AMA urges people to have a heart (check)

AMA FAMILY DOCTOR WEEK, 20-26 July 2014

During AMA Family Doctor Week 2014, the AMA is urging Australians to be more informed and aware about the health of their hearts.

AMA President, A/Prof Owler, said today that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, killing one Australian every 12 minutes.

“Many cases of cardiovascular disease can be prevented with a change in lifestyle,” A/Prof Owler said.

"It is vital that both men and women talk to their GP about their heart health to identify and address their risk.

"Heart disease is the leading underlying cause of death for both men and women, so it's time Australians sat up and took notice.

“While Australia is seeing improvement in the number of deaths due to coronary heart disease, in recent years many untimely deaths could have been prevented.

"Men and women who have an unhealthy diet, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, and especially if they smoke, are at increased risk of dying of heart disease.

“The AMA encourages anyone with a concern about their heart health to see their family doctor for a heart check,” A/Prof Owler said.

Cardiovascular disease includes coronary heart disease and heart attacks; and stroke and a range of blood vessel diseases.

Coronary heart disease, the most common form of cardiovascular disease, is Australia’s leading single cause of death, and accounts for about 15 per cent of all deaths in Australia.

The AMA has produced videos to promote Family Doctor Week 2014:

• Family Doctors provide targeted health care for patients at all stages of life with expertise, understanding, and distinction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-n2mEfFdIg
• The wide range of preventative care administered by family doctors ensures quality of life for patients and a sustainable heath system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i4c0-lFHdc

This video (mute) has been produced so that general practices can play it in their waiting rooms for the information of their patients:

• General practitioners can help people reduce their risk of illness and disease, such as diabetes, heart attack, obesity, and depression https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J79_1LdJApA

All the videos can be downloaded from the AMA Family Doctor Week website at https://ama.com.au/familydoctorweek2014

AMA Family Doctor Week is sponsored by Australian General Practice Training.

24 July 2014

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                            Sanja Novakovic                 02 6270 5478 / 0427 209 753

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