By East Health Trust – primary health organisation, www.easthealth.co.nz
When a 45-year-old east Auckland man was referred to a Health Coach by his GP, he knew it was time to make a change.
With a first baby on the way, this soon-to-be dad had all the motivation he needed to start building a healthier lifestyle, not just for himself, but for his growing family.
At his first appointment, he and his partner learned about his HbA1c number – an important measure of blood sugar levels over time.
Together with his Health Coach, they explored how everyday choices like food, drink, stress, and exercise all play a big role in managing diabetes.
Rather than overwhelming him, the focus was on small, achievable steps.
First up: cutting back on cooking oil and adding more colourful vegetables to the plate.
Dovetailing with his clinics local Dry July campaign, he and his partner both completed a ‘Drink Less, Feel Better’ survey.
Both he and his partner soon noticed the benefits of him reducing his alcohol intake – better sleep, improved energy, fewer empty calories, and more money in their pockets!
At follow-up sessions, those changes began to gain momentum. Inspired by early wins, the dad-to-be decided to become smoke-free, pay attention to portion sizes, and even let his partner serve meals using simple hand measures as a guide.
By the next check-in, laughter filled the room when he joked that he was finally eating fewer pie sandwiches!
The result? A dramatic drop in his HbA1c and a lifestyle that feels sustainable and positive as he prepares for fatherhood.
If you’d like to explore small, realistic changes that can have a big impact on your health, talk to your clinic about connecting with a Health Coach today for your free consultation.
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