Queensland facing obesity ‘state of emergency’ says head of Australian Medical Association Queensland

 HE CERTAINLY doesn’t beat around the bush.

The head of the Australian Medical Association Queensland has slammed residents of the Sunshine State, saying they’re too fat and drink too much, as the group lobbies for health reforms ahead of the state election later this month.

AMAQ president Shaun Rudd said Queensland is facing an obesity “state of emergency” with 2.5 million people fighting the “war of the wobble”. The medical group is lobbying for a ban on fast food outlets opening within 1km of new schools, as well as subsidies for fruit and vegetables in high-risk communities in the upcoming election.

Dr Rudd also said unhealthy meals at school tuckshops should also be scrapped to prevent the next generation developing poor diet habits.

“The school tuckshops are supposed to be healthy places, but the reality is, they (aren’t).” 

“We’ve all seen tuckshop ladies and there’s a reason why they’ve got tuckshop arms.”

Apart from being too fat, Queenslanders also drank too much, Dr Rudd said. Nightclubs should not be allowed to serve energy drinks mixed with alcohol after 10pm and sponsorship rules should be tightened around sporting and music events.

Improving IT services in hospitals and making it easier for Queenslanders to map out their palliative care plans were also high priorities.

Dr Rudd said such reforms would ensure Queensland’s health system did not collapse under the weight of new cases of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes. But he dismissed accusations of doctors playing “nanny state” politics.

“It’s all very well to say it’s a choice. But we need to make those choices easier,” Dr Rudd said.

So far, Labor has pledged $110 million to employ 400 extra nurses over four years as part of its election health pitch. With 16 days until Queenslanders head to the polls, the Liberal National Party is yet to announce its health policies.

THE AMAQ’S ELECTION WISH LIST:

OBESITY

• Ban fast food outlets opening near schools

• Subsidise fruit and vegetables in at-risk communities

• Ban fast food meals at schools

• Fund interactive, online obesity education program

• Fringe benefits, tax-free bike scheme

• Bring in star ratings on food earlier

ALCOHOL

• Ban nightclubs serving energy drinks with alcohol after 10pm

• Diversionary programs for minor alcohol-related offences

• Ban alcohol sponsorship for sport, youth music, junior sporting events

PALLIATIVE CARE

• Make it easier to comply Advance Care Plan

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

• Invest in integrated, electronic health records

Sourec : News.com.au   January 15th 2015