An Ounce Of Prevention

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

HEALTH SEGMENT - TODAY PROGRAM -

7th September 2004

live from Burke St Mall Melbourne

SKIN CANCER

* Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.

* Both long term exposure to the sun and sunburn both can damage skin (and may lead to skin cancer)

* Everyone is at risk of sun damage and skin cancer ( no matter what their skin type)

* Check your skin regularly

* see your doctor if you have any unusual spots.

SMOKING

* increased risk of breathing problems eg Emphysema

* increased risk of cardio vascular disease including heart attack and stroke

HEART DISEASE RISK FACTORS

* High BP

* Smoking

* Family History

* High Cholesterol

* Diabetes

DIABETES ( Type 2)

* most common form of diabetes

* usually affects adults but now seeing young people

* family history

* obesity increases risk

* lack of exercise increases risk

MENTAL HEALTH

* by 2020 mental health issues are predicted to be the second largest burden on the world health economy

* Stigma still prevents people seeking help early - this must be stamped out - we need to talk about it much more

* Post Natal Depression is under diagnosed and may affect 1 in 10 mothers usually within 12 months of having a baby.

* good treatment is available and the earlier the diagnosis the better

TAKE HOME MESSAGE :

Getting a finger prick test using a friends blood glucose machine or an isolated BP reading is just not enough - your risks depend on getting a full picture. The best way to assess your risk is to have a general check up with your doctor where you will be asked about

1. family history

2. personal medical history

3. lifestyle factors

then your doctor will examine you and put the results of all of this is in perspective against the national general risks and your doctor can plan a regular check up regime appropriate for you which will vary with age . Some screening tests may be indicated depending on these findings ...and I haven't even scratched the surface .......your personal risk needs exploring - Don't forget Bowel Cancer is a big killer in Australia - and its a cancer we can actually prevent with good, proper screening programs . Check out www.tacklingbowelcancer.com for the info !

Contact numbers ( some of these are Victoria only)

Cancer info line - 131120

Quit Line - 13848

Parks Victoria 131963

web links -

www.heartfoundation.com.au - National Heart Foundation

www.diabetes.com.au - International Diabetes Institute

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au - Parks Victoria - Healthy PArks Healthy People - World's Greatest Pram Stroll, Sunday October 2 2004