Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis where the core components of joints (cartilage, bone, ligaments and muscles) all worsen over time. Peoplecare offers both hospital and extras cover with benefits for managing joint health.
Peoplecare offers an osteoarthritis program on selected Hospital cover to help reduce pain, while increasing strength and mobility. This program is suitable for members who are looking to improve:
- joints & mobility through muscle strengthening
- stiffness through gentle exercise
- pain management – a crucial skillset to help you sustain a better quality of life
You can join the program if you have a:
- diagnosis of osteoarthritis
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 28
AND
- Your GP approves and completes an approval form
Osteoarthritis Program on selected Peoplecare Hospital covers
This program is offered to members on an eligible Hospital cover. Contact us to find out if you're eligible.
The waiting period to receive this program is 2 months of continuous cover. Your premiums need to be up to date before you can claim this program.
The program: Healthy Weight for Life
Healthy Weight for Life is an 18-week program designed to maximise your overall health and quality of life. The fully supported knee and hip osteoarthritis management program can help to reduce joint pain and improve mobility.
Participants on the program can:
- receive support over the phone, SMS and online
- reduce weight
- improve nutrition
- improve metabolism, energy levels and other health indicators
- improve fitness
- learn useful ways to keep on top of your condition
- increase their motivation to take care of their health
The program offers:
- portion control eating plan
- meal replacement options
- tips to improve your fitness and assist with weight loss
- personalised tracking to help you succeed
- support and advice via phone, email and an online portal
- education on understanding your condition and enhance your quality of life
Phases of the Program
| Food | Exercise |
|---|---|
|
Get started with some meal replacement options such as KicStart Shakes and KicStart Soups for breakfast and lunch so that you can get on the right nutrition path without having to get handy in the kitchen for each meal. You can add some suggested sides such as berries and salads. For dinner, you’ll need to head to the kitchen to prep some healthy, filling food from the meal plan – meat and three veg is an option, so most people should adapt nicely. |
Build up to 30 minutes per day of gentle daily activity like walking, swimming or cycling by the end of this phase. |
| Food | Exercise |
|---|---|
| Add planned lunch and snacks to your daily intake. | Increase time to at least 30 minutes per day and intensity (if possible) to continue weight loss. |
| Food | Exercise |
|---|---|
| All meals are planned. Supplement shakes and soups are no longer eaten. | Sustain exercise so that it can continue when the program finishes. Participants can use a steps tracker to keep on top of their 10,000 steps. |
More Information
All your treatment information is kept completely confidential by the Healthy Weight for Life provider, Prima Health Solutions. We won’t have access to any personal health information you give them, but if you’d like to read our Privacy Policy to make sure, click here.
The cost of this program is covered under your eligible hospital cover. There is no out of pocket cost to participate in this program.
The waiting period to receive this program is 2 months of continuous cover. Your premiums need to be up to date before you can claim this program.
