As rates of obesity and other preventable diseases are on the rise, so is Australia’s health costs. In fact, the current drain on our health budget has got to the point where it will unsustainable in the near future.
Statistics show that Australians are now seeing a Doctor or Specialist once every two months, which is a substantial increase in the last decade. These figures are also well above what is seen in other comparable Western countries.
Figures from the Department of Health show that Australians make on average 6.3 trips to the doctor per year, compared with 5.8 in Canada, 5 in Britain, 4.7 in New Zealand and even less than that in America where the cost of quality health care is prohibitive to many people.
This gives rise to mounting concern that Australia’s health costs are rising at an unsustainable rate, with federal spending rising at 5.8% per year for the past decade.
A recent report released by the Australian treasury has predicted that federal spending on health would grow from 4% to 7% of gross domestic product by the year 2050. The report stated that increase in spending over the last decade was due to “increasing use of doctors, tests and pharmaceuticals, rather than aging and population growth”.
Have a think about that….. when do you think you might retire? What state do you think our health services will be in then? You may not have the same access to quality health care your parents have enjoyed, at least not without a hefty bill attached. So what legacy are we leaving for our children and what kind of health services will be available to them?
The cost of running hospitals is expected to increase dramatically from $594 per person to $803 by 2022, while the cost of subsidising pharmaceuticals is expected to rise from $443 to $534 per person.
Health reform will be a key part of the governments re-election pitch, Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, has warned that meeting our future health costs “simply won’t be possible without careful reform”
So I’d like to ask, where in this newly reformed health care model, will preventative health care stand? The cost to our health system of preventable diseases such as obesity and type II diabetes is enormous and I fail to see that the government is currently investing in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventative health care.
Really it is up to every Australian to take positive steps to manage diet and lifestyle factors that can contribute to preventable diseases. Exercise, eat a healthy diet and teach your children to do the same. I hope that the new health care reform makes preventative health care top priority and focuses on promoting healthy diet and lifestyles to help all Aussies make the most of their health now and in the future
If you would like to learn more about healthy diet and lifestyle to help protect your health and that of your family, now and in the future get some professional advice, people working in the nutrition and natural health care industry specialize in this area. After all prevention is always better than cure and we can make a significant difference to our health by implementing a few small changes.
My top 5 tips for helping to prevent ill health in the future:
Exercise – one of the most important ways to prevent disease and keep healthy is exercise and stay active. It doesn’t have to involve expensive gym memberships or sporting equipment, regular walking is like free medicine and all you need is a pair of runners. Staying active is one the best things you can do for your health!
Vegetables – provide you with essential nutrients and antioxidants, lots of people don’t get anywhere near enough in their diet, a bit of salad on the side once a day just doesn’t cut it! Try to have half your plate filled with vegetables at each meal, even breakfast! Bring back mushrooms and spinach with eggs and other more traditional breakfasts, it may take a bit longer to prepare but it’s a delicious meal and healthy way to start the day. A quick way to boost your vegetable intake is juices – try beetroot, celery, carrot and apple with a touch of ginger to really give you a boost.
Cut down on refined foods – this includes anything pre-prepared, biscuits, crackers, pastries, sausages, deli meats, tinned foods etc the list goes on. Buy fresh food, cut it up and cook it, that way you know what you’re really getting.
Decrease alcohol consumption – Let’s face it, we Aussies love a drink, in fact our whole social culture is based around it and most social functions involve a glass of wine or beer. Try to have alcohol only a couple of times a week and savor not swill is the key. A high alcohol intake is linked to lots of chronic diseases such as obesity, liver problems, diabetes and cancer.
More fish – less red meat – Fish contains valuable essential fatty acids that help to protect our cardiovascular system, decrease inflammation and have lots of other beneficial actions. Whereas a diet high in red meat seems to do the exact opposite! We love our BBQs and meat feasts in Australia but we could learn a lot from our Asian cousins who enjoy fish more than red meat in the diet. Experiment, find a fish monger and a few new recipes and increase fish in the diet.
If you would like some help to make positive dietary and lifestyle changes to ensure you stay as healthy as possible, now and in the future make an appointment to get some professional guidance