Booking

Twelve weeks ago the $41 million federal health campaign - ''Swap It, Don't Stop It'' swapitpic1.jpgwas launched (13thMarch 2011) to promote the idea that Australians should make easy and healthier daily choices with their health.

The Government has finally shown great initiative, rather than their previous aggressive, gruesome campaigns trying to address the obesity epidemic with scare tactics and graphic imagery. This campaign is about small lifestyle changes. Focusing on reducing the daunting statistic that in 2007-8, 61.4% of the Australian population were either overweight or obese, (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2008, National Health Survey 2007-08, Cat 4364.0.)

The main objectives of the campaign are to:

* Making small changes and setting realistic goals with help you achieve change
* Just swapping some food choices for healthier options and looking for opportunities to be physically active doesn't mean you have to stop doing what you enjoy
* Achieving even small changes toward your goal is worth celebrating.

A new website has been established for this campaign http://swapit.gov.au

The website contains healthy information on the reasons why people should swap and supporting advice and materials for people to use to help them make a swap. An Application is also available for ipod, ipad & iphone users.

swapitpic.jpgOver the past 12 weeks I have embarked upon the new Government initiative “Swap It! Don’t stop it” campaign. With a minimum of 1 swap per day, I found that I have changed a few lifestyle patterns in my life which I originally knew I should change, but hadn’t prior to commencing this program.

Adopting such program probably won’t reduce your waist line significantly in the 12 week period, however minor changes you implement may affect your decision making in the long term which can make a great difference to the individual, the individuals family and the significant financial burden on the health system.

With my health science background I was aware of the changes I should have been making. I was very keen to hear of the effectiveness of the initiative with the general public. So I have asked a few of my clients to use this as a motivating tool and give it a shot. I will post further feedback in weeks to come.

With over 40,000 swaps over the nation recorded in the first 12 weeks that should be considered significant.

Yours in Health & Fitness,

Chris Alexander