By XAVIER SMERDON
POOR lifestyle habits are costing some Wyndham residents around $200 a month, or almost $2,400 a year, on ‘lifestyle drugs’, according to a local doctor.
Werribee General Practitioner, Dr Joe Garra, said patients with poor dietary and lifestyle habits could be on half a dozen different medications.
“On average, they would take two blood pressure medications, two diabetic drugs, cholesterol tablets and they might be on something for reflux,” Dr Garra said.
“We’re looking at not much change from $200 a month for those medications. That’s about $50 a week, just on drugs for one person. But improving your eating and lifestyle habits can turn that all around.
“A good diet, including vegetables, helps maintain a good weight, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in general and the issues that go with weight problems like diabetes and high cholesterol.
“I’ve had a lot of patients lose weight and they come off their blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetic tablets.”
Wyndham Councillor Intaj Khan said a healthy diet, including plenty of vegetables, was a very cost-effective way of feeding a family.
“Some people believe fast foods and processed foods are cheaper, easier ways to eat. But buying in-season vegetables, and keeping frozen or tinned vegetables at hand for those busy times when you can’t get to the shop, is a healthier, faster and more affordable option,” Cr Khan said.
“It’s recommended that adults eat five serves of vegetables daily, but just adding one serve a day is a great start. It’s easy to do. Simply add baby spinach, peas or another vegetable to a favourite meal.”
“When you consider the price of medications, doctors, specialists and hospitals, the cost of an unhealthy lifestyle can be very high.”
