For Stephanie, caring for others has always come first.
Originally from Vietnam, Stephanie is a full-time caregiver for her Vietnamese speaking elderly parents and her autistic son. Stephanie’s days are filled with responsibilities, from managing appointments to ensuring everyone’s needs are met and dinner is on the table, she has little time left for herself. Like many carers, she often put her own well-being on the back burner.
“I was so focused on looking after my family that I didn’t think about my own health,” Stephanie said. “There was always something more urgent to do.”
During a time of stress, Stephanie was directed towards a local support group for carers of children with disability. Through this group and working in collaboration with the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ), Stephanie was introduced to the My health for life initiative, which helped her understand that looking after her own health was just as important as caring for her loved ones.
“I never thought about my health in that way before,” Stephanie shared. “If I’m not well, how can I take care of my family?”
The initiative was run in a group setting and was tailored to the specific needs of their Vietnamese community. The group covered simple, practical changes that could fit into Stephanie’s busy life. With the help of a bi-lingual My heath for life Health Coach, Mrs Minh Tran, the group learned how to make healthier food choices, such as selecting the right type of rice and understanding food labels at the supermarket.
“Before, I just bought the rice we always used,” Stephanie said. “Now, I know which one is better for my family’s health, and I’ve learned about portion sizes too.”
Gradually, Stephanie introduced her family to more appropriate serving sizes for their health needs, little by little cutting down on the rice and increasing protein and vegetables.
Exercise was another challenge for Stephanie. With limited time and energy, she found it difficult to fit in traditional workouts. But the initiative introduced her to the idea of breaking it up into shorter blocks, even 10 to 20 minutes is enough to make the difference. Stephanie was shown simple exercises that could be done at home, even while taking a short break during the day.
“I used to think exercise meant going to a gym, which wasn’t possible for me,” Stephanie explained. “Now I know I can even do simple workouts from a chair, and I’ve shown my mum she can do them from her bed, and they really help.”
One of the most valuable lessons for Stephanie was the importance of sleep. Between late-night caregiving duties and worrying about her family, quality rest often felt impossible. The initiative provided practical tips, such as avoiding screen time before bed and creating a relaxing night-time routine.
“I never realised how much my phone was affecting my sleep,” she said. “Now, I put it away earlier, and I feel more rested in the morning.”
For Stephanie, My health for life wasn’t just about learning, it was about feeling supported. Surrounded by other Vietnamese carers facing similar challenges, she found comfort in knowing she wasn’t alone.
“The initiative helped me see that taking care of myself is not selfish,” Stephanie said. “It’s necessary. If I stay healthy, I can continue to care for my family for years to come.”
With her newfound knowledge and small, sustainable changes, Stephanie is embracing a healthier lifestyle, one step at a time. And in doing so, she’s ensuring a better future not just for herself, but for those she loves.
If you’re a carer looking to prioritise your health and wellbeing, My health for life can help. Start with our free online Health Check to see if the initiative is right for you.
