Unhealthy habits killing us slowly

The Stroke Foundation is urging Australians to ditch their unhealthy habits in the wake of a new report revealing our lifestyle choices are putting us at direct risk of life-threatening chronic diseases.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report released this week shows that smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity and insufficient exercise are all directly linked to stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the increasing prevalence of these comorbidities was alarming.

“We know there are increasing numbers of people in our community living with stroke risk factors highlighted in this report, such as obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and high blood pressure,” Ms McGowan said.

“The good news is most of these risk factors are preventable. Better detection and prevention of chronic disease will help people become healthier and stay out of hospital – saving lives and reducing the burden on our health system.

“An integrated health check is the best way to find out your risk of chronic disease by taking into account all risk factors, instead of assessing each one individually.

“This report is further evidence the Federal Government must fund the implementation of a nationally consistent program. The sooner GPs routinely offer an integrated health check, the earlier they can act to prevent a life-threatening event,” she said. 

“This report is further evidence of the benefits which could be achieved through the implementation of a nationally consistent integrated health check program. The sooner GPs and primary care providers routinely offer an integrated health check, the earlier they can act to prevent a life-threatening event,” she said. 

Ms McGowan said the report highlighted the direct association between six of the seven key risk factors and stroke.

“Too many families continue to be devastated by strokes that could have been prevented. By making simple lifestyle changes or seeking treatment for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, people could avoid the suffering and disability caused by stroke,’’ Ms McGowan said

“We need to help people understand their risk of stroke and other chronic diseases, and empower them to make the necessary changes to their lifestyle to avoid suffering a devastating health crisis.

“Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and adult disability in Australia. More focus must be given to prevention, earlier diagnosis and referral of patients at risk of chronic disease. GPs and primary care providers play an important role here.

“This report highlights the critical need for an integrated health check program to detect the risk of stroke, heart disease, chronic kidney disease or type 2 diabetes.

“We must get better at identifying those who are at high risk of becoming sick, and stopping them from joining the more than seven million Australians who are already living with a chronic disease.” 

To view the full report visit www.aihw.com.au