The Commonwealth Government today launched its ‘Swap it don’t stop it’ campaign – a call to make easy, small, healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of illness and disease. The ‘Swap it don’t stop it’ campaign features Eric, an animated blue balloon character, designed to be likeable but overweight. The campaign echoes the popular ‘Life: Be In It’ campaign of the 1980s, featuring Norm, a similarly likeable but overweight cartoon character. On television, in print... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery Council has announced its support for the establishment of a new National Preventative Health Agency (NPHA), part of a bill reintroduced to Federal Parliament this week. The National Preventative Health Agency Bill – reintroduced to Federal Parliament this week – will involve setting up a separate agency to address obesity, alcohol abuse and smoking issues with a focus on keeping people healthy rather than treating illness. The Bill will also establish the NPHA... ...Read more »

The Federal Government’s Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has announced a funding program for local governments to foster healthier lifestyles. The move is in line with preventative health measures. These measures include dietary education programs that are aimed at reducing the prevalence of obesity. Minister Roxon said, “The Rudd Government knows that the cost of inaction on chronic disease is too high. We know that cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes... ...Read more »