Ask a health navigator
Have you just been given a diagnosis and you're not sure where to start?
Are you taking steps to improve your health and wellbeing, and need help finding services?
Are you having trouble working out the aged care system?
Finding health and wellbeing services can be hard. We can help!
Our Health Navigators are here to help to listen to your needs, provide you with information*, and connect you with services that can help you on your health and wellbeing journey. And the best news it's completely free^ for every Tasmanian, member or not.
*All information provided through health navigation is for information purposes only and is not suitable for the advice of a qualified health professional.
^If you use the services of a provider we have suggested, there may be fees involved.
Here are some questions we received recently from some participants:
I’m considering trying to quit vaping because of the restrictions in place in Tasmania. Can I access the same support as someone quitting smoking?
Firstly, well done for taking the first step of considering starting your quit journey. There is free support out there that can be used whether you are quitting vapes or smoking. This includes phone counselling and online resources. Our Health Navigators can give you information about these resources. If you want to know about medications that can help with cravings (such as patches), we’d suggest having a chat to your GP. St Lukes members on eligible covers can also access benefits that support you when you are ready to quit – this includes claims for non-PBS medications (such as patches) and hypnotherapy. If you’d like to know more about what you can claim under your St Lukes policy, have a chat to our friendly Customer Care team.
I care for a family member and am feeling really exhausted. I need some support, where can I find this?
A carer can be anyone of any age supporting someone with a disability, poor mental health, chronic health condition, alcohol or drug dependency or someone frail or aged. We know carers can get burnt out and it can be very overwhelming and time consuming to find out what services are around. Our Health Navigators can help you find services and resources to help you in this carer role, and help you find ways to look after your own health and wellbeing. It’s important to know you are not alone and there is help available.
I’ve been told by my doctor that I have a high risk of heart disease and that I need to improve my lifestyle, but I don’t know where to start.
We know there’s a lot of information online, and it's hard to know where you can get support. Our Health Navigators can help you find resources to get started on your journey to better heart health. If you want to get clinical advice around diet and exercise, we can help find a service near you. Some people find it helpful to get support and motivation from others, through group exercise or support groups. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, we can help you find out if there are any near you.
What is the difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
A dietitian and a nutritionist both help people with food and health but they have different levels of training and responsibilities. A dietitian is a regulated health professional who has studied nutrition at a university, completed supervised training, and is qualified to work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical setting. They can create meal plans for people with medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
A nutritionist on the other hand, has studied nutrition but does not always have formal training or a government-regulated license. While nutritionists can give general healthy eating advice, they cannot provide medical nutrition therapy like a dietitian can. A nutritionist may focus on promoting healthy eating and can work in areas such as public health, research, and teaching, or in the food industry.
So if you have a question, or just need a hand getting started on your journey, reach out to one of us today. You can book an appointment with the team or fill in the form below. Please allow two business days for a response.
Ask a Health Navigator
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