New funding to promote awareness of heart disease and diabetes

30 September 2011

Victoria will invest $22.2 million over four years for the Life! Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program.

The evidence-based Life! program provides Victorians at high risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes with the skills and motivation to adopt a healthier lifestyle through long-lasting, simple and effective lifestyle changes.

Minister for Health David Davis said the risk factors for heart disease and stroke include raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables, overweight, obesity and physical inactivity.

“The Life! program includes locally delivered group courses offered through established service providers with high quality training, reporting and quality assurance processes,” Mr Davis said.

There is also telephone health coaching as an alternative for people who may find it difficult to participate in a group course.

The program also uses social marketing and education campaigns to increase awareness and support for people to take action.

“Cardiovascular disease is one of our largest health problems and despite improvements over the last few decades, it remains one of the biggest burdens on our community,” Mr Davis said.

An Australian dies from heart disease every 23 minutes and there are concerns that as obesity levels rise, so will cardiovascular disease with more young people diagnosed.