Australian Wellness Guidelines

Words: 1492
Pages: 6

The Australian Wellness Guidelines for Adults provides advice that adults can do on a daily basis to achieve optimum health and wellbeing. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (National Health Survey 2014-15) data showed that 63.4 per cent of Australians aged 18 years and over were overweight or obese, 44.5 per cent didn’t exercise enough, and that 7.4 per cent of adults consumed more than two standard alcoholic drinks a day, exceeding the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) lifetime risk guideline.
The Australian Wellness Guidelines for Adults promotes physical activity, nutrition and psychological wellbeing in combination to reduce stress and the risk of chronic illness. They contain nine guidelines that encourage behaviours
…show more content…
The World Health Organization defines good nutrition as “an adequate, well balanced diet combined with regular physical activity – is a cornerstone of good health”.
Guideline 1 - Eating a balanced diet
A balanced diet is achieved from eating a variety of healthy foods in moderation. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend eating a variety of foods from each of the five food groups, according to endorsed quantities, and drinking plenty of water.
The 60:30:10 diet recommends that 60 per cent of a person’s daily food intake should be from carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables and grains), 30 per cent from proteins (lean meat, fish, chicken and eggs) and 10 per cent from fats (milk, cheese and yoghurt). These macronutrient ratios provide a balanced diet by portioning carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Eating a balanced diet to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight is a nutritional aspect that should be incorporated in the “Top 9 Australian Wellness Guidelines for Adults” as the ratios specified maximize energy levels and cardiovascular
…show more content…
The Australian Government Department of Health (2018) recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination each week to reduce the risk of chronic disease and obesity. Moderate activity increases breathing and heart rate, while vigorous activity leaves you “huffing and puffing”, Professors Kidd & Rowe (2011). The type of activity is not important, just that it’s enjoyable.
Physical activity is an important aspect that should be included in the “Top 9 Australian Wellness Guidelines for Adults”. Increasing the level of participation in physical activity from 55.5 per cent is one of the keys to reducing health costs and living a healthier life.
Guideline 5 – Muscle strengthening twice a week
Muscle strengthening builds muscle strength, size and increases metabolism. Muscle strengthening exercise includes using dumbbells, barbells, medicine balls and weight machines. Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Adults recommends muscle strengthening activities twice a week to achieve maximum