Healthy Living Centers (HLC)

Healthy Life Centers (HLCs) are primary healthcare facilities established by the Ministry of Health of Türkiye with the aim of protecting and promoting public health and facilitating 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.

Healthy Life Centers operate under the supervision 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.

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

^{Sağlıklı Hayat Merkezleri Hizmet Alanları (}TRT HABER⁾

The nutrition counseling service is provided to help individuals adopt adequate and balanced dietary habits and to prevent and manage nutrition-related diseases.

• 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 campaigns

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

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

The psychosocial counseling service is provided to support individuals’ mental, social, and emotional well-being. Services are delivered by psychologists and social workers.

• 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

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

• Counseling on family planning methods
• Monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum period
• Prenatal and postnatal education
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Menopause health counseling

This service aims to support the growth and development of children and adolescents, promote healthy lifestyle habits, and identify health risks at an early stage.

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

The aim is to prevent chronic diseases and implement early diagnosis and monitoring processes. Monitoring is conducted for common chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

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

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

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

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

• Education to develop health awareness
• Group information sessions on chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and healthy living
• Educational programs in public institutions, schools, and workplaces

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.