Australia’s biggest killer is in your house right now
It’s widely known Australia’s wildlife can be dangerous, but there is an even bigger killer in most households that many of us are unaware of its devastating impact.
That killer is the couch.
Australia has become accustomed to sitting down – at work, on the couch, in the car – and it’s taking a major toll on the health of individuals and our economy.
Australia’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle is part of the complex and widespread problem of obesity and other related health diseases, which contribute to the death of more than 7200 people each year .
The APA’s ‘Australia’s Biggest Killers’ campaign aims to get Australians off the couch – and get moving and embrace healthy, active lifestyles.
For anyone at risk of being obese or overweight, an APA physiotherapist, such as those at PhysioFit Berwick, can help.
We all need to be moving more – not just exercising 30 minutes – but regularly throughout the day. Increasing evidence shows even basic regular movement like standing up while at work can help prevent health issues like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.
However while diet and physical activity are key to reducing obesity in Australia, there are a range and combination of factors contributing to weight gain: social, environmental, behavioural, genetic and physiological and psychological factors also affect whether we maintain healthy lifestyles.
Tackling this issue requires an integrated and consumer-centred approach. People need a range of information, education, support and resources to help them identify and tackle the causes of their weight gain and help make long-term changes to people’s quality of life. Those at risk also need help to overcome barriers to weight management, avoid short-term ‘quick-fixes’, and focus on health and wellbeing rather than the number of kilograms lost or gained.
The skills and resources of a range of health care providers, community groups and service providers, governments and industry need to be engaged to provide an integrated approach.
Physiotherapists are in an ideal position to be a major part this group.
Physios are key to tackling Australia’s biggest killer
As experts in physical activity, weight management, heart disease and diabetes prevention, it is no wonder physiotherapists are increasingly playing a vital role in treating individuals for being overweight or obese as well as sharing the broader public health prevention message.
A recent pilot study found 81 per cent of physiotherapists viewed weight management as a component of their scope of practice and 85 per cent reported they had engaged in weight management strategies with their patients.
Physiotherapists with their education, training and competence in behaviour change, biomechanics, therapeutic exercise and a wide range of other relevant experience, knowledge and skills are ideally suited to identify, manage and prevent obesity.
How a physio can help
APA Physiotherapists frequently design exercise programs for people from all walks of life to maintain active lifestyles. For individuals who are obese or overweight, a physio can identify and prescribe programs most suited to their medical condition, and coordinate comprehensive obesity management programs. They can help develop a program of exercise to increase your physical activity safely and effectively, and help identify necessary and achievable changes in your lifestyle.
Physiotherapists also prescribe, lead and implement therapeutic exercise and education classes for groups and individuals who have been diagnosed with or are at risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiorespiratory, vascular and musculoskeletal conditions. Physiotherapists also have the skills to care before and after surgery to treat obesity, or bariatric surgery.
An initial referral to a physio can be a good way to get someone started with short-term goals, with a view to supporting the person in a longer-term program to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
For further information on tackling this problem click here.