October 24, 2013
The South Burnett, Darling Downs and South West Queensland population are fat … and getting fatter.
According to the latest National Health Performance report, 34 per cent of us are overweight and a further 36 per cent are obese.
This means that 7 out of every 10 adults in our region are at risk of developing health problems caused by being overweight.
Darling Downs South West Queensland (DDSWQ) Medicare Local CEO Andrew Harvey said the report provides a good reality-check to local communities.
He said the levels of obesity, in particular, were “an alarming statistic”.
“We have funding to support programs and activities to promote healthy lifestyles, to manage conditions related to obesity such as diabetes, and to promote good nutrition to keep people healthy and well,” he said.
“For example, we support the Healthy Lifestyle programs in the South Burnett; we have employed a dietitian who is about to launch the ‘Food Cents’ program in Charleville; we have diabetes educators at our Health Services Centre in Toowoomba who see patients free of charge; and we offer free health checks at community events such as the Warwick Rodeo.
“Our Indigenous Health team assists patients across our region with a chronic disease to travel to and from their medical appointments in order that they can manage their condition.”
Mr Harvey said it seems clear from the report that those living in regional and rural Australia are particularly struggling to maintain a healthy weight range.
“We are continually meeting with health providers across the region including hospital and health services, GP practices, community organisations such as Blue Care and the Royal Flying Doctor Service and regional councils to discuss new initiatives which we can implement in order to encourage people to take ownership of their own health,” he said.
- The NHPA report is available online at MyHealthyCommunities.gov.au
[Photo: DDSWQ Medicare Local]
