The latest hype in the Australian health industry is to do with preventative or preventive health care due to news out today on potential changes in the private health fund system. So what does this mean and who does this affect. Also why is this such a big thing at the moment?

The Australian government and other health organisations have recognised the increasing costs in the budget due to the escalating incidence of many diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, smoke related and mental health conditions. The factors thought to be contributing to this surge in health diseases and problems are lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and its related violence issues, as well as, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

The implications of this rising trend in health issues is that there are not only the increased costs of government health care but a corresponding lack of supporting resources such as upcoming health care workers, specialized equipment, hospital facilities etc.

In the news out today there were a number of reports that the government is investigating ways to accommodate this trend, firstly by looking at changes to the private health fund insurance system. This could mean that these funds could insure such things as the cost of doctor visits or pathology and x -ray services, which at the moment are mostly bulk billed. This obviously would mean increased costs of health fund premiums, which many cannot afford as it is. It seems like the government may consider an overseas type health system which doesn’t bode well for the low income earners in Australia. Is this the end to the known and expected protective Aussie health “Medicare” system we all rely on?

So what is preventative health care?? It is the measures or steps that people can make to decrease their chance of contracting or becoming ill in the first place. It is the practice of taking responsibility for your own health and living a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy food and exercising regularly. We all know what we have to do. The health experts have been telling us for years. The government’s coffers are in trouble and with many baby boomers about to retire and requiring increasing medical treatments, there are less funds to go around.

Many people just can’t afford to pay for health insurance anyway, so to ensure a better future, now is the time to look at your diet and lifestyle and take action before you become ill. For people over 50 who are not currently in a health fund this is of particular importance because time is running out. It is not a time to become complacent but to actually increase your efforts to stay healthy. The costs to stay healthy or incorporate preventive care measures in your life is cheaper than to overcome or treat a disease or other health issue later on down the track.