Help in setting health goals

Central Coast residents who need help sticking to their 2025 health goals are being encouraged to access support from a free health coaching service.

NSW Health’s Get Healthy Service offers free phone and online support from a university qualified health coach to help people set and achieve their own personal health goals.

The service can support people to eat healthy and get active, reach and stay at a healthy weight, reduce the amount of alcohol they drink, or manage their health while living with Type 2 diabetes or cancer.

There is also a service for pregnant women to support them in gaining a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy and achieving a healthy weight after giving birth.

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) psychologist Lauren Brown says Get Healthy is great for people who might need help staying motivated to achieve their goals.

“The start of the year is a time when many of us set new year’s resolutions to be more active and eat healthier,” she said.

“But forming new habits can be tough, especially at the start, and with kids returning to school and the holidays over, now is the time when people might be slipping back into their usual routines.

“As life gets in the way, it can be hard to find energy and enthusiasm for those resolutions.

“That’s where the Get Healthy Service can really help.

“A health coach will work with you as a team, providing practical tools and supporting you to set achievable goals, make a plan and overcome barriers that stand in your way.

“They will be with you on that journey, including those moments when you need a little nudge to get going.

“What’s more, the service is designed to fit in with your life, with coaching available at a time that suits you – and, best of all, it’s free.”

Brown said it was never too late to set health goals for the year.

She said the most important thing is knowing what works for you.

“Before you begin, ask yourself – what am I more likely to stick to?” she said.

“Is there anything you can learn from in the past that has enabled you to keep at something?

“Perhaps it’s going to the gym with a mate or rewarding yourself for making an improvement week to week.

“I have clients who need the social element, so they’ve started walking groups and then go for a coffee after.

“If some type of competitive element helps, there are so many events and apps out there now where you can track your progress over time or take part in challenges with others.

“Parkrun, is a free, weekly, five-kilometre walk, jog or run amongst a welcoming community of like-minded people.”

She advised people to start small and be flexible, setting small targets at first.

“Giving yourself little reminders helps too.

“For example, if you are thinking about walking, leave your shoes by the door.

“And try to link your activity to points in the day that are already a habit, like going for a walk before breakfast, or during your lunch break.”

To register for the program, or for more information, visit gethealthy.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 806 258, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 9am to 5pm.