to work

Ms. Graves said the benefits of building an active workplace culture were significant.

“As well as preventing chronic disease among your staff, regular exercise can boost mental wellbeing and social connections and increase productivity in the workplace.”

“In some cases creating a workplace culture that encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles can reduce sick leave by more than 30 per cent and double productivity, with minimal financial investment.”**

For information about how your organisation can get involved visit www.blpcp.com.au or contact Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership on blpcp@bchs.com.au.

*Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership Population Health Profile, Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership, 2015

**Health & Development through physical activity and sport, WHO 2003

Someone you know living in the Loddon area will have diabetes but almost half won’t know they have it according to information released by the Diabetes in Loddon Action Group (DiLAG) ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14.

This year DiLAG is asking the Loddon community and its health professionals to take action to help identify people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and encourage them to get tested to prevent diabetes complications such as blindness.

Northern District Community Health Service’s April Saladores said improved screening for type 2 diabetes was important to improve the health of local residents.

“Many people live with type 2 diabetes for a long period of time without being aware of their condition, which makes them particularly susceptible to complications,” said Ms Saladores.

“Of the 415 million adults worldwide living with diabetes over a third will develop diabetic retinopathy – a complication of diabetes that can lead of vision impairment or blindness.

“The good news is early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss and reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals, their carers and the community.”

For those needing help to manage the condition there’s no need to travel to Bendigo or Melbourne with diabetes services based out of Boort District Health, Inglewood and Districts Health Service and Northern District Community Health Service.

Inglewood and Districts Health Service’s Angela Roney said support was available to all Loddon residents, even people with pre-diabetes.

“Diabetes Educators can provide you with initial information, what can happen in the future and what to look out for if something goes wrong,” said Ms. Roney.

“For people with type 2 diabetes, we can help you avoid complications through treatment and lifestyle changes like healthy eating, exercise and weight loss.

“If you’re already experiencing complications we can help navigate the health system and put you in touch with the right services and treatments to reduce the impact on your everyday life.”

To make an appointment with a local diabetes educator please telephone Boort District Health on 5451 5200, Inglewood and District Health Service on 5431 7000 or Northern District Community Health Service on 5451 0200.

The Loddon and Gannawarra Health Services Executive Network (LGHSEN) has come together to conduct a local health needs analysis, with the results to inform a new integrated service plan for the Gannawarra and Loddon region.

Kerang District Health Chief Executive Officer and LGHSEN Chair, Robert Jarman said the collaborative project would bring the region’s health services together to identify common health needs and prioritise local activities and programs to address areas of demand or gaps in service.

“As a rural area many of our residents contribute to their communities across shire boundaries, the same goes for how they access health and community services,” said Mr Jarman.

“That’s why it’s important we develop a shared understanding of what issues are affecting our communities, what services they need to address their concerns and how best to work together to make accessing health services as straightforward and efficient as possible for our clients.”

The analysis will include a comprehensive examination of local health and demographic data, consultations with local health professionals and opportunities for local agencies and their stakeholders to contribute to the planning and implementation of programs and services through a collective design process.

Organisations taking part in the health needs analysis include:

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• Boort District Health

• Cohuna District Hospital

• Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

• Echuca Regional Health

• Gannawarra Shire Council

• Inglewood & District Health Services

• Kerang District Health

• Loddon Shire Council

• Mallee District Aboriginal Services

• Murray Primary Health Network

• Northern District Community Health Services

• Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership

• Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership

Results of the health needs analysis are expected to be announced in early 2017.

For more information about the Loddon Gannawarra Health Needs Analysis please email Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership at blpcp@bchs.com.au.

Diabetes in Loddon Action Group (DiLAG) has joined forces with Loddon Shire to support VicHealth’s Walk to School month and encourage life-long habits among local children that will reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Walk to School month is a free, easy and fun way for kids to get active this October. Victorian primary students are encouraged to walk, ride or scoot to and from school or to their nearest bus stop to kick-start healthy travel habits that can lead to good health for life.

Northern District Community Health Services Diabetes Educator and DiLAG Chair Alex Carter said the prevalence of diabetes was growing in the Loddon area, but this trend could be slowed or even reversed by instilling healthy  lifestyle patterns, like doing regular physical activity and eating a balance diet, early in life.

“We want to encourage more kids to walk, ride, scoot and play sport in Loddon and support children and families in achieving the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily,” said Mrs Carter.

“We also know that regular exercise needs to be complemented with a balance diet to help our kids, grow, develop and live healthy and happy lives.”

This year nine local schools taking part in Walk to School month activities.

DiLAG will hold three free nutrition sessions with these students to teach them about the importance of eating a wide variety of nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, to grow healthy and strong.

