Health scheme improves lives

This article was published on December 22, 2012 and information contained within may now be out of date.

A health referral scheme run by East Lindsey District Council is improving the lives of local people.

The HEELERS programme, which has been running since 2006 encourages people to improve their health by regularly exercising and improving their diet with help from Exercise Specialists.

Since the launch of HEELERS 4000 people have taken part, losing a combined weight of 24,000kgs. 870 people have been through the scheme in 2012.

Norman Windle, 70, started the HEELERS scheme in November last year and has reduced his weight significantly, losing 2 ½ stone. As well as now having lower cholesterol, he has also reduced the pain from his arthritis and committed himself to a change of lifestyle. Norman said: “The training that I’ve done on the HEELERS scheme has been hugely beneficial and given me a new lease of life. I thoroughly enjoy my sessions, the staff are brilliant and I’ve lost a huge amount of weight since I joined the scheme last year. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Senior Health Officer at the Council, David Clark, said: “Clients see real gains in personal health, from losing weight and improving diabetes control, to decreasing depression and increasing self efficacy levels. This scheme is invaluable to health improvement in East Lindsey.”

If you would like to get involved with HEELERS scheme should speak to their GP for a referral.