«Helsekilden»:– a low threshold model for changing lifestyles

Abstract

«Helsekilden» (The Source of Health) is a Norwegian community based low threshold model developed to encourage lifestyle changes, in relation to smoking, nutrition and physical activity. «Helsekilden» offers individualized follow-up in form of conversation and different groups for physical activity and diet. The follow-up is initially 12 weeks, but is usually extended to approximately a year. From September 2006 until September 2008 «Helsekilden» in Grimstad received medical referrals concerning 90 women and 20 men, with an average age of 50 years. Eleven persons did not show up for the first conversation, which resulted in 99 participants for the follow up program by «Helsekilden». Seventy-six of these participated in physical activity or diet courses. Musculo-skeletal disorders, obesity, psychological disorders and cardiovascular diseases were frequently reported among the participants. Physical inactivity was the most common cause of referral. Half of the referrals were also related to diet. There were few referrals regarding smoking. In a follow-up survey in 2008, we got informative answers from 31 of the original 99 participants regarding physical activity, and from 33 regarding diet. Twenty of the participants increased their level of activity during the program, and 16 reported changes in their diet.

Keywords

• Life style changes
• Health Promotion
• Community Health Center
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Physical Therapy Speciality