Other local Walk to School activities have been being coordinated by Loddon Shire including:

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• Visits from Olympians from the Rio Olympic Games

• Physical activity sessions coordinated by Kelly Sports

• Zumba sessions

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Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. Loddon schools can contact Alycia O'Sullivan the Early Years Coordinator at Loddon Shire Council on 5437 7999 to find out more about local Walk to School activities, or visit www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au for more information.

A new mental health resource produced by Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership’s Mental A to Z Network (MAZN) is set to make finding services in Bendigo and Loddon easier for the region’s growing Karen community.
 
The English-language Mental Health Matters to Us All poster was launched in Bendigo in June, receiving resounding support from local health and community organisations.
 
Since its release versions of the poster have been requested in a variety of different languages, reflecting the region’s flourishing multicultural diversity. The Karen-language poster is the first to be completed, with help from Bendigo Community Health Services.
 
Bendigo Community Health Services manager Martine Street said the Karen people had been part of the Bendigo and Loddon community since 2007.
 
“Our region has become a welcoming home for Karen refugees, with many relocating from other places in Australia to live in Bendigo and surrounds,” said Ms Street.
 
“It can be hard to navigate the healthcare system and access the right mental health with English as a second language.
 
“This poster will reduce some of the barriers by providing simple information about mental illness and the services available regionally in the Karen people’s native language.”
 
Bendigo Community Health Services Settlement Services case worker Nay Chee Aung is a member of the Karen community and translated the document.
 
“This is a fantastic resource for the Karen community to have,” said Nay Chee.
 
“Now the community can recognise the signs of mental health and where to seek advice.”
 
The posters are available from Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership and it’s hoped kits in other languages will follow in the near future.
 
To request a copy of the Mental Health Matters to Us All poster in English or Karen please contact Prevention Project Worker Bethea Robertson on bethearobertson@bchs.com.au.

Bendigo’s Mental Health Week committee is encouraging CBD workers to de-stress and boost their wellbeing by enjoying a lunch break full of tasty food, diet advice, mindfulness and fun activities at Good Mood +Food on Wednesday 12 October from 12noon until 2pm at the Library Gardens.

Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership Prevention Worker and Mental Health Week committee member, Bethea Robertson said wellbeing was a combination of a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social health factors, which can be strongly linked to happiness and how we feel about ourselves and our lives.

“Every aspect of your life influences your state of wellbeing; it’s the food you eat, the activities you do, your social connections and how you relax,” said Ms Robertson.

“We can forget to take care of ourselves when the pressures of work take hold and life gets busy. Sometimes we need a reminder to take time out to focus on our own needs.”

The aim of Good Mood + Food is to promote the importance of proactively looking after you mental health and wellbeing by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and taking time out to enjoy the activities you love.

The free event will feature:

• Tai Chi at 12:15pm and 1:15pm

• Dietitian presentation

• Mindfulness colouring

• Giant knitting

• Giant lawn games

• Food by Peppergreen Farm catering

Community members are encouraged to come along, bring a packed lunch or sample some of the food on offer, and have fun trying a few giant mindfulness and relaxation activities while learning about the importance of positive mental health.

Mental Health Week will run from October 9 to 15 in Bendigo.

Register your interest in Good Mood + Food at Eventbrite http://bit.ly/2dTzSXZ .

HALT has joined forces with Fitzpatrick’s Home Hardware in California Gully to host a Save Your Bacon Breakfast for local tradesmen at 7:30am on October 11 to mark Mental Health Week 2016. 

Hope, Assistance, Local Tradies co-founder Jeremy Forbes said one in five Australians were affected by mental illness in any given year; however tradesmen were less likely to have the information or confidence to seek support.
 
“Talking about life difficulties and mental health isn’t part of the tradie culture, which often encourages men to put on a brave front,” said Mr Forbes.
 
“Consequently tradies often suffer in silence; reluctant to access the help that will improve their lives.”
 
HALT aims to remind tradesmen they are valued by their community, and direct them to support services, both local and national, should they need them.
 
HALT’s Save Your Bacon breakfasts started in 2013, after the Castlemaine community was rocked by the suicide of a well-known and much-loved tradie. 
 
Since then they’ve spread across Victoria encouraging men from all walks of life to talk openly about issues that concern their physical, mental and financial health, breaking through the stigma that has plagued traditional masculine industries and pursuits.
 
Thanks to the support of Fitzpatrick’s Home Hardware and the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk, HALT will host a free egg and bacon breakfast and presentation for Bendigo’s men starting at 7:30am on October 11 at the hardware’s Eaglehawk Road complex.
 
For more information about HALT visit thehaltbrekky.com
 

A new mental health resource produced by Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership's Mental A to Z Network (MAZN) will make finding services in Bendigo and Loddon easier for people living with a mental illness.

Created in partnership with 20 local health and community organisations, the ‘Mental Health Matters to Us All’ poster aims to increase awareness of the prevalence and symptoms of mental illness, reduce stigma and reassure people that with the right support recovery is possible.

