What is Health Promotion?

Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health. It is about working towards improving and maintaining the overall health and well-being of people, especially disadvantaged people.

For this to occur, many professional groups and organisations need to be involved. Health promotion therefore is not just the responsibility of the health sector, but of the community as a whole.

Health Promotion in Macarthur

We are adynamic and diverse team of professionals, who work in partnership with the community and Macarthur Health Service staff to improve health. We do this by utilising a range of strategies aimed at addressing broader health issues. These strategies are governed by the principles outlined in the Ottawa Charter. The Macarthur Health Promotion Team also incorporates equity and access, nutrition, physical activity and women's health within their work

When addressing the priority health areas the work of the health promotion team often focusses on specific population groups. Some of these groups include geographically isolated communities, women, disadvantaged groups, children, ATSI and CALD.

Priority Issues

In 2002 currently there are six national health priority areas. These have been identified as coronary heart disease, diabetes, mental health, injury, cancer and asthma.

SWSAHS has identified their own priority health areas based on the national health priority areas and local needs. These areas are aboriginal health, blood-borne viruses, cancer, child health, coronary heart disease, diabetes, drug and alcohol, asthma, injury, mental health, NESB health and stroke.

Contact Details

Health promotion team members can be contacted at:

Campbelltown Community Health Centre
Ingleburn Community Health Centre
Narellan Community Health Centre
Rosemeadow Community Health Centre
Wollondilly Community Health Centre

The health promotion manager is located at Rosemeadow Community Health Centre.

Active Over 50

Active Over 50 endorses and supports exercise programs developed by designated fitness centres, clubs and community groups in South Western Sydney, for people over 50 years. A variety of activities are offered such as, gentle exercise, aquafitness, tenpin bowling, ballroom dancing, yoga, tai-chi and walking. The programs are fun, low cost and a great opportunity to meet new people.

Active Over 50 programs are assessed by the Health Promotion Unit, South Western Sydney Area Health Service. This is to ensure the best quality for each program. You do not need any special clothing (apart from a pair of sandshoes or similar flat shoes) and the cost for each class will be approximately $5.

Added benefits of regular exercise
Along with numerous other health benefits, regular exercise may also help to prevent falls and fall injury by increasing fitness level, muscle strength, balance and flexibility. To take part, or to find out about programs offered in your area call the Health Promotion Unit on (02) 9828 5911.

See also Physical Activities in Macarthur.