Elements of Healthy CHAT: Advise
Healthy CHAT / Section Two: Learning About Healthy CHAT
on why making good choices about smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption and physical activity contributes to better health.
Make links between lifestyle choice and health, using the latest evidence and recommendations:
Smoking
- Tobacco smoking is the largest preventable cause of cancer and is also directly responsible for many heart and lung diseases. REF
- Stopping smoking can reduce the risk of heart disease after 1 year of cessation of smoking. REF
- There are no safe levels of smoking and the recommendation is to cease smoking.
Alcohol
- Harmful levels of alcohol consumption are linked with increased risk of chronic disease, cancer, injury and premature death. REF
- Reducing alcohol intake can minimize the risk of developing chronic disease or life-threatening health issues, improving sleep, and concentration levels. REF
- Recommendations are no more than two standard drinks per day. REF
- Use the standard drinks guide to help people make informed decisions about their drinking habits. REF
Lifestyle
- Sedentary or physically inactive lifestyles are shown to be risk factors for certain cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer and linked to high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. REF
- Improving activity is shown to reduce your risk of a heart attack, lower your blood cholesterol levels, improve bone and muscle strength, lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer. REF
- Recommendations vary according to the person’s age. Use the following guidelines to help individuals make informed decisions about their daily activity levels. REF
Nutrition
- Poor nutrition, in particular inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption has been linked to; cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Kidney disease and obesity. REF
- A healthy diet is essential for good health and it protects you against many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. REF
- Recommendations vary depending on gender and age so use the Nutritional Daily Intake guides to help people make informed decisions about eating a balanced diet. REF
Behavior change advice is more acceptable if it is clear on how it could improve a person’s health (or make a positive difference in their life), rather than focusing on the harm caused by that risk factor REF.
Explain why change would be beneficial to them.
Make it person centered.
Highlight that the best way to make a change is with support.