Healthy Living Centers (HLC)

Healthy Life Centers (HLCs) are primary healthcare facilities established by the Ministry of Health of Türkiye to protect and promote public health and facilitate access to health services. These centers aim to help individuals adopt healthy lifestyle habits before they become ill, identifying risk factors at an early stage to improve quality of life. All services provided at HLCs are free of charge and based on voluntary participation.

Corporate Structure and Organization

Healthy Life Centers operate under the authority of provincial and district directorates of health. Service delivery is carried out by multidisciplinary teams composed of specialized health professionals. These teams include physicians, dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, midwives, and nurses.

Scope and Implementation

Healthy Life Centers provide services across numerous provinces and districts throughout Türkiye. They play a key role in expanding preventive health services and enhancing public health literacy. HLCs coordinate closely with family health centers and collaborate with local health administrations to ensure effective service delivery.

Healthy Life Centers Service Areas (TRT NEWS)

Service Areas

1. Nutrition Counseling

Objective and Scope

Nutrition counseling services are provided to help individuals develop adequate and balanced eating habits and to prevent and manage nutrition-related diseases.

Service Content

• Individual nutritional assessment
• Measurements of body weight, height, waist circumference, and calculation of body mass index
• Development of personalized nutrition plans
• Education on obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and similar conditions
• Group education and community awareness initiatives

2. Physical Activity Counseling

Objective and Scope

Physical activity counseling is offered to support individuals in developing regular exercise habits. Physiotherapists conduct individual assessments and design personalized exercise programs.

Service Content

• Musculoskeletal system evaluation
• Posture analysis and flexibility tests
• Determination of physical activity levels
• Exercise planning tailored to age and physical condition
• Group exercise activities

3. Psychosocial Counseling

Objective and Scope

Psychosocial counseling services are provided to support individuals’ mental, social, and emotional well-being. These services are delivered by psychologists and social workers.

Service Content

• Mental health assessment
• Counseling for stress, anxiety, and similar issues
• Individual psychological support
• Group sessions on family communication, child development, and exam anxiety
• Referral to relevant health institutions when necessary

4. Women’s and Reproductive Health Counseling

Objective and Scope

Women’s and reproductive health counseling aims to inform individuals about reproductive health and improve access to health services for individuals of reproductive age.

Service Content

• Counseling on family planning methods
• Monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum
• Pre- and postnatal education
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Menopause-related health counseling

5. Child and Adolescent Health Counseling

Objective and Scope

Child and adolescent health counseling is conducted to support growth and development processes, promote healthy lifestyle habits, and identify health risks at an early stage.

Service Content

• Growth and development assessment
• Information and guidance on immunizations
• Education on healthy nutrition and physical activity
• School-age health counseling
• Information on adolescent development and psychological changes

6. Management of Chronic Diseases

Objective and Scope

The objective is to prevent chronic diseases and implement early diagnosis and monitoring processes. Common chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are regularly monitored.

Service Content

• Identification of risk factors
• Support for lifestyle modifications
• Counseling on disease-specific management
• Individual follow-up to improve treatment adherence

7. Combating Tobacco, Alcohol, and Substance Use

Objective and Scope

Under the initiative to combat tobacco, alcohol, and substance use, individuals are supported in their cessation efforts and provided with appropriate referrals.

Service Content

• Assessment of usage levels
• Support for motivation to quit
• Individual counseling and group education
• Referral to treatment centers when necessary

8. Health Literacy and Community Education

Objective and Scope

Various educational activities are organized to enhance individuals’ ability to access, understand, and use health-related information.

Service Content

• Education to develop health awareness
• Community-wide information campaigns on chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and healthy living
• Educational programs conducted in public institutions, schools, and workplaces

9. Monitoring and Referral

The health status of individuals receiving services at HLCs is regularly monitored. When necessary, individuals are referred to specialized fields or to secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.