MAZN member and co-founder of HALT Australia Jeremy Forbes said about 45 per cent of Aussies will encounter mental illness during their lives, which means most of us have a mate or family member who've lived that experience.

“For many of us it’s hard to know how to support our loved ones and finding the right advice can be tricky if you don’t know where to start”, said Mr Forbes.

“With ‘Mental Health Matters to Us All’ we want to encourage people to talk to their mates, colleagues and family members, ask if they’re ok and if there are concerns assist them to seek help."

“Services are available locally; with the right help and a good support network, people can recover to lead healthy, productive and satisfying lives.”

To celebrate the launch of ‘Mental Health Matters to Us All’, MAZN are hosting a free event at the Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo on Tuesday 14 June 2016 at 12 noon.

Health and community services, businesses and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in a group photograph to be taken on the oval to show support for residents living with mental illness and the local services who work tirelessly to support them.

Organisations supporting the  ‘Mental Health Matters to Us All’ project include: Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership, Aftercare, Anglicare Victoria, Bendigo Community Health Services, Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative, Bendigo Health, CareConnect, City of Greater Bendigo, Compeer Program, HALT Australia, Headspace Bendigo, Heathcote Health, Inglewood & District Health Services, Marist College Bendigo, Mental Health First Aid, Mind Australia, SPAN Central Victoria, St John of God Hospital Bendigo, StandBy Response Service and Women’s Health Loddon Mallee.

For more information about Mental Health Matters to Us All or to request a poster for your organisation, please contact Bendigo Primary Care Partnership on 03 5448 1624 or emailblpcp@bchs.com.au.

Pyramid Hill resident Diane Martin joined a Life! Group Class run by Northern District Community Health Service in mid-2015 after her husband James was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

“After James diagnosis our doctor recommended we both take part in the program, not just to manage his condition, but to help us make simple lifestyle changes to improve our overall health.”

“I thought I was eating a pretty healthy diet before and couldn’t understand why I wasn’t losing weight,” said Diane.

“Thanks to the Life! Program I now know eating the right quantity of food is just as important as eating the right types of foods.”

“After each class they prepared us an enjoyable meal. Even though it was healthy it wasn’t bland and it made us realise you can still eat tasty meals while losing weight.”

“We also learnt it was ok to treat ourselves sometimes and indulge in moderation.”

With the help of April and the NDCHS team, Diane and James have cut down the amount of meat they eat and added more vegetables and salad to their meals. They’ve also started exercising every day.

“I do four or five 10 minute activities, like stretching or jogging, around the house each day. It doesn’t sound like much but I wasn’t doing that before and I’m quite pleased,” said Diane.

Choosing to participate in the Life! Program has proved to be a good decision for Diane and James.

“We were both hoping to lose a little bit of weight and be more active, and we’ve achieved that. We definitely have more energy now.”

“The staff have been very helpful and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand without making us feel silly.

“It’s also been great to meet with the group on a regular basis and talk about our struggles and successes and have a bit of a laugh. It gives you incentive to keep on track.”

If you’d like to change your lifestyle like Diane and James, please telephone NDCHS on (03) 5451 0200 or visit www.ndchs.org.au to learn more about the Life! Program.

The Diabetes in Loddon Action Group (DiLAG) is urging Loddon residents to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by taking part in an innovative healthy habits program being run by Northern District Community Health Service.

Life! is a lifestyle modification program developed by the Victorian Government and Diabetes Victoria, and run locally by the community health Service, that helps participants to reduce their risk of diabetes by making practical changes to their lifestyle.

Northern District Community Health Service, Credentialed Diabetes Educator, April Saladores said the group course gave participants the motivation and support needed to adopt healthy behaviours and a more active lifestyle.

“Type 2 diabetes is Victoria’s fastest growing chronic illness, with the number of people living with the disease increasing by 70 cases each day.,” said Ms Saladores.

“One in two people with Type 2 Diabetes don’t know they have diabetes or that it can be prevented.”

“Balanced healthy food intake and regular exercise can reduce your risk but it can be difficult for people to break old habits.”

“The group course offers you the knowledge, skills, support and goal settings needed over a six-month period to make lifestyle choices to prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and stroke.”

“The group environment provides support and motivation to help you reach your goals. It’s also a lot of fun.”

The course is open to community members aged over 18, who have high risk of developing diabetes but haven’t been diagnosed with the condition.

Each session is run by a qualified health professional and runs for approximately 60- 90 minutes and participants are encouraged to bring a family member or friend along for extra support.

Participants also receive a comprehensive workbook full of practical information on nutrition and physical activity, goal setting, sleep, stress and lapses.

Courses are currently available in NDCHS centres Kerang, Cohuna, Quambatook and Pyramid Hill but additional courses can be run in other locations across the Loddon and Gannawarra Shires to cater to demand.

