Heart disease

Heart disease is a broad term that covers a range of conditions including Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Valve Disease and Arrhythmias. Many types of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices, medications and/or surgery.

We’re here to help you understand heart disease and find the right information, advice, and support as you take charge of your health. The first step begins with a quick phone call with one of our experienced health professionals. They’ll ask you a few questions to understand where you’re at, and if any of our programs are likely to be beneficial for you. They'll also confirm your eligibility.

Relevant programs

• Health Management Program
• Dietitian Support Program
• Total Wellbeing Lifestyle Plan

Health Management Program

This program is delivered over the phone by Healthcare Services Registered Nurses.

The Health Management Program might be right for you if:

• You’re looking for information, advice, and support to help you manage your heart condition; and
• You’re a Teachers Health member with Hospital cover (excluding Starterpak), paid up to date, with 12 month waiting periods

How it works

The program starts with an initial assessment with a Healthcare Services Registered Nurse, focusing on all factors related to managing your condition and other goals or conditions that are relevant. Our registered nurses help participants develop their own health management plan and take charge of their care. This is followed by regular health coaching to provide encouragement and support to overcome barriers, and education to help individuals succeed in their health management plan long term.

Topics covered during the program may include medications, management of symptoms, monitoring for complications, lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet, and helping individuals find the right local supports to assist with ongoing care.

Dietitian Support Program

This program is delivered over the phone by Healthcare Services Accredited Practising Dietitians.

The Dietitian Support Program may be right for you if:

• You’re looking for a nutrition plan, designed specifically for you, to manage your heart health; and
• You’re a Teachers Health member with Hospital cover (excluding Starterpak), paid up to date, with 12 month waiting periods

How it works

The program starts with an initial assessment with a Healthcare Services Accredited Practising Dietitian, focusing on all health and lifestyle factors that may affect your condition. Our dietitians help participants to develop a personalised food and nutrition action plan based on their health goals, promoting healthy weight and supporting management of cholesterol and triglyceride levels and blood pressure. This is followed by regular health coaching to provide encouragement and support to overcome barriers, and education to help individuals succeed and sustain changes long term.

Total Wellbeing Lifestyle Plan

The program is delivered by Healthcare Services in tandem with specialist weight loss partner, Digital Wellness. 

The Total Wellbeing Lifestyle Plan may be right for you if:

• Your BMI is 30kg/m² or higher; or
• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 28kg/m² or higher and you have high blood pressure or cholesterol (or take medication to manage these risk factors); and
• You’re a Teachers Health member with Hospital cover (excluding Starterpak), paid up to date, with 12 month waiting periods

How it works

The aim of the program is to support sustainable weight loss to reduce risk of ill health relating to heart disease or its risk factors. Digital Wellness carries out a comprehensive assessment to help individuals identify their goals and set up their personalised plan.

Support services include:

• Up to 15 one-to-one Total Wellbeing Health Coaching sessions with a dietitian over the phone, delivered regularly throughout the 24-week program.
• A high protein, low GI eating plan from the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet online program.
• Weekly menu plans including recipes.
• Optional exercise plans that can be completed in the comfort of your home.
• Online educational materials plus food and weight diaries to help track progress.
• Positive psychology tools to help boost mood.

To learn more about these programs, or start the process, get in touch via our online contact form or email info@teachershealthcare.com.au.

*To be eligible for a program you must be a member of Teachers Health and have Hospital cover with all relevant waiting periods served. Hospital cover requirements and waiting periods vary for different programs. Additional eligibility criteria may apply.

These programs are brought to members through Teachers Healthcare Services ('Healthcare Services'), an initiative of Teachers Health, to support members' health and wellbeing through quality, evidence-based health management. Eligible members are connected with a dedicated Healthcare Services care coordinator who supports them along the way.