Cooking classes for diabetes program

• Reach:

  NSW

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Completed

• Evaluated:

  Yes

• Time frame:

  1 January 2005 - 31 December 2006

Overview

The Cooking classes for diabetes program was a collaborative program between the Aboriginal Medical Service Western Sydney and the Western Sydney Institute of TAFE (Mt Druitt Campus). A culturally appropriate program was developed, run at the AMS where clients felt comfortable, and supported by Aboriginal Health Workers at the AMS.

The program consisted of 18 weekly sessions where clients were given the opportunity to prepare and cook healthy foods. There were also discussions on a range of topics including:

• choosing healthy foods when shopping;
• food hygiene;
  
• using low fat cooking techniques; and
• ways to cut down on eating fast foods.

Participants learnt about the relationship between foods and their health, and how to monitor their diabetes.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Contacts

Aboriginal Medical Service Western Sydney
2 Palmerston Road
Mt Druitt Village NSW 2770
Ph: (02) 9832 1356

Related publications

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (2009)

10 out of 10 deadly health stories - nutrition and physical activity.

Surry Hills, NSW: Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW

The 10 out of 10 deadly health stories - nutrition and physical activity booklet presents 10 successful nutrition and physical activity programs from NSW Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs). Programs ranged from cooking classes (Cooking classes for diabetes program) and teaching of life skills (Healthy lifestyle and weight management program), to community based activities (Fruit and vegetable program and market garden and Building healthy communities project). Despite the diversity in health topics they all shared several features, namely all were developed and tailored to meet needs identified by the Aboriginal communities in which the ACCHSs are located, and all have taken a 'holistic' approach.

The booklet was developed, produced and distributed by the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC) of NSW and funding was provided by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

• Links
• View report: 10 out of 10 deadly health stories – nutrition and physical activity (PDF - 2.3 MB)
• View information: 10 out of 10 deadly health stories – nutrition and physical activity
• View website: Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW

Evaluated publications

Abbott P, Davison J, Moore L, Rubinstein R (2010)

Barriers and enhancers to dietary behaviour change for Aboriginal people attending a diabetes cooking course.

Health Promotion Journal of Australia; 21(1): 33-38

• Links
• View abstract: Barriers and enhancers to dietary behaviour change for Aboriginal people attending a diabetes cooking course
• View article: Barriers and enhancers to dietary behaviour change for Aboriginal people attending a diabetes cooking course (PDF - 121.1 KB)
• View website: Health Promotion Journal of Australia

Links

• View website: Aboriginal Medical Service Western Sydney