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The traditional public health approach in Australia arose from
the need to address major sanitation problems and control
of infectious diseases in the nineteenth century, and was
achieved through wide ranging social and urban infrastructure
programs that resulted in better building and living conditions,
safe water supplies, improved sewerage and waste disposal
systems, and environmental and health regulation.While these
health issues continue to require focused ongoing monitoring
and management, the contemporary public health philosophy
also recognises the health impacts of the physical, social, and
economic environments in which we live - and adopts a
preventive or primary health care approach.
The new South Australian Public Health Act 2011 and the
State’s Public Health Plan 2013 (“South Australia – A Better
Place to Live” ) focus strongly on the importance of the
main ‘social’ determinants of health (e.g. employment, income,
education level, community support) in influencing health
outcomes for individuals and communities. ‘Environmental’
determinants such as a neighbourhood’s transport options,
air quality, food quality, urban design, and access to recreation
spaces, are also considered key elements in supporting health
and wellbeing outcomes.
SA Health released the Chief Public Health Officer’s Report
- The State of Public Health for South Australia 2012, which
provides an overview of current public health trends, activities
and indicators.
Sections 6 and 7 of this Plan provide further information
regarding the social and environmental determinants that have
been identified by the research as being of particular relevance
to the Port Adelaide Enfield Council area, and information
regarding the health profile of the community.
2.0 WHAT DETERMINES HEALTH ANDWELLBEING ?
“ The new State Public Health Plan … recognises
that public health concerns have expanded
beyond simply protecting the public from health
risks through clean water, sanitation, hygiene
and safe environments to prevent sickness and
disease.While these areas remain an essential
part of public health, increasing rates of chronic
disease, associated with how we live today, have
meant that public health must now include
providing opportunities for South Australians to
lead healthier lives.
Local councils play a significant role by making
sure the environments we live, work and socialise
in encourage regular exercise, healthy eating
habits and community engagement.”
(SA Department of Health and Ageing website
5 December 2013)