By JOLENE OGLE
LOCAL police were put through their paces this week when a team of health coaches dropped by for a range of bi-yearly fitness assessments.
An initiative of the Queensland Police Force, the HealthStart Health Coach program travels throughout regional and urban police stations assessing the fitness of officers to help maintain good health throughout the state.
The voluntary program has been running for more than a decade, and offers police staff the chance to check on their health as well as take advantage of a health coach to prepare training and diet plans.
“Shift work can make it difficult for an officer to stay consistent with their training and diet,” health coach Jarrod Presland said.
“We can create a plan to work around their lifestyle and work, so they can get the most out of their time.”
Jarrod said a high level of sick days and injuries led to the creation of the program as a way to combat poor health.
Even though the program is voluntary, Jarrod said there was a good uptake among the police staff members to have their weight, height and health measured.
Noosa Heads officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight has taken part in the program since 2007 and said he was happy to have maintained a consistent weight throughout the years.
“My heart rate is consistent, but my strength is up and my flexibility is up,” he said.
Police staff will also have a range of blood tests and a follow-up within two months to make sure they are still on track.
