Your healthy life

In Queensland, 1 in 4 children and 2 in 3 adults are overweight or obese, with people in remote areas more likely to be an unhealthy weight. Recently, the Queensland Government announced its commitment to supporting communities with easy, affordable and enjoyable ways to add healthy behaviour to everyday life. The Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) community-driven healthy lifestyle project will support Blackall-Tambo, Central West Queensland, residents and patients via running, fitness and nutrition family activities, plus mentoring of local healthcare professionals.

While the project is focused on females aged 12-18 in the outback – evidence shows this is when girls stop engaging in sport, get more sedentary and ultimately increase their risk of obesity and chronic disease down the track – this will create foundations for a healthier community for everyone. ➤

New research from Melbourne’s Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute suggests exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) increases the risk of developing type 2. This chemical is used in plastics such as some disposable water bottles and plastic containers. Researchers previously revealed detectable BPA levels were found in 95 per cent of people’s urine.

Researchers in France and Australia tracked

755 people over nine years and concluded those with higher BPA levels in their urine had a greater risk of type 2. The lead author of the study, printed in Environmental Health Perspectives, urges people to throw out takeaway containers and stick to BPA-free water bottles (such as metal bottles).