$14.3 million dollars will be invested in a new program called Do It For Life.

Health Minister John Hill said the program would be just one strategy in the states Chronic Fatigue Action Plan.

“Nearly half of all South Australians (46%) have at least one chronic disease and the older people are, the more chronic conditions they have.

“Nationally almost two thirds of all avoidable hospital admissions are related to chronic disease,” he said.

Executive officer director of nursing at the Roxby Downs Health Service Janine Connell said that while services in Roxby have been notified about the program, that the community is not specifically concerned about it.

“Our demographic is a bit younger here in the Roxby region,” she said.

“We have a younger age group in the region, so at the moment we’re more focused on health issues concerning mothers, babies, mental health, substance abuse and social isolation.”

However the Do It For Life program will also focus on addressing issues like smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, stress and physical inactivity, which are considered as contributing factors to the development of chronic illnesses.

Ms Connel said health services would also be strongly involved in preventative education and treatment.

“Our focus is slightly different at this point...our focus is more on preventative education.”

50 lifestyle advisers will be sent across the state to work with local communities.

They will work one-on-one with people who have been referred by GPs and health professionals, to monitor and support lifestyle changes to prevent and reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease

The closest adviser for the Roxby district will be based in Port Augusta.

The largest chronic health problems identified statewide include excess body weight, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and impaired glucose tolerance.