For more information about the Life! Program telephone NDCHS on (03) 5451 0200 or visit www.ndchs.org.au.

Drought has inflicted major financial, social and environmental costs on farm businesses and communities in the Loddon Shire, with many farmers and their families facing challenges in the current dry conditions and the seasons ahead.

Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership (BLPCP) has joined forces with Loddon Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority and the Victorian Farmers Federation to host a one-day professional development workshop on Wednesday 20 April 2016 at Powlett Plains & District Community Hall to support local farmers to respond to the dry season and the ongoing changes in farming conditions.

This event has been funded through the Victorian Government’s Drought Response Package and will be delivered at no-cost to participants.

Loddon Shire Council Acting CEO, Marg Allan said drought was a momentous challenge for any agricultural business and the ability to make informed decisions early was key to the sustainability of local farms and the industry.

“It’s important to take the time now to learn more about drought and predicted changes in the weather to ensure good strategies are in place for your farm and business before conditions worsen,” said Ms Allan.

“We know many residents are doing it tough. Through this initiative we want to make sure our farmers have access to reliable information so they can make the best decisions for their families.”

The workshop will cover a broad spectrum of topics including crops, planting and land management, managing stock in a challenging season, rural financial counselling, drought employment programs and mental health.

The workshop will feature presentations from industry experts, including:

• Dale Grey  - Seasonal Risk Agronomist, Department of Economic Development Jobs Transport and Resources

• Dr David Rendell - Director and Veterinarian, Livestock Logic

• Tracey Harbridge - Project Officer Drought Employment Program, North Central Catchment Management Authority

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BLPCP Executive Officer, Eileen Brownless said farms were often a family business and when faced with drought the health and wellbeing of the family can be significantly impacted.

“Emotional and financial stress can take its toll during a drought and it’s easy to feel isolated when you’re trying to run a business and raise a family at the same time,” said Ms Brownless.

“Many people are reluctant to speak up or don’t know how to seek help.

“That’s why it’s important to equip locals with the skills to help their family and friends by identifying the signs, offering support and directing them to professional services who can provide assistance.”

All workshop attendees will receive a participant pack filled with additional information and resources.

The Zonta Club of Bendigo is also supporting the event recognising the work of women in farming communities. Pamper packs will be available to the first 20 women to register, thanks to Zonta Club of Bendigo’s Women of Achievement Award recipient, Val Campbell, to promote wellbeing for women affected by drought.

Contact Loddon Shire Council Economic Development Officer, Christine Coombes on (03) 5494 1251 before 5pm, Tuesday 19 April 2016 to register.

The Diabetes in Loddon Action Group is set to boost healthy eating habits in the Loddon Shire, as part of Australia’s Healthy Weight Week on 15-21 February.

Northern District Community Health Service, Dietitian, Leesa van Ruiswyk said Healthy Weight Week was an initiative of the Dietitians Association of Australia, which aimed to raise awareness of the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

“Gaining a few kilos during the year may not seem like a big deal but these kilos can add up over time and increase the risk of health problems such as diabetes and heart disease,” said Ms van Ruiswyk.

“Research shows that extra weight can be a problem, particularly if your waist circumference is greater than 88cm for women and 102cm for men. Losing 5 to 10 per cent of your total body weight can help to reduce your waist line and reduce the above risk factors as well as help you to feel your best.”

In the Loddon Shire, 69 per cent of men and 45 per cent of women are considered obese, compared to the Victorian average of 58 per cent of males and 42 per cent of females. Data also reveals more than 90 per cent of Loddon residents are not eating the recommended daily servings of vegetables.

Inglewood & Districts Health Service, Diabetes Educator Jenny Boromeo said by reducing your portion sizes to meet the Australian Guidelines, and aiming to move more and sit less everyday can have a lasting impact on your health and wellbeing. ‘People who prepare food at home are also more likely to eat smaller portions and consume fewer kilojoules and less saturated fat, salt and sugar. With a combination of diet and some regular exercise a healthier weight often follows,” Ms Boromeo said.

“Healthy food packed with vegies doesn’t need to be expensive, bland or hard to cook. With the right information, anyone can cook a healthy and delicious meal at home on any budget.”

“We know it can be hard to achieve your weight loss goal by yourself; that’s why local services have qualified dietitians on hand to give advice, teach new skills and kick-start a healthier you.”

Services to assist you achieve a healthy weight are available throughout the Loddon region.

For more information about Australia’s Healthy Weight Week visitwww.healthyweightweek.com.au.hat makes it interesting? Write a catchy description to grab your audience's attention...

Thank you for visiting our new website. You’ll notice it looks quite different.  The layout has been changed and new sections have been added to make useful information easier to find.

Take a few moments to explore. Click on the main information tabs prominently displayed on our home page and acquaint yourself with our organisation. 

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