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Preventative Health

Evidence shows that improving diet and being more physically active can help prevent or delay the onset of chronic disease.

Over 60% of the adult Australian population is classified as overweight or obese. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that over two-thirds of Australians over the age of 15 are classified as sedentary. Low activity levels, combined with poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure can lead to a number of chronic diseases including sleep apnea, hypertension (high blood pressure), fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, infertility, impotence and stress.

Relationship between selected chronic diseases/conditions and modifiable factors
Chronic Diseases / Conditions Behavioural Risk Factors Biomedical Risk Factors
  Poor Diet Physical Inactivity Tobacco Smoking Excess Alcohol Use Excess Weight High Blood Pressure High Blood Cholestrol
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2008. Indicators for chronic diseases and their determinants 2008.
Coronary Heart Disease xxxxxxx
Cerebrovascular Disease xxxxxxx
Colorectal Cancer xxxxx
Type 2 Diabetes xxxxx  
Chronic Kidney Disease xxxxxx 
Osteoarthritis xxxxx  
Osteoporosis xxxx   

The American Journal of Health Promotion says that for every risk factor an employee has there will be a corresponding 2.4% reduction in productivity, while the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reports that “$620 is lost per obese employee each year through absence and productivity losses.” These are sobering statistics when considering that these chronic diseases and conditions are serious problems which often require ongoing treatment and medication for life.

These statistics have serious implications for employers: managing workforce health is vital. The costs attributed to Workers’ Compensation claims, public liability exposure and workforce absenteeism are significant.

The good news is that most chronic diseases are preventable and poor health can be reversed with the implementation of a worker health management plan.

It's never too late for individuals to make positive lifestyle changes. Echelon Health can help implement the workplace health programme that is right for any organisation.

For further information please contact us.