Factors that cause variations in health status

Question 1

What factors contribute to Australia’s health status?

Answer 1

• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Overweight/obesity
• Low intake of fibre
• High intake of fat
• Low levels of dairy
• High levels of sodium
• High intake of sugar
• Low intake of fruit and vegetables

Question 2

How does smoking cause variations in health status?

Answer 2

• Reduces amount of oxygen in the blood and thickens the blood
• Can cause a fault in the body cells as they divide, leading to a tumour
• During pregnancy, reduces blood flow to the baby, which reduces nutrients - increases risk of low birth weight
• Causes muscles in the airway to tighten and the lining of the airway to become swollen and inflamed
• Lower immune system function

Question 3

How does alcohol cause variations in health status?

Answer 3

• Slows down communication between cells leading to slower reaction time
• Leads to cell damage which can result in liver disease
• Irritates lining of the stomach
• Cause nausea, vomiting, inflammation and stomach ulcers
• Raises blood pressure

Question 4

How does overweight/obesity cause variations in health status?

Answer 4

• Greater strain on heart - increases risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke
• Raises blood pressure
• Increases risk of Type 2 diabetes
• Releases fatty acids into bloodstream which can lead to inflammation
• Puts more pressure on joints
• Extra strain on spine

Question 5

How does a low intake of fibre cause variations in health status?

Answer 5

• Increase want for food as not feeling full - leads to overweight/obesity
• Increases rate of colorectal and bowel cancer

Question 6

How does a high intake of fat cause variations in health status?

Answer 6

• Contribute to overweight and obesity
• Change composition of cell membranes
• Increased risk of colorectal cancer
• Increased inflammation

Question 7

How does low intake of dairy cause variations in health status?

Answer 7

• Low calcium intake increases the risk of brittle bones and osteoporosis
• Lower red blood cell production - Vitamin B12

Question 8

How does high levels of sodium cause to variations in health status?

Answer 8

• Draws out fluid in cells and into the bloodstream - strains the heart
• Elevates blood pressure
• Strain on the kidneys

Question 9

How does high levels of sugar cause to variations in health status?

Answer 9

• Excess sugar turns into fat, leading to weight gain
• Can lead to insulin resistance - type 2 diabetes
• Increase blood pressure - heart disease

Question 10

How does low intake of fruit and vegetables cause variations in health status?

Answer 10

• Overweight/obesity - lack of fibre
• Digestive problems
• Vitamin deficiencies