Preventable Health Risks an Opportunity for Insurers

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Four main risk factors are leading to four major non-communicable diseases which are responsible for 90% of deaths in Australia, according to AIA Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive, Damien Mu.

Addressing attendees at the AIA Vitality 4490 Summit, Mu said physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, smoking and excess alcohol led to respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease that resulted in 63% of deaths worldwide.

He said while the figure for Australia was higher it presented an opportunity to make a difference and “…offered a message of hope.”

“Lots of people say ‘Oh my gosh! It’s 90%’ but actually it’s a message of hope. We are blessed in Australia…we have clean water, access to good food, a good health care system and education and we are a connected society,” Mu said.

“In terms of the ‘4-4-90’ we have the ability to make changes because it is our choices that are causing the 90% of problems. In other parts of the world it is lower because some are just looking for clean water or good food,” he added.

“…we have the ability to make changes because it is our choices that are causing the 90% of problems”

Mu also said the financial services industry had a role to play in promoting the prevention and early intervention of health-related illnesses affecting Australia.

“Business can help solve this societal issue by creating connections, sharing information and building relationships that will enable us to tackle health challenges holistically. To provide further education in this space and to aim to leave behind a great legacy for future generations to follow, is how our journey can start,” Mu said.

At the Summit, AIA Australia launched a movement titled #onechange, aimed at building better physical and mental health by asking people to make one change aligned to the four pillars of Move Well, Think Well, Plan Well and Eat Well being promoted by the insurer.

Keynote speaker, Venus Williams told attendees that making one change can lead to a healthier lifestyle, keeping your mind and body active for the future.

“It’s about finding a balance and living the life you want to live. But it’s important to build a community around you, with your family and friends who can join you and support you through the journey,” Williams said.

“The biggest and smallest challenges can be the mental ones, so it’s about standing tall whether you are at your best or not. Breaking these challenges into digestible pieces for your mind to process is so powerful to helping you achieve your best and reach the next level.”

AIA CEO Damian Mu and Venus Williams at the 4490 Summit
AIA CEO Damian Mu and Venus Williams at the 4490 Summit