Key resources
Bibliography
Health promotion
Health practice
Yarning places
Programs
Organisations
Conferences
Courses
Funding
Jobs
Key resources
Print
This report assesses the evidence regarding the effectiveness of physical activity and nutrition intervention programs in reducing the incidence of chronic diseases in Indigenous communities. The report also describes the burden of lifestyle-related chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease) affecting Indigenous Australians and assesses strategies that have the potential to be affective.
The authors conclude from the evidence that healthy lifestyle programs can help to combat lifestyle-related chronic diseases. In particular, the programs that were found to be most effective were community-based projects that were initiated and managed by the communities in which they were run. Individual, family and group-based Indigenous healthy lifestyle projects were found to have positive effects in the short term (up to two years). It is not known whether these effects are sustained in the long term as few programs have both the resources and impetus to continue long term.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The National guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: second edition provides an up-to-date, evidence-based national resource created to help all health professionals delivering primary health care to Indigenous people. The use of this guide may help to prevent disease, detect early and unrecognised disease, and promote health. This guide contains Indigenous-specific information on:
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The 10 out of 10 deadly health stories - nutrition and physical activity booklet presents 10 successful nutrition and physical activity programs from NSW Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs). Programs ranged from cooking classes (Cooking classes for diabetes program) and teaching of life skills (Healthy lifestyle and weight management program), to community based activities (Fruit and vegetable program and market garden and Building healthy communities project). Despite the diversity in health topics they all shared several features, namely all were developed and tailored to meet needs identified by the Aboriginal communities in which the ACCHSs are located, and all have taken a 'holistic' approach.
The booklet was developed, produced and distributed by the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC) of NSW and funding was provided by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience significantly poorer health outcomes compared with other Australians. Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are responsible for the majority of the 'gap' in Indigenous life expectancy. Promoting good nutrition and physical activity is an essential component needed in order to 'Close the Gap' in life expectancy for Aboriginal people in Victoria. The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is committed to improving nutrition and physical activity, and has developed a nutrition and physical activity strategy, subtitled 'Policy proposals for promoting healthy eating and physical activity among Indigenous Victorians 2009-2014'.
The strategy was developed after a comprehensive review of the Indigenous health promotion literature and a state-wide consultation process. It recommends strategies and actions that will build on current activities of VACCHO and its members. It also recommends strategies for consideration by the State Government in a coordinated approach to preventing chronic disease in Victorian Aboriginal communities.
The Aboriginal view of health is holistic, that is it incorporates a whole-of life approach to the physical, social and cultural wellbeing of the community. Therefore this strategy recognises that action by the health sector alone will not be sufficient to close the gap. It is intended that this Nutrition and Physical Activity Strategy is just one part of a coordinated, intersectoral response to overcoming Indigenous disadvantage which includes action across other key dimensions such as housing, employment and education.
This strategy identifies priorities within eight key action areas. These include:
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
