 HSC Core 1: Health Priorities in Australia

Priority Areas for improving health There are national health priority areas for Australia They contribute significantly to the burden of illness in the community. We can identify the risk factors and determinants, and modify behaviours to reduce the prevalence of these illnesses or conditions.

Cardiovascular Disease One of the leading causes of sickness and death (36% of deaths in 2004). Males more likely then females to die from CVD. Can modify risk factors to reduce risk of CVD.

Nature of CVD  CVD is a general terms covering all diseases of the heart and circulatory system.

Extent of CVD

Risk Factors Family History

Gender

Advancing Age

Modifiable Risk Factors Smoking

Overweight or Obesity Conditions Physical inactivity

Groups at risk Tobacco Smokers Family History Hypertension Sufferers Poor nutrition Ageing Population Males SES groups

Nature of Cancer Refers to a diverse group of diseases with a common feature- uncontrollable growth and spread of abnormal body cells.

Extent of Cancer

Risk Factors Lung Cancer: - Smoking - Occupation - Air Pollution

Groups at risk: Lung Cancer Occupational hazards (environment) Over the age of 50 Cigarette Smokers ‘Blue Collar’ occupations

Risk Factors Breast Cancer: - Family History - Poor Diet - Obesity

Groups at risk: Breast Cancer Women who have never given birth Obese Women Women over 50 Family History

Risk Factors Skin Cancer: - Fair skin that burns - To much sun exposure - Number and types of moles

Groups at Risk People in low latitudes People with fair skin People with outdoor occupation People who don’t use protection

Injury It affects all age groups Places high burden on economic, social and physical aspects on both individual and the community. It is preventable and is a major cause to Australia’s mortality and morbidity rates.

Extent of Injury

Risk Factors Competing objective Complacency of impunity Lack of judgement Overload Social and psychological problems Social groups

Mental Health Previously peoples level of health and wellbeing was underestimated Its not until recently that the stigma of mental health has been removed which has allowed for improvement in these areas.

Extent of Mental Health

Risk Factors: Suicide Depression Mental Illness Physical illness Marginalisation of some groups Social isolation

Groups at risk: Suicide People with depression Elderly Alcoholics Previous suicide attempts Young gay or lesbian people

Diabetes A conditional affecting the body’s ability to take glucose from the bloodstream to use it for energy. We need this to perform everyday activities.

Extent of Diabetes

Risk Factors: Type 2 Diabetes 45 years old with HBP 45 years old and overweight 45 years old and over Family History

Groups at risk  Being over 35 and being an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.  Being over 35 and having a Pacific island, Indian or Chinese cultured background.

Asthma Is a chronic disease of the respiratory systems. It affects a person’s ability to carry air in and out of the lungs. The walls of the airways become narrow, making it hard to breath

Extent of Asthma

Risk Factors Colds and Flu

Risk Factors Tobacco Smoke

Risk Factors Inhaled allergens such as pollens, animal hair, dust mites

Risk Factors Air Pollution

Risk Factors Food preservatives

Risk Factors Exercise

Arthritis and Musculoskeletal conditions Refers to a number of conditions that affect the joints of the body. It affects a large number of Australians

Extent of Arthritis

Risk Factors Age GenderObesity Repetitive use of a joint

Priority Areas CVDCancer Mental Health AsthmaArthritisInjuryDiabetesObesity