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May 2008 Smoking rates down in latest population health surveyNew research shows Victorians are smoking less and exercising more in a bid to combat chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Health Minister Daniel Andrews has released the Victorian Population Health Survey 2006, the latest snapshot of how the state rates on physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, obesity, asthma and diabetes prevalence. ‘Tackling chronic disease is one of our greatest health challenges and it’s important for us to measure health trends in Victoria so our public health programs are relevant and responsive to current and emerging health issues. ‘Government reforms such as banning smoking in pubs and the workplace have helped see adult smoking rates drop from 24.5 per cent in 2001, to 20.5 per cent,’ Mr Andrews said. ‘The report also shows 55.4 per cent of all those surveyed classify themselves as non-smokers—an increase of almost seven per cent since 2001. ‘Since 2002, Victorian women have increased their physical activity by almost 10 per cent and there has been an encouraging increase of almost five per cent for men doing sufficient physical activity to achieve health benefits. ‘Almost six out of 10 adults undertook vigorous physical activity weekly while 64.1 per cent of adults engaged in adequate levels of physical activity. ‘At the same time, the proportion of people categorised as sedentary has decreased by 8.5 per cent in 2002 to five per cent in 2006. ‘We know physical activity is a major benefit in reducing a range of diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some cancers, obesity and falls among the elderly. ‘While there are some pleasing results in the survey, there are also areas where improvement is needed, such as intake of fruit and vegetables and alcohol consumption.’ • The Victorian Population Health Survey is compiled from more than 7,500 detailed interviews and the full results can be found at www.health.vic.gov.au/healthstatus/vphs.htm.
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