Toa Payoh residents get help from health coaches near home in fight against diabetics

File photograph of a diabetic patient undergoing dialysis treatment at Kim Keat Dialysis Centre. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE- Toa Payoh residents can now get help in the fight against diabetes through six new kiosks, where health coaches will help them in matters such as blood pressure monitoring.

If successful, the initiative could be expanded nation-wide, said Minister of State for Health Chee Hong Tat.

The community health posts were officially launched on Saturday. They are located in Resident Committee Centres in Toa Payoh West, and aim to help residents with pre-onset and early stage diabetes better manage their health through regular follow-ups and advice on lifestyle changes.

Health coaches from the National Healthcare Group (NHG) will assist residents with weight management, blood pressure monitoring as well as help them to set goals for diet and exercise. These health coaches are either trained nurses or health promoters with the NHG.

Residents will also be issued with fitness trackers to monitor their level of physical activity.

A pilot was launched in August this year and the NHG has reached out to a number of residents with diabetes or those at risk of the disease to better prevent and manage the condition.

Toa Payoh resident Madam Seow Cheow Hua,86, who has high cholesterol said that such health kiosks would be useful for the elderly. "Having it near my house is really convenient," added the retiree.

In April this year, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong declared that his ministry is waging war on diabetes. More than 400,000 Singaporeans suffer from diabetes and the disease is costing the country more than $1 billion a year.

Residents who are keen to join the programme may register with the Resident Committee Centres or Toa Payoh West Community Club. They can also email CHP@nhg.com.sg to sign up.

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