Nutrition and Activity An Australian Priority

What are our Health Concerns? Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have completed 12 biennial reports on Australia’s health. The health of Australians is considered generally good, and is improving. We compare well with other countries.

Health is defined by the World Health Organisation as: “ a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO 1946) This definition recognises how people feel and function as well as their contribution to the social and economic environment. However, there are considered to be degrees of good health or bad health.

Australia at a glance million people lived in Australia in June Indigenous people were estimated at about 550,000 – about 2.5% of the total population. Fertility rate was 1.97% - the highest since Life expectancy continues to increase: Australians born today can expect to live to 79.2 years if male, and 83.7 years if female. 3.7% of our population are aged 80 years or over – 2/3 rd s being female. 64% of the population live in capital cities. 25% of Australians were born overseas. Unemployment was 5.5% in Dec We are the 12 th wealthiest among OECD countries. Our health expenditure is over $103 billion or $4,874 per person. C:\Users\lmacnaughtan\Desktop\St Michaels Grammar\Health & Human Dev\Aus health 2010.pdf C:\Users\lmacnaughtan\Desktop\St Michaels Grammar\Health & Human Dev\Aus health 2010.pdf

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Lifestyle behaviours People’s lifestyles can have a major impact on their health. Risky behaviours can signify an increased risk of developing a disease or condition eg cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or kidney disease). Smoking, risky drinking and obesity may affect a person’s health condition, resulting in days away from work or study and in a reduced ability to participate in family and community activities.

Obesity In more adults were overweight or obese than in 2004—6. Obesity may have significant health, social and economic impacts and is closely related to lack of exercise and to diet.

Long term effects of obesity Coronary heart disease Type 2 diabetes Some cancers Knee and Hip problems Sleep apnoea $58 billion per year cost of obesity to the Australian health system

Children and Obesity In , ¼ of Australian children between 5-17 years were overweight or obese. Studies indicate that once children become obese they are more likely to stay obese in adulthood.

Exercise Exercise benefits both physical and mental health. It reduces the risk of disease or conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity. Exercise through sport and recreation can provide social benefits through increased social interaction and integration.

Lack of movement. Over 68% of men and 76% of women were assessed as having a low level of exercise or being sedentary. This result has not changed significantly over 10 years.

Nutrition Campaigns. Australian Guide to Healthy Eating – Food guide for Australia which reflects the multicultural nature of the population. Based on widely accepted scientific principles and has been informed by the Dietary Guidelines for all Australians and the Recommended Dietary Intakes for use in Australia. Fulfils the Food and Nutrition Policy (1992) which is designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to choose a health diet.

Physical Activity Regular physical activity has many health benefits and plays an important role in promoting healthy weight. The National Physical Activity Guidelines outline the minimum levels of physical activity required for health benefits and ways to incorporate into everyday life.

Physical Activity Recommendations for year olds. At least 60 minutes of physical activity every day is recommended. This can built up throughout the day with a variety of activities. Physical activity should be done at moderate to vigorous intensity. There are heaps of fun ways to do it: Moderate activities like brisk walking, bike riding with friends, skateboarding and dancing. Vigorous activities such as football, netball, soccer, running, swimming laps or training for sport. Vigorous activities are those that make you “huff and puff”. For additional health benefits, try to include 20 minutes or more of vigorous activity at least three to four days a week. Try to be active in as many ways as possible. Variety is important in providing a range of fun experiences and challenges and provides an opportunity to learn new skills. Make the most of each activity in your day. For example, you can walk the dog and replace short car trips with a walk or bike ride.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults. Four Recommended steps: – Step 1 – Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience. – Step 2 – Be active every day in as many ways as you can. – Step 3 – Put together at least 30 minutes of moderate – intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, day. – Step 4 – If you can, also enjoy some regular, vigorous activity for extra health and fitness.

Promoting Healthy Weight Focuses on the prevention and management of overweight and obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) – a measure of someone’s weight in relation to height. WEIGHT(kg) / HEIGHT(m)2 (Weight in kilograms divided by the square of your height in meters). 25% of the Australian population is classified as overweight.

Weight classifications. ClassificationBMI Risk of co- morbidities Underweight<18.50 Low (but risk of other clinical problems increased) Normal range Average Overweight:>25.00 Preobese Increased Obese class Moderate Obese class Severe Obese class 3>40.00Very severe

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