Fitness identity slams Tasmania's Preventative Health Policy

One of the key instigators behind the establishment of the Tasmanian Premier's Physical Activity Council (PPAC) has resigned over the direction that the Tasmanian Health Department is taking in the area of preventative health in Tasmania.

Dean Ewington, President of the Tasmanian regional council of Fitness Australia, said he was frustrated by the lack of action and consultation with the fitness industry in developing good policy to encourage Tasmanians into a healthier lifestyle.

Ewington (pictured), who was instrumental in calling for the establishment of PPAC, said this week's announcement by the Minister for Health that $500,000 would be spent on a NSW based health coaching service, was a waste of money that could be used far more effectively in dealing with the problem.

Ewington asked "why do we need to send $500,000 to NSW for jobs there when that money could have better spent partnering with the Industry here to help build capacity in this type of service and provide a boost to local jobs?

"I am not saying everyone needs to join a health club but we need to accept that if you require advice on how to exercise safely and effectively, then you should consult with someone with expertise in that area and preferably in your local area. Phone services do not and will never work with exercise and lifestyle interventions.

"Much more needs to be done than simply telling people that they need to get healthy by providing them with booklets and healthy living tips on the phone and online."

"I have been a full member of PPAC since September 2008 and have been expressing my concerns from within and to PPAC and the Health Department for more than 15 years. Not once has the industry been able to be engaged in any significant partnership with the government. At the same time, we continue to watch an increase in the number of government employees supposedly dealing with prevention.

"There has been plenty of paper shuffling but no real action."

Ewington said that in the nine years since the establishment of PPAC there had not been one initiative to support the fitness industry.

"All of the emphasis and marketing has been what I call 'incidental' activity with no regard to the importance of using exercise as medicine in traditional healthcare settings which is what must happen. There is no magic pill or potion. We just need policy that supports and rewards healthy behaviours.

"I am also concerned that there was no consultation with the fitness industry, with regard to the introduction of the health coaching service, when this had been promised.

"Obesity and lack of fitness is a serious problem that has the potential to bankrupt our economy because of the impact it has on our health services and the associated costs of health care. Unless real action is taken on this, we will have no capacity to pay for any other government services because the health care bill will be too high. Prevention is the only answer and yet all we are promising under this current announcement is to allocate $1 per person in this State, to provide a solution.

"Our kids are suffering and we seem incapable of making any real policy changes. Our world is different now and we need to acknowledge that and introduce effective mechanisms that make a difference. A telephone coaching service will do nothing to make that difference."

Ewington concluded "my responsibility on PPAC was to promote fitness and the key role that fitness professionals need to play in that, and my goal will continue to be to make a difference to the health and quality of life of all Tasmanians.

"However, I can no longer remain on the council under the current ineffectual policy direction of the State Health Department and PPAC."

30th April 2010 - FITNESS AUSTRALIA TAKES LEAD ON COUNCIL ‘SWEAT TAXES’