The Life! Program: Your path to a healthier, happier life

Imagine a future where the risk of diabetes or heart disease is greatly reduced. That’s what the Life! program hopes to achieve. With chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease becoming more common, preventive health programs are more important than ever. But what exactly is the program, and why is it so important? 

 
What is the Life! Program? 

The Life! Program is a FREE health initiative designed to help people at high risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, or stroke (not people currently living with diabetes). It provides participants with a structured plan to improve eating habits, increase physical activity, and manage stress to improve their overall health and wellbeing. 

Managed by Diabetes Victoria, the program is funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by qualified health professionals, such as dietitians and exercise physiologists. The program is delivered in 7 sessions over 12 months, focusing on areas such as: 

• Nutrition: promoting healthy eating habits and teaching participants how to make better food choices. 

• Physical Activity: encouraging regular exercise and providing guidance on how to fit physical activity into daily routines. 

• Stress Management: offering strategies to help manage stress, which is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases. 

• Goal Setting: helping participants set achievable health goals and providing the support needed to make long-term lifestyle changes. 

 
Why is the Life! Program Important? 

• Helping to prevent chronic diseases: the primary goal of the Life! Program is to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. By addressing the primary risk factors such as poor diet, lack of physical inactivity and stress, the program helps people adopt healthier lifestyles, significantly reducing their risk of developing these conditions. 

• Motivation through education: the program provides participants with the information and skills they need to take control of their health. They will learn the impact that lifestyle choices have on health and how even the smallest changes can lead to significant health improvements. 

• Supportive Community: one of the standout features of the Life! Program is the sense of community it creates. Participants become part of a network of people with similar health goals, providing the support and encouragement that is needed for long-term success. 

• Reduced healthcare costs: by preventing people from developing chronic disease, the program helps cut down on expensive medical treatments and hospital visits. This eases the strain on our healthcare system and saves money for everyone involved. 

• Improved quality of life: focuses on your overall health, not just your physical health. Participants often feel more energetic, have better moods, and enjoy a higher quality of life due to the lifestyle changes they make. 

Since it started in 2007, the Life! Program has helped over 75,000 thousand Victorians make positive lifestyle changes, making it Australia’s largest preventive program for chronic disease (The Life! Program n.d.). Participants have reported notable improvements in their health like weight loss, improved blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure.  

The Life! Program is more than just a health initiative; it’s a lifeline for those at risk of chronic diseases. By promoting healthier lifestyles and providing the support and education needed, the program is paving the way for a healthier, happier future. If you or someone you know is at risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease, the Life! Program could be their key to unlocking better health and well-being. 

Selected Kieser clinics in Victoria are accepting people interested in participating in the Life! program. You can check your eligibility for the program here:  
 

Find your nearest participating Kieser clinic in the table below: 

References:  

The Life! Program (n.d.) About us - The Life! Program, The Life! Program, accessed 11 July 2024.