The stats are startling. One in six Australians will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. One in eight Aussie women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85. And one Australian will have a heart attack every 10 minutes.
But there are many ways to prevent becoming the “one”.
This week’s National Prevention Week (running March 23 – 29) kicked off with a breakfast on Tuesday at Botanic Gardens Restaurants. We joined wellness influencers, health and lifestyle supporters, and other media for a three-course breakfast in the open space. Naturally, and to align with the event’s theme, the meal was healthy and fresh – featuring corn fritters with guacamole and roast cherry tomatoes, and smoked salmon with avocado and rocket.
Seated around white tables punctuated with pink and white flowers, we listened to the Week’s ambassadors tell personal stories of tragedies and triumphs surrounding health issues. The ambassadors, each representing a separate health area, included Chris Bath, Natarsha Belling, Michelle Bridges, Marta Dusseldrop, Nicky Buckley, Gabi Hallows, Lee Holmes, Sally Obermeder, Prue MacSween, and Deborah Hutton.
Jackie Frank, Group Publisher of Fashion and Health titles at Pacific Magazines, started the event off with a brief introduction. She was soon followed by Jacqueline Mooney, editor of Prevention magazine, who lead the ambassador panel’s Q&A session. Ambassador Rebecca Gibney who was unable to attend the event had even recorded a special message on the stigma of mental health.
The common theme throughout the ambassadors’ personal stories of health issues affecting themselves or loved ones was a lack of knowledge. Had symptoms of the health problem been diagnosed earlier, there may have been a chance of survival. Rather than the often discussed topic of “curing”, the morning focused on “preventing” – avoiding the issue altogether by changing your lifestyle and becoming more aware of the problem signs.
In its third year, National Prevention Week is the first program in Australia of its kind. It’s a week dedicated to taking the time to learn about the preventative health measures you should be taking. Everyone wants to lead a long and healthy life, but eye-related issues, mental health, ovarian and breast cancer, and strokes are common. Prevent yourself from becoming the “one”.
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