Health and Wellbeing AOS 1

Alcohol

Consumed responsibly, alcohol has very minimal health effects. However, excessive use can cause many health implications.(17% of Australias have consumed at a level that puts them at risk of long term harm)

Biological Factors

Factors relating to the body that impact health and wellbeing

• Genetics

• Birth Weight

• Body Weight

• Blood Pressure

• Blood Cholesterol

• Glucose regulation

Sociocultural Factors

The social and cultural conditions in which people are born, grow, live and age. (Socioeconomic status)

• Income

• Education(health literacy)

• Occupation

• Access to healthcare (financial barriers)

Environmental Factors

The physical surroundings in the environment that individuals work, live, play

• Safety & Design

• Sleeping Conditions

• Ventilation

• Overcrowding

Sociocultural Factors (Males and Females)

• Access to healthcare (stereotypes

• Unemployment (males are historically seen as the providers for their family)

• SES (females tend to have

Environmental Factors (Males and Females)

Work Environment - Males are more likely to be employed in ‘high risk’ jobs such as farming, mining, and trades. (males high risk of injury)

Indigenous & Non-Indigenous

Males:

Indigenous = 71.6 years

Non-indigenous = 80.2 years

Females

Indigenous = 75.6

Non-indigenous = 83.4

Biological Factors for Indigenous

• Birth Weight (Indigenous)

• Blood Pressure (Indigenous)

• Body Weight (Indigenous)

• Impaired Glucose Regulation (Indigenous)

Sociocultural Factors for Indigenous

• Access To Healthcare

• Early Life Experiences

• SES (Socioeconomic Status)

• Food Security

Environmental Factors For Indigenous

• Access to Healthcare

• Housing

• Access to Safe Water

Alcohol and Obesity

Story - Alcohol typically is an energy dense food. When consumed it can add excess energy to a diet.

Impact - this can increase the risk of a person becoming overweight or obese and can increase the risk of CVD and type 2 diabetes.

Alcohol and Liver Disease

Story - Alcohol is processed through the liver, excess consumption can cause liver scarring and liver cells to die.

Impact - Over time this can increase the risk of liver related diseases like cirrhosis (healthy liver cells that are replaced by scar tissue).

Alcohol and Cancers

Story - When alcohol is metabolised, a chemical is created that damages DNA and causes cancerous tumours.

Impact - Excessive consumption can cause various types of cancers (breast, mouth, liver)

Alcohol and mental health conditions

Story - Alcohol is a depressant, and long term excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions

Impact - such as depression or anxiety, this can also increase the risk of suicide.

Alcohol and injuries

Story - Using alcohol can reduce a person’s ability to complete motor skills, and increase risktaking behaviour.

Impact - This will increase the likelihood of people drink driving and displaying aggression, which can increase alcohol-related injuries.

Alcohol and maternal-related concerns

Alcohol and maternal-related concerns Story Impact Exposing a foetus to alcohol during pregnancy

Impact - can increase the risk of low birthweight and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Overweight and Obesity

Around 2 in 3 Australians are considered overweight or obese

Body Mass Index (BMI)

How overweight and obesity is classified. It is proven not to be a reliable tool, but it still used on a population level

High BMI and cardiovascular disease

Story - A high BMI puts extra strain on the heart, and causes a build of up fat and plaque in the arteries

Impact - which can cause hypertension and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

High BMI and type 2 diabetes

Story - Excess body weight causes increased fatty acids and inflammation, which can lead to insulin resistance.

Impact - When your body is insulin resistant, it does not process insulin as needed, leading to type 2 diabetes.

High BMI and osteoarthritis

Story - A high BMI puts extra pressure on joints

Impact - Which can break down cartilage and cause osteoarthritis.

High BMI and mental health conditions

Story - Evidence suggests that having a high BMI

Impact - Increases the risk of mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression.

Smoking

When substances are burned, and the smoke is inhaled into the bloodstream.

Vaping

The use of battery powered devices to turn liquid into aerosol, which is inhaled into the lungs.

High Intake of Fat

Fat provides the body with a rich source of energy. However, when fats are consumed excessively and energy isn’t used it can cause weight gain.

High Intake of Salt

Similar to fat, sodium is essential in our diets. Sodium helps the body maintain water and electrolyte balance

High Intake of Sugar

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that can be found both naturally and be added into foods or drinks. As sugar is a carbohydrate, it provides the body with fuel for energy production

High intake of sugar and high BMI

Story - Sugar provides fuel for energy, but when consumed in excess and not used

Impact - it is stored as fat and can lead to obesity and overweight.

High intake of sugar and dental problems

Story - Sugars provide a food source for bacteria in the mouth

Impact - which decay tooth enamel develop dental carries.

Low Intake of Fibre

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that travels through the digestive system, promoting feelings of fullness and assisting in keeping the digestive tract clean by adding bulk to faeces

Low intake of fibre and high BMI

Story -Fibre makes you feel fuller for longer.

Impact - Not eating enough fibre may promote overeating and cause overweight or obesity.

Low intake of fibre and colorectal cancer

Story - Fibre adds bulk to faeces and assists keeping the digestive tract clean and stops abnormal cells developing.

Impact - A low intake of fibre increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

Under Consumption of Fruit and Veg

Around 94% of Australians dont consume the recommended daily intake of fruit and veg

Under Consumption of Fruit and Veg and High BMI

Story - Not consuming enough fruit and vegetables means that people are missing out nutrient-dense foods rich in fibre, which keeps you fuller for longer.

Impact - Consuming energy-dense foods can increase the risk of weight gain, and a high BMI.

Under consumption of fruit and vegetables and neural tube defects

Story - Nutrients that are found in fruit and vegetables, like folate, assist in the development of the brain and spinal cord during the prenatal stage.

Impact - Under consuming fruit and vegetables can increase morbidity and mortality from neural tube defects.

Under Consumption of Dairy Foods

Dairy is considered an essential part of a nutritious diet as it provides the body with calcium. Calcium is stored in the bones and teeth which assists the body keeping bones strong and healthy.

Under consumption of dairy foods and osteoporosis

Story - Dairy foods are rich in calcium which promotes the maintenance and strengthening of bones

Impact - Adequate consumption of calcium can protect against osteoporosis (where bones become weak and fragile from loss of bone tissue).

Under consumption of dairy foods and dental problems

Story - Calcium can ensure that teeth stay strong and healthy

Impact- Consuming enough dairy can protect against the decay of tooth enamel which can lead to tooth cavities.