The Queensland Plan Puts Spotlight on Health Prevention

The Heart Foundation has applauded the release of the Queensland Plan, by Premier Newman, on its aim for Queensland to be the leader on health prevention in Australia.
Heart Foundation Queensland CEO, Stephen Vines, said Queenslanders have made it clear in the Plan that they want to be healthier in mind and body so they can enjoy more productive lives and health prevention is the key to achieving this.
“The Queensland Plan shines the spotlight on our poor state of health showing chronic conditions such as heart disease are more prevalent than ever and placing an enormous burden on families and draining the economy,” said Mr Vines.
“We have over 10,000 heart attack patients in hospital each year in Queensland and it is estimated the total economic cost of each heart attack is $281,000,” he said. “So focusing on health prevention measures just makes good economic sense and will keep people happy, healthy and productive.”
The Heart Foundation particularly supports the Queensland Plan’s focus on:

• Increasing activity levels, reducing obesity and smoking and creating socially connected communities


• Improving the life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples


• Developing local neighbourhoods that support public transport, walking and cycling


• More health research


• Encouraging the supply and purchase of local food


• Building strong regional communities that are active, productive and connected.

”Access to affordable, fresh food is one way Queenslanders have identified they can lead healthier lives,” said Mr Vines.
“We look forward to the Queensland Governments response to creating a State where healthy food options are affordable and accessible throughout all areas of Queensland. “We also look forward to measures that will create active communities with parks, cycle paths and recreation facilities.
“By focusing on health prevention the Queensland Government will succeed in building a stronger economy and reducing the number of Queenslanders living and dying from heart disease,” he said.