7 September 2010
Chronic disease* experts from around Australia will come together in Darwin this week to focus on how people understand and use information about their health.Health Literacy - Opening Doors to Health and Wellbeing is the theme of this year's 14th Chronic Diseases Network Annual Conference, which begins on Thursday 9 September 2010 and runs for two days at the Holiday Inn Esplanade.
Discussions will be about the effects of health literacy on the prevention and management of chronic conditions, and its importance in achieving positive health outcomes.
"Health literacy covers a number of issues relating to understanding health information, using health information to change your behaviour, how well do health staff communicate information as well as knowing which health services are available," Dr Christine Connors, Program Leader, DHF Chronic Conditions Strategy Unit, said.
"Its importance as a health issue is becoming widely recognised and the theme of this conference strongly aligns with the current strategic and policy directions of both the Northern Territory and Australian Governments.
"Research shows that health literacy is lower for people affected by poverty and with less education, although with an estimated 60 per cent of Australians having limited health literacy, this is obviously an issue for our whole population.
"We have been able to engage other government departments and different parts of the health system as evidenced by the participation at this conference, and these types of partnerships are vital to improving health literacy."
The conference program features four keynote speakers and 49 individual sessions, including 26 papers being presented by Aboriginal people, many from remote areas of the NT and interstate.
"We are very pleased to have secured such a strong line-up of high-profile keynote speakers who are leaders in the field of health literacy," Dr Connors said.
"Professor Ian Anderson, Dr Anne Johnson, Dr Della Yarnold and Professor Richard Osborne bring extensive and diverse experience in both national and international research, Indigenous health, community engagement and academic fields.
"Each will provide different perspectives on health literacy issues and initiatives."
The conference program is structured to provide two days of presentations, panel discussions, workshops and exhibitions that have a strong focus on Northern Territory-based initiatives.
It will be officially opened at 8.30am on 9 September by DHF Acting Chief Executive, Jenny Cleary. The NT Minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis, will address a reception for conference delegates at 5.00pm that day.
Full program details can be viewed at www.cdnconference.com.au/
* Chronic disease is one persisting over a long period, compared to the course of an acute disease. Examples include diabetes, kidney disease and lung diseases.
Media inquiries: Dale Webster - 8999 2818, 0401 116 203
