First SMS based program goes live via Get Healthy

Healthdirect Australia today launched its first SMS based coaching program, Get Healthy, Stay Healthy, an exciting new addition to the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service.

Managed by Healthdirect Australia on behalf of the New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian Governments, the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service is a free, confidential and motivational coaching service offered via telephone.

The telephone service and its accompanying website, supports people to make lifestyle changes around healthy eating, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.

From today, graduates of Get Healthy - those who have completed six months of telephone coaching calls – will be given the opportunity to receive an additional six months of tailored text messages to support their healthy lifestyle goals.

The Get Healthy, Stay Healthy program is based upon research showing how effective ongoing SMS messages are in reducing the likelihood of weight relapse, maintaining motivation in healthy eating and maintaining physical activity. The research showed an 83 per cent graduate uptake.

Since Healthdirect Australia started managing the Get Healthy service in 2014, more than 14,000 people have participated in the program. The service has recently lowered the age for participation to cater to people 16 years and over, so more Australians can benefit from the service.