Menzies Institute updates 10 tips to long, healthy life and warns against vaping
The Menzies Institute for Medical Research has released 10 tips for living a long and healthy life - and it’s set its sights on vaping as a major health risk.
Tasmania
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A warning against vaping is on an updated list of 10 tips for a long and healthy life prepared by the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
The top 10 tips, all largely common sense, provide guidance for Tasmanians to improve their health in a friendly and informative format.
Director of Menzies, Professor Tracey Dickson, said the tips were backed up by evidence based research and have been refreshed after six years with current findings.
“For almost 40 years the Menzies Institute has been looking out for the health of Tasmanians,” she said.
“We rely on the community in many different ways, including participation in our studies and trials and the generosity of our donors.
“These tips will hopefully give people a guide to make the most of life and reap the benefits of our research.”
The tips include keeping your body and brain active every day and keeping vaccinations up to date.
It also says avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol and illicit drugs.
Menzies researcher Professor Verity Cleland said the tips had been updated on those promoted six years ago.
“We have updated the top ten tips to reflect the most recent evidence and latest public health issues, simplify the language, clarify messages, and align with contemporary public health guidelines,” she said.
“An example is that we now include vaping, which was unheard of in the previous version.”
The top 10 tips are also being used to promote the Menzies Centre’s Winter Appeal which raises funds to support medical research.
They come as statistics show Tasmania has some of the poorest health outcomes in Australia.
For example, there are 73.9 coronary heart disease deaths per 100,000 Tasmanians compared to 63.8 per 100,000 nationally.
The number of cancer deaths is the second highest in Australia, with the number of colorectal cancer deaths per 100,000 the highest in the country.
Fewer Tasmanians meet physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of aerobic activity (e.g. walking, cycling) and two strength training sessions per week than the figure nationally.
More Tasmanians smoke and exceed alcohol consumption than nationally and also report high/very high psychological distress.
On a positive note, more Tasmanians than nationally meet the recommended guidelines for eating two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day.
Menzies top ten tips for a long healthy life:
1.Be active daily — every step counts
2.Enjoy a colourful mix of fruits and veggies daily
3.Keep your brain active every day
4.If you are stressed or feeling low, reach out for help
5.Do things with other people - chat, work, study, play, laugh
6.Keep your vaccinations up to date
7.See your doctor to stay on top of your mental and physical health
8.Avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol and illicit drugs
9.Get outdoors when you can - be sun smart
10.Keep our air clean - everyone’s health depends on it
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