NSW government urges greater participation in lifestyle initiatives
NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher has called for greater participation in healthy lifestyle activities which promote exercise and healthy eating.
Data collated for the 2006 NSW Population Health Survey shows improvements in diet and exercise, while rates of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have reduced.
However, more than half of the state’s population is now overweight or obese, the Minister said. Obesity is a big risk factor for the development of chronic and life threatening diseases such as heart disease, some cancers, stroke and diabetes.
The 2006 Reports on Adult Health by Area Health Service include information collected from people aged 16 years and older living in NSW relating to a number of health indicators such as alcohol and tobacco use, immunisation, nutrition, physical activity, asthma and cardiovascular disease, access to health services and an analysis of trust and safety in local communities.
