THERE’S a certain risk with labeling places that have a problem.
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It’s a tag that often hurts and the trouble is it tends to stick, long after the issue has been addressed.
Think Redfern, for example, crime comes to mind.
That’s despite it’s rapid transformation in recent years.
As for the fat capital? Evidently, Raymond Terrace is it.
The Australia’s Health Trackers report shows people in the Hunter Region generally eat too much, drink too much, and smoke too much, but where they live influences how much.
Raymond Terrace, with Scone in the Upper Hunter, have topped the statewide list.
The report, developed at Victoria University with the public health information and development unit at Torrens University, was released by the Australian Health Policy Collaboration last week.
Word has traveled quickly since.
Hunter GP Dr Damian Welbourne was not surprised Raymond Terrace was named one of the most overweight and obese suburbs in NSW.
“Many people in our community experience socioeconomic disadvantage, and with that, often comes a fear of going to the doctor due to the associated cost and possible further action required,” Dr Welbourne said.
It’s this kind of analysis that is the key to reversing this trend.
Dr Welbourne didn’t pull any punches either.
He said the “long-standing freeze” on the Medicare rebate hadn’t helped.
So rather than point the finger and tell people to get active and make healthier choices, policy makers should take note.
It is they who should now act.
COACH MILESTONE
ON a brighter note Port Stephens Coaches clocked up a major milestone this week.
Its Nelson Bay to Sydney service has run for 30 years and covered a staggering 5.5 million kilometres in that time.
Small business is never easy but with foresight and good execution the possibilities are endless.
They saw a need in the community and began what was a six month trial on December 1, 1986. The third generation bus company, operating since 1957, now employs over 120 people and operates 65 buses.
Congratulations Port Stephens Coaches and here’s cheers to the future.