Fifth risk factors identified contributing to Australian deaths

AIA Australia has confirmed new elements involved in disease, adding to the current four problematic lifestyle factors: physical inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking and excess alcohol. These four lifestyle factors contribute to our biggest preventable killers - over 90 per cent - of cancer, diabetes, respiratory and heart disease.

Our interaction with the environment is the latest on the list of modifiable risk factors, with mental health conditions and disorders also identified. The two are linked together by environmental factors that have an impact on personal, physical and mental health.

AIA Australia said in a statement that air quality has implications on non-communicable diseases via cardiovascular disease, lung function and asthma; food quality is impacted by environmental factors such as food safety, microbes, chemicals and biotoxins; and ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of skin cancers like melanoma.

Tim Jarvis, AIA Australia’s Vitality ambassador, environmentalist and polar explorer, says reducing the negative impact on the environment can be done on an individual basis, with some “…valuable first steps could include conserving natural resources, being mindful of our consumption and dietary choices and reducing household waste. Or even choosing to use public or active transport, such as walking and cycling, when possible.

“By breaking down the enormity of some of these big challenges, whether it’s health or climate change, into small manageable pieces that we have influence over people can get on board with being part of the solution.”