Australians in denial about their heart health
Australians have a risky, distorted perception of their health status, and are unwittingly putting their heart health at risk. Men fare worse than women with this distorted perception, according to results released by Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) and the Heart Foundation in their joint second annual Zurich Heart Foundation Heart Health Index (the Index).
According to the Index, which is self-reported, this year even more Australians have been shown to be obese or overweight (54%). While Australians are now bigger than before, there is still a lack of awareness about the health risks of being overweight or obese. Many Australians are clearly unaware that making lifestyle changes could lower their risk of heart disease.
“There is an urgent need for the community, governments and their health agencies, in partnership with the life insurance industry, to band together to urgently address this health issue, the biggest killer of Australians,” said David Smith, chief executive of Zurich.
Dr Lyn Roberts, chief executive officer of the National Heart Foundation said, “The Index indicates that Australians are putting themselves at risk of heart disease because they are increasingly unaware of what to do to meet healthy guidelines, particularly when it comes to healthy weight.”
The Index revealed only 2% of respondents reported they had made lifestyle choices to satisfy guidelines to lower their risk of heart disease. These choices include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating the right number of servings of fruit and vegetables, and meeting physical activity guidelines.
Ninety-eight percent of respondents admit they are not doing enough to reduce their risky choices to their health.
