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The Human Swine Influenza virus is a new influenza (flu) virus that was initially reported in April 2009 in Mexico. Australia, including Queensland, is currently focusing on protecting those people who are most at risk of developing severe illness from Human Swine Influenza.
People in vulnerable groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are urged to be vaccinated against human swine influenza. Family, carers and friends of vulnerable people are also encouraged to be vaccinated. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders are more likely to have other illnesses that can lead to more serious health problems from Human Swine Influenza. These illnesses can include diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, renal (kidney) disease and being very overweight.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and you have signs of the flu, you should see your GP, health clinic or hospital emergency department. Please call before you visit.
Queensland Health implements a range of programs and services in partnership with government, non-government, and private organisations, to prevent, minimise and respond to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and harm.
The Quitline 13 QUIT (13 7848) is a state-wide confidential telephone service dedicated to helping people who want to quit smoking. Available 7 days a week, Quitline offers support, encouragement and resources to help with quitting.
Queensland Health launched Go for 2&5® in October 2005 to help reduce the risks of obesity, poor nutrition and chronic disease throughout Queensland. The program aims to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables in Queensland by one serve per person per day by encouraging increased awareness of the need to eat more fruit and vegetables, and providing solutions to help Queenslanders achieve this.
Merchandise for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander campaign can be ordered though any of the people above or through any of the local contacts from Tropical, Central, and Southern Population Health Services. Additionally, a number of resources have been developed targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including Living Strong: Healthy Lifestyle Cookbook, and Healthy Murri, Healthy Islander: Strong Hearts, Strong Bodies.
Living Strong is a healthy lifestyle group-based program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. designed to be delivered by generalist health staff such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, staff in Community Health Services as well as in non–government health services. Living Strong facilitators participate in a five-day training program and are offered implementation and evaluation support by staff of Queensland Health.
The Growing Strong: Feeding you and your baby resources have been developed to help health staff talk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families about nutrition for mothers, babies and young children. Growing Strong resources provide information about eating well during pregnancy as well as offering suggestions for dealing with some common food and nutrition related problems during pregnancy. Information is also provided about common breastfeeding issues and the appropriate introduction of solids for babies.
The first 12 months of a child’s life is a time of rapid growth and development.
Optimal infant nutrition, provided through exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and the introduction of appropriate solid foods at this stage in addition to continued breastfeeding to at least 12 months, is ideal for normal physical growth and development and enhancement of health throughout the lifecycle. Queensland Health provides information to support continued breastfeeding and returning to work. Topics covered include the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother, baby, employer and community, breastfeeding recommendations, expressing and storing breastmilk, healthy eating for a breastfeeding mother and a glossary of terms.
Establishing good oral hygiene and dietary habits have been proven to be essential to achieving and maintaining, overall physical and emotional well-being throughout life.
Oral Health can affect both physical and emotional well-being as it can impact upon appearance, interpersonal relations, diet, nutrition and speech. In addition disease of the mouth can affect the rest of the body and is a contributing factor to a number of secondary conditions.
The Happy Teeth program was developed by early childhood specialists and oral health professionals especially for the early childhood setting. The program is based on evidence that healthy teeth and gums are important for good health. In order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, daily tooth brushing habits and healthy eating should commence early in life.
Looking after young mouths is a resource that can be used to help health staff talk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families about the importance of oral health.
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