New year's resolutions off to a healthy start?

It is usually during the tranquility of the first few weeks after the overindulgence of Christmas and New Year's celebrations that most people reflect fully on the previous year while trying to envision what their true goals are for the new year. Invariably most people include these popular resolutions in their list:

I'll never eat or drink that much again
I'm going to pay off my debts and save more this year
I'm going to get in shape and take better care of my health

Although it is one of the most common, this last resolution is also one of the most difficult to achieve. Getting in shape and taking better care of one's health differs from one person to the next. That's because it ranges from eating less fast food, losing weight, joining a gym or quitting smoking to training for a marathon or triathlon. Success depends on how well defined the resolution is and how well you’ve planned to initiate, monitor and motivate yourself towards keeping your resolution.

Private Health Insurance is one logical and growing avenue of help in achieving health related resolutions. Health funds have realised that a key factor in keeping claims costs down is to have healthier members. As such health funds have been proactively developing programs over the years that promote and support healthier lifestyle choices to improve the general health of their members. Healthier members are happier members (i.e. resolutions kept) but it is also good for the bottom line.

CANSTAR CANNEX surveyed the websites of the major Australian Health funds and consistently found a variety of wellness programs designed to inform, encourage, support and reward lifestyle changes that improve the health of their membership.

Information

Information is provided in the form of:

Informative articles about health and well-being
Evidence-based information about specific common illnesses
Calculators and practical health advice & tips
Information on chronic disease management

Encouragement

Smoking and obesity are typical risk factors across a spectrum of diseases and as such are very important in any lifestyle change program. Most health funds therefore have programs that encourage and support members who decide to address these risk factors.

QUIT smoking programs are common
Weight loss programs are also common
Members are also encouraged to get regular check-ups so that illness can be identified and treated earlier before it gets complicated and expensive.

Support

Sometimes members need a bit of extra support during periods of adjustment. In addition to the support given in weight loss and quit smoking programs several health funds also provide support through:

Tailored training plans to help members set and achieve their individual fitness and sports goals (eg marathon or triathlon).
Programs that provide support and practical advice for parents during and after pregnancy.
Programs that support a return to good health after major illness such as a heart attack.

Rewards

Typically health funds also negotiate discounts for their members that reward healthy lifestyle purchases across a variety of categories such as;
Fitness discounts: Gym membership, sports retailers
Entertainment discounts: movie tickets, theme parks, book clubs
Relaxation discounts: spa visits
Travel discounts: airlines and hotels

These are only a few of the lifestyle benefits available through health fund membership and each fund has its own unique suite of programs so it's important that you check the fund website and ask questions if you're interested in a specified type of program. If you're genuine and determined to improve your health this year you may find that little extra support you need comes from your health fund.

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