Relationship Between Victorian Public Health And Wellbeing

Introduction
This report will discuss the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2015-2019 that aims to reduce avoidable burden of disease/injury so all individuals health and wellbeing is improved. The priority areas within the plan will be listed, with ‘healthier eating and active living’ being the main focus. Several at-risk population groups targetted in the plan will be mentioned, with low socio-economic groups specifically being discussed. The determinants of health will also be explored in the report with the social determinants; education, transport and early years of life being more thoroughly looked at. Overall the report will provide an overview of the relationship between the three social determinates of health chosen, the priority …show more content…
This is a priority area because a healthy diet and regular physical activity are essential for good health and wellbeing aswell as contributing to reducing the rates of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain cancers and osteoporosis (Victorian Government, 2015). Actions taken to increase the number of people eating healthy and exercising reguarlarly include; promoting the Australian Dietary Guidelines, making healthy foods easier to choose, promoting active transport, designing neighbourhoods in way that promote active and social participation, and promoting interaction with nature by creating public parks and open spaces. The potential benefits of these actions is a reduction in obesity and other diet/physical activity related conditions which would then reduce the burden on the health care system and lost productivity. It may also benefit the younger generation now and in the future as it will support their growth and development. Currie (2009) provided evidence that showed that low socio-economic status groups are more likely to experience food insecurity and are less likely to participate in physical activity, putting them at higher risks of obesity and other related conditions. Low socio-economic groups experience poorer health …show more content…
Evidence gathered by Chava & Gundala (2010) showed that there is strong correlation between high education levels and a high socio-economic status. Socio-economic staus is based on education and employment, so lower education levels may result in unemployment or a low income, therefore meaning a low socio-economic status (Chava & Gundala, 2010). McLaren (2007) provided evidence that shows individuals with a low socio-economic status may be unable to afford healthy foods or the costs associated with participating in sport and recreation. Lower levels of education may also mean that individuals are unaware or don’t have the knowledge to know the importance and health benefits associated with nutricious diets and regular physical actiivty (McLaren, 2007). Increaing the education levels of those with a low socio-economic status, will then result in increased incomes and knowledge about food and exercise, which influences the priority area healthier eating and active living positively as this is directly what this area is trying to achieve (Victorian Government, 2015). Transport is also a social determinants that is a key determiannts to good health if accessible and affordable according to Keleher & MacDougall (2016). According to Obrist et all. (2007) individuals with a lower socio-economic status are more likely to experince transport barriers. An individual