Media Release

Tackle Obesity on Australia Day with Healthy Menus


	20 January 2009

Kidney Health Australia has called on Australians to tackle obesity at the traditional Australia Day barbeque as part of the battle against kidney disease which is present in one in seven Australians.

Dr Tim Mathew Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia said Kidney Health Australia has launched a national strategy aimed at encouraging people to introduce healthy barbeque menus and choices of food to cut the fat content of traditional barbeques.

"Obesity increases the risk of kidney disease and our message to the community is to undertake a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight."

The BIG RED BBQ - the Healthy Choice initiative focuses on recipes including fruit, vegetables, fish, chicken and smaller portions of traditional meat.

Dr Mathew said the campaign is also aimed at Making a Noise About The Silent Killer - Chronic Kidney Disease by making it a topic of discussion at every barbeque through the link to healthy eating and lifestyle.

The BIG RED BBQ complements the Federal Government's Measure Up campaign, a social marketing campaign which aims to raise awareness of the healthy choices that can help protect people from chronic diseases, beginning with physical activity and healthy eating.

Dr Mathew said diet is a vital part of managing Kidney Disease and we have chosen to highlight the Aussie barbeque, a traditional family, sporting and community social activity as a focus point to promote healthy eating and encourage a greater use of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, chicken, lean meats and salads as a preventative measure.

Healthy BBQ recipes

FAST FACTS ON CKD IN AUSTRALIA

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant and growing public health problem, responsible for substantial burden of illness and premature mortality. In Australia, it is a fact that:

1 in 3 adults are at increased risk of developing CKD

1 in 7 adults have at least one clinical sign of existing CKD

A person can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before experiencing any symptoms

Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by early-stage kidney disease and don't know it

Over 40 Australians die of kidney failure each day

11.3% of all deaths in Australia are due to, or associated with, kidney failure

Every day, 6 Australians commence expensive dialysis or transplantation to stay alive

Most people with CKD will die from cardiovascular causes before requiring dialysis or transplantation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience excessive death and disability due to CKD

The dialysis-dependent population has risen by an average of 8% per year over the past decade, and is being fuelled by the ageing population, and Type 2 diabetes epidemic

It costs approximately $83,000 per annum to keep a person alive on dialysis

There is consistent evidence that with proper medications and management, the number of people with kidney failure can be significantly reduced. However, early stages of kidney disease often go unrecognised, and the knowledge of what can be done to help patients is often not applied.

Media Enquiries:
Dr Tim Mathew Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith National Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201