Is our lifestyle killing us?
  | Australia has one of the highest life expectancies and best health systems in the world. Despite this, many Australians suffer from chronic illness. This is the growing problem facing the health system as the population ages. Chronic diseases – such as some cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes – are estimated to be responsible for nearly 80 per cent of the total burden of disease and injury in Australia, and more than two-thirds of all health expenditure. Diabetes and heart disease alone cost the health system more than $6 billion each year.These chronic diseases are also having a large impact on some population groups, particularly Indigenous Australians.
Evidence has shown that certain lifestyle behaviours promote the onset of chronic disease. These include being overweight or obese, not getting enough physical activity, smoking, harmful alcohol consumption and unhealthy eating.
So the big questions is.....
Is our lifestyle killing us? |
