My Health for Life update overview, program eligibility and referral options

My health for life is a free, evidence-based healthy lifestyle program helping Queenslanders to live well and reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

With the support of an experienced health coach, participants learn how to make small, sustainable changes to suit their lifestyle. Participant outcomes can include sleeping better, eating better, moving more, maintaining a healthy weight and improved mental wellbeing.

The program was launched in 2017 and is funded by the Queensland Government through its leading preventive health agency Health and Wellbeing Queensland.

Over the years, the program has expanded to provide greater options and more flexibility. As a result, My health for life is now delivered in small group sessions, privately over the phone (telephone health coaching), through video conferencing, in workplaces, and in several languages using multicultural healthy coaches. Other program options are also available for anyone who may not be eligible for the full healthy lifestyle program.

These include the program’s On Track option – self-paced learning, for healthier habits – and access to our Living Well Library, which has film clips, tips and a range of useful other resources.

Program eligibility (updated)

• Adults (18+) with pre-existing conditions
  • Diagnosed High blood pressure (generally three (3) separate readings ≥ 140/90)
  • Previous gestational diabetes
  • Familial hypercholesterolemia
  • Diagnosed with high cholesterol
  • Pre-diabetes (diagnosed with impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance)
• Adults over 18years+ with one or more of the below
  • AUSDRISK ≥ 12
  • Blood Pressure either: ≥160 systolic or ≥ 100 diastolic
  • Absolute cardiovascular risk score ≥ 15%
  • Waist circumference of ≥ 102cm for males (or 90cm for males of Asian descent) and ≥ 88cm (or 80cm for females of Asian descent).

Primary Care professionals can refer patients using the available referral template in the Medical Director and Best Practice software (look for “My health for life Referral” form). Alternatively, health professionals can advise patients to self-refer by completing the online health check, or phoning 13 74 75.

For more information, visit the My health for life website or contact your GCPHN Helpdesk on 07 5612 5408.