Independent Member for Alfred Cove, Dr Janet Woollard today launched www.myhealthybalance.com.au, an online healthy lifestyle and diabetes prevention education program developed by Diabetes WA.

“As a Registered Nurse, I have seen the challenges faced by diabetics and how their quality of life can be affected if diabetes is not properly managed,” said Dr Woollard.

“Programs such as My Health Balance provide a wealth of information to pre-diabetics and diabetics to help them prevent or manage their condition.

Dr Woollard said My Healthy Balance has been designed to motivate people to make lifestyle changes, such as more physical activity and healthy food choices, to prevent the development or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. In addition, the program can aid in reducing the risk of other chronic diseases such as high cholesterol and some cancers.

People who sign up to the program go through weekly sessions with the help of articles, diagrams and animations.

“The program provides users with healthy recipes such as plum sponge pudding, online food diaries, activity planners, and other tools to help them meet their goals,” said Dr Woollard.

“Being online and interactive, the program is easily accessible which will encourage users to stay connected and engaged. This is important because Diabetes is a life-long condition.

“There are 90,000 Western Australians living with Diabetes. 65% of those with Type 2 Diabetes could have prevented or delayed its onset.

“The aim of My Healthy Balance program is to prevent more people from developing Diabetes.

“People can register for the online program at home or use the internet at the local library.

Alternatively, they can come to my office between 3 and 9 November to register,” said Dr Woollard.

Joining Dr Woollard at the launch was Mr Tim Benson, Board Member of Diabetes WA, Ms Diane Ledger, Diabetes WA’s Director of Health Promotion, Ms Shirley Teshome from the WA GP Network and other program staff from Diabetes WA.

“Congratulations to Diabetes WA, the Heart  Foundation and the Cancer Council of WA for this initiative, which will help reduce the number of people who develop diabetes in WA,” said Dr Woollard.