Medical ConditionsIt is thought that Hippocrates “the father of medicine” said the following. “If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.” And so today many of society’s most serious illnesses, Type 2 Diabetes, some cancers and Cardiovascular disease are largely preventable or manageable by following a healthy Diet and regular exercise. It is not surprising that there are recurrent themes throughout the articles in each medical condition. As a Member if you are at risk of some of the conditions in this section, because of your family history or because of lifestyle choices until now, then we know you will find the information interesting AND practical. We know knowledge doesn’t equal action so we have provided practical tips to help you make positive dietary changes. If you are interested in preventing or managing any of these conditions then there is no time like the present. If you have nutrition or weight management questions as a Member you can “Ask a question” in the Nutrition and Healthy Weight Gateway. DiabetesAlthough the outcomes and effects of the diseases are the same it is important to note that Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes have very different causes. Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune disease, where the immune system kills off the cells in the body that produce insulin. Type 1 Diabetes is most often diagnosed in childhood, and it ranks as the most common chronic childhood disease in developed countries. Type 2 Diabetes is primarily a result of lifestyle and is strongly associated with obesity. Type 2 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in people over 40 however this is changing with people in their 20’s and 30’s being diagnosed. It is estimated that up to 80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity. At least 50% of all people with Type 2 diabetes are unaware of their condition. This is frightening, as the major complication of diabetes is the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Consider this sobering statistic, people with type 2 diabetes are over twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as people who do not have diabetes. So if you want to take positive steps to avoid Type 2 diabetes; If diabetes is lurking in your family history or you have already been diagnosed then as a Member you will find information including:
Heart DiseaseCardiovascular Disease is the term used for heart, stroke and blood vessel diseases. According to the Heart Foundation it is the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 36 per cent of all deaths in Australia in 2004 with similar rates occurring in most Western countries. It kills one Australian every ten minutes. This section provides you with information on selecting the healthiest diet for preventing and managing heart disease. Whether it is reducing your cholesterol or managing your blood pressure, it’s all right here. So if you want the lowdown on good and bad fats, good and bad cholesterol and why sometimes a little alcohol can help then as a Member you get access to information including:
CancerCancer is a word that strikes fear into the stoutest of hearts. Despite regular claims to the contrary there is unfortunately no proof of any foods or nutrients that cure cancer. Claims to this effect are often made by the people who stand to gain from the sale of the “miracle cure”, and should be taken with a grain of salt. There is however a lot of scientific research that shows a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruit is helpful in preventing some cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight is also helpful in preventing many cancers. If diagnosed with cancer there are ways to maintain and regain your best health during your treatment and recovery. As a Member your nutritional information with regard to Cancer includes
Allergy & IntoleranceAllergies and intolerances to foods are becoming more common, and they are more serious than irritating itches, scratches and tummy upsets. Food allergies can be fatal and food intolerances can be seriously debilitating, affecting all aspects of your life. Managing a food allergy or intolerance means avoiding the problem food or chemical. This can cause nutritional imbalances depending on the severity and complexity of the allergy or intolerance. There are some ways to help prevent developing food allergies. Just as there are some allergy tests to avoid if you don’t want to waste a lot of time and money. If you suspect that eczema, rash, wheeze or gas may be related to allergy or intolerance then as a Member you have access to information including:
Metabolic SyndromeMetabolic Syndrome is, as the name implies, a syndrome not a disease. This means it is a collection of symptoms or disorders that appear together, but the combination may be different for different people. Recently the criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome have been tightened. Waist measurements are now smaller. This is because health organisations, particularly the International Diabetes Federation realise the danger associated with metabolic syndrome progressing to diabetes and heart disease. The earlier the diagnosis, the more likely it can be reversed. So take a look in the mirror, take a look at your family history, have a chat to your GP. Member information in this section includes.
Good Health
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