We all know Australia is one of the fatest nations in the world, but the bad news is we continue to get fatter. A report released from the ABS in May shows that the population has become substantially fatter since the 1990’s. Specifically, the report showed 37% of Australian adults were overweight and 25% were obese.

This finding was supported by research into obesity rates at patients visiting GPs.

What this means is that over 60% of Australians are putting their lives at risk due to poor dietary, exercise and lifestyle habits. Unfortunately this is ‘normal’ now. A strong push is now required to reverse this trend by encouraging physical activity and improved nutritional practices; simple concepts but ones that most Australians have difficulty putting into practice.

Most workplace health and wellness programs focus on the less fit and the less healthy, and fair enough. However, staff who are currently of moderate or good health and fitness are also important as many have an interest in this area and are dedicated to improving their own health.

The reason I bring this is up is that I have just read an article on the health of firefighters. Now, most firefighters would be considered at least moderately fit due to their job demands, yet heart disease accounts for the death of 45% of firefighters each year. There is no doubt that the hot conditions they work in places them at increased risk due to stress this heat places on the body and specifically the heart.

The article also highlighted the high risk that volunteer firefighters are under. Many are of only poor-moderate fitness and they are working in dangerous and demanding conditions that places their health at risk.

The reason for this post is that health education is important for all types of individuals and staff, regardless of occupation, age, gender or your perception of their need for such programs. In the above mentioned research, fire fighters expressed a strong desire for fire departments to assist them further with improving their health.

All aspects of our live involve technology. It is hard to escape with email and mobile phones always on, ensuring we are always in contact with each other. Well these same technologies are now being used to improve the health of staff.

Some recent US research looked at the benefits of a 16 week program where the experimental group received regular emails with specific exercise and nutrition recommendations. Pretty simple really, but the results showed that this experimental group became more active and improved their diet.

Here is a simple method of encouraging improved lifestyle habits without a lot of face to face contact or resources. Personally, I was happy but not surprised to read the results. FitSense Australia has been working for many months now on an Online Wellness Centre which will offer a range of assessment, education and motivational tools.