Mps Can Help Close The Gap By Making Real Improvements In Indigenous Heart Health

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19th August 2008, 07:04pm - Views: 1032





Culture Indigenous Heart Foundation 1 image




19 August 2008


MPs can help close the gap by making real

improvements in Indigenous heart health


The Heart Foundation believes that by making real improvements in Indigenous heart

health, Queensland can go a long way to closing the gap in life expectancy between

Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.  


Heart Foundation Indigenous Programs Manager, Traven Lea, said “If we applied what

we already know to Indigenous heart health, we could close up to 6.5 years of the 17

year gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians”


The Heart Foundation, along with the State Government and Opposition, has signed up

to support the national Close the Gap campaign. 


“The Heart Foundation wants to ensure real and lasting changes are put in place to

improve Indigenous heart health outcomes,” said Mr Lea.


“Indigenous Australians who make it to hospital after a heart attack are 40% less likely

to be given life saving treatments and tests such as an echo-cardiogram,” explained Mr

Lea. “This can be changed by putting in place systems that ensure the best possible

care and options are provided to Indigenous Australians.”

Culture Indigenous Heart Foundation 2 image


Preventing heart disease from developing in the first place is another area where we

can make a big difference. Smoking rates amongst Indigenous Peoples is at least 50%

compared to 17% in the general population. 


Our State MPs will hear about practical measures to improve Indigenous heart health at

the Heart Foundation’s Parliamentary Breakfast Forum on Wednesday, 27 August 7.15

– 8.15am in the Premiers’ Hall, Parliamentary Annexe.

Ends


The Heart Foundation saves lives and improves health through funding world-class cardiovascular

research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting people with cardiovascular

disease.  As a charity, the Heart Foundation relies on donations and gifts in wills to continue its lifesaving


or call 1300 36 27 87.


For further information or interviews, please contact:  Jill Sims  Media and

Communications Manager  Tel: 3872 2541 Mob: 0421 911 116






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