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Empowering Healthy Choices: Adelaide PHN Hosts Primary Health Research Lunchbox Session

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Adelaide PHN recently hosted a Primary Health Research Interest Group lunchbox session, focusing on "Healthy Choices – Helping People with Chronic Conditions to Make Healthy Changes." This session provided valuable insights into empowering individuals with chronic conditions to develop healthier habits.

Dr. Caroline Fryer, Research Coordinator of the Healthy Choices Project, led the discussion. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, Dr. Fryer has served as a clinical physiotherapist, Senior Lecturer, and Researcher at the University of South Australia. She also brings expertise in project management from the Defence Science and Technology sector, combining these skills to support the Healthy Choices project.

During the session, Dr. Fryer shared practical strategies for developing good habits, breaking bad ones, and the importance of self-belief in making lasting changes. She highlighted that motivation is key to seeing results and sustaining these healthy changes.

Dr. Fryer also introduced the "Healthy Choices" program, a 6 to 12-week individualised initiative. Participants work with supervised UniSA health students through weekly sessions, available in person at Woodville Library or UniSA City East, online, or over the phone. The program offers tailored education, activities, and care navigation to guide individuals toward better health.

The lunchbox session allowed Adelaide PHN staff to engage with Dr. Fryer, asking questions about the Healthy Choices program and ways to make positive lifestyle changes. These sessions continue to be a valuable platform for fostering discussions about ageing well and promoting healthier living within our community. Efforts to promote the project and encourage primary care practitioners to refer people with chronic conditions to the program will be implemented.

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30 October 2024