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Put better health on resolutions list
29 December 2010.
AMA Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley is urging Victorians to improve their health in 2011and stick to New Year’s resolutions to stay healthier for longer.
"The new year is a good time to evaluate your health and stop or reduce behaviours that are putting you at risk of disease," Dr Hemley said.
"Think about the risks you currently take with your health, whether it is smoking, drinking too much, or not exercising enough and start planning your healthy new year.
"It’s not easy losing weight or quitting smoking, but help is available to get you started or to keep you on track – talk to your GP about what you want to achieve."
Dr Hemley listed the following six New Year’s resolutions as a recipe to achieve better health in 2011:
1. Stop smoking
"While only sixteen point five percent of Victorian adults still smoke, smoking is still the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in this country and leads to coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, cancer and a variety of other diseases and conditions," said Dr Hemley.
"The best thing smokers can do to improve their health is to quit."
2. Reduce your alcohol intake
"Drinking up to two standard drinks in any one day puts you at low risk of alcohol-related problems," said Dr Hemley.
"More than four standard drinks at a time increases your risk of alcohol-related harm. Have fun, but always drink in moderation. And make sure you have at least a couple of alcohol-free days each week."
3. Start exercising daily
"Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity on most days," said Dr Hemley.
"Regular exercise will reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes
"Walking is a great way of being physically active – try parking the car a few blocks away from where you’re heading and take the stairs instead of the lift."
4. Practice safe sex
"Sexually transmitted infections are not just an issue for young people," said Dr Hemley. "Rates of STIs have also increased among older Australians in recent years.
"If you are sexually active, use a condom and talk to your doctor about being tested for STIs.
"Your GP is also well-placed to talk about a range of sexual health issues, including performance."
5. Maintain a healthy diet
"Fruit and vegetables are an important part of your daily diet. They contain vitamins and minerals that help to keep you healthy," said Dr Hemley.
"Try to eat a variety of foods most days. Include two serves of fruit, five serves of vegetables, and nutritious foods such as nuts, legumes, wholegrain cereals, lean meat, skinless chicken, fish and low-fat dairy products."
6. Talk to your GP about preventative health screenings
"Screening generally detects cancerous cells before symptoms occur and this early intervention significantly increases the chances of successful treatment," said Dr Hemley.
"For women, breast and cervical cancer screening programs are available for early cancer detection.
"Bowel cancer screening is available for all Victorian men and women at the age of 50, 55 and 65. Talk to your GP about what is available for you."
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