The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030 to urgently address health inequalities and embed 'prevention' in our health system. With Australians living nearly 11 years in poor health on average, equating to around 13% of their life, the APA welcomes the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030 to urgently address health inequalities and embed 'prevention' in our health system.
The Federal Government launched the Strategy yesterday, setting crucial goals to encourage increased investment in health prevention, assisting in reducing disparities via a stronger emphasis on primary health care and physical activity.
According to APA National President Scott Willis, the APA has long advocated for the rapid implementation of novel preventive health methods across priority groups.
Mr Willis said that this strategy would guarantee that they apply a greater health equity lens to preventive health initiatives, which, when combined with physiotherapy, will result in improved health and wellbeing. Physiotherapy has some of the most promising models for reorienting the health system toward primary care.
It is projected that lowering modifiable risk factors such as obesity or physical inactivity might avoid one-third of Australia's disease burden. The Strategy emphasises the relevance of physiotherapy in prevention throughout the lifetime.
More money is spent on musculoskeletal problems, such as osteoarthritis and back pain, than on any other illness, ailment, or injury in Australia, accounting for $14 billion of total health spending.
Mr Willis said that physiotherapy assists individuals of all ages in preventing, managing, and rehabilitating an injury, disease, or disability, as well as screening for a variety of preventative health issues, notably in the 'pain' arena.
The Strategy identifies physical inactivity as a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, mental health problems, falling, and musculoskeletal diseases.
Physical exercise may help prevent and treat various illnesses, and physiotherapy plays a vital role in preventing or shortening hospital stays via its prescription.
Scribbling their way out of suffering is not an option. Therefore, it is vital to expand public physiotherapy to prevent and treat chronic illnesses and pain. Unfortunately, too many Australians are waiting for treatment, and this extension should include fall prevention, employment injury prevention, chronic pain prevention, sports injury prevention, and disability prevention.
The APA would like to thank APA member Christian Barton for his invaluable contribution to the Strategy's preparation as a member of the Expert Steering Committee.
