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Bring back the healthy Aussie
What happened to the iconic fit, athletic Aussie? With obesity rates increasing at a faster rate than any other advanced nation over the last 20 years, the average Aussie has become overweight or obese. Recent figures show one in two Australians are overweight and if this trend continues, by 2020, 80% of all Australian adults and a third of all children will be overweight or obese.[1]
Our national physique is changing shape and with expanding waistlines come increases in the occurrence of lifestyle induced heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The impact of this change is enormous and life-threatening – obesity having recently overtaking smoking as the leading cause of premature death and illness in Australia.[2]
The good news? Our future health and wellbeing is in our hands. A healthy diet combined with some regular exercise could see the return of the fit, healthy Aussie.
Not only will our bodies reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, but our finances too. A healthier population would mean less stress on our medical centres and hospitals, and also reduce the cost of life insurance, with less people requiring a medical loading on their premium.
Today insurance companies are taking additional steps to help their customers with their wellbeing by offering advice and guidance on health and fitness – and rewarding customers who improve their health by reducing, and sometimes removing, loadings.
Concerned about your weight or diet? Here are some tips to help you get you back on track
1) Get and stay active – the most common way to prevent obesity is to live an active lifestyle. Simple activities, such as taking the stairs, can help tremendously. You could also try the gym or hire a personal trainer to help motivate you.
2) Eat healthy – it’s recommended that the average person consume foods such as dairy, meats, breads, fruits, vegetables and legumes each day. Tailoring your diet to accommodate these is the most effective way to prevent obesity.
3) Watch your weight – if you notice you are gaining weight, take appropriate measures to lose excess and maintain a healthy weight.
4) Drink water – people often mistake dehydration for hunger signals in the body. Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water per day will help to cleanse and detoxify the impurities in your system and ward off excess eating
5) Get an annual health check – doctors advise adults receive regular medical physicals to catch any early complications, and prevent health complications. A simple blood test can screen you for early onset of diseases such as diabetes, and cardiovascular, and you will still have time to take steps to avoid them.
6) Avoid the junk food aisle – the lure of food like chocolate and chips can sometimes be too much to bear and you may succumb to the temptation. Be smart and don’t buy it at all!
7) Eat less move more – it’s a simple rule to creating a lighter, more mobile, healthier you with greater wellness.
Making just a few small changes to your health and wellbeing can not only improve your quality of life now and in the future, you could also be saving yourself money.
Make an appointment with us today to discuss how you can improve your lifestyle, and the potential to reduce the cost of your insurance.
