Carepoint's customised lifestyle programs recognise the importance of maintaining long term lifestyle changes. New programs on the two important lifestyle diseases of Australia - smoking and obesity are now available.

Cigarette smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in Australia today. Each year, about 19 000 Australians die from diseases caused by smoking. One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit. Half of these deaths will occur in middle age. Recent studies have found that smoking diminishes productivity in the workplace by approximately 10%. Additionally, those who smoke are more likely to fall ill, have slower recovery rates, and increased absenteeism.

Fresh Start is a comprehensive course run by Carepoint Health Promotion & Training, for smokers wanting help to quit. The course comprises of eight sessions, of one hour in duration and is run over eight weeks. Fresh Start has been highly successful in helping West Australian smokers beat their habit. The course covers essential strategies required to aid people in overcoming their smoking addiction in a group based counseling environment.

In 2005, 1 in 2 Australian adults was overweight or obese. Irrespective of your height or build, if your waistline is getting bigger you are at an increased risk of developing a chronic disease. Chronic diseases are serious health problems that may require ongoing medication for life but most chronic diseases are preventable for most people through healthy lifestyle choices.

Scale down is designed to give participants the individualised advice and support you need to engage in healthy weight loss through good nutrition and adequate physical activity levels. The program runs over 3 months and is designed to introduce small, achievable and maintainable lifestyle changes.

For information please call (08) 6444 4660 or email health@carepoint.com.au