Kick Start your way to better health

University of Notre Dame Physiotherapy student Caitlin Cocks assisting Fay Prunster in the WACRH Kick Start Program.

Members of the community are invited to participate in an eight week supervised health and exercise program.

The WA Centre of Rural Health (WACRH) Kick Start program is for Geraldton residents who are currently not exercising due to ongoing chronic health issues and who would benefit from structured exercise program in a safe environment.

WACRH health science students on rural clinical placements run the program with clinical supervisors.

Kick Start participants complete a comprehensive assessment that includes a case history, health assessment and personal goal setting. Physiotherapy students work with Kick Start participants in the WACRH gym over a period of eight weeks.

The WACRH Director Sandra Thompson said the program provides participants with a ‘kickstart’ to better health and wellbeing in a supported environment.

‘Whilst services like this exist elsewhere, there is no cost charged for Kick Start. So people who may not normally access this type of service due to affordability can benefit from the professional assistance,’ Professor Thompson said.

Local resident Fay Prunster was recommended the program by her GP.

‘I started going to Kick Start to regain fitness and balance and both of these have improved immeasurably since I started,’ Ms Prunster said.

To register your interest in participating in the program, see your GP for a referral or contact Marjorie Collett at the WACRH on 9956 0210.