Health News

UNSW

Published

2 years ago

5 August 2022

JeffG

UNSW

If you’ve been to any supermarket recently, you would’ve noticed the shelf space dedicated to milk alternatives such as oat, soy, almond and rice is expanding. Though they’re not strictly speaking ‘milk’, these plant-based beverages are gaining favour among consumers looking for a dairy-free option in their coffee mugs and cereal bowls.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, we’re now drinking about half a metric cup of milk alternatives per person every week. In the milk marketplace, consumption of the likes of soy and almond milk is increasing at the same rate dairy milk is falling.

Experts from UNSW Sydney say there are many reasons we’re leaving cow’s milk behind in favour of the plant-based kind, including health reasons, ethical choices and personal preferences.

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LACTOSE INTOLERANCE AND MORE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

Professor Johannes le Coutre, School of Chemical Engineering, UNSW Engineering, says he’s not surprised by the expansion of the plant-based milk aisle. The food and health expert says in the first place, human bodies are not physiologically optimised to digest dairy milk.

“Food history is full of examples where we try to mimic animal products, so having plant-based milk is not an entirely new idea,” Prof. le Coutre says.

“Human adults are not necessarily the target consumers for cow’s milk in nature. It’s a product meant for babies, specifically for cow babies,” he says.

Many adults have an intolerance to lactose – the sugar in dairy – to some degree. If they drink cow’s milk or eat other dairy by-products, they can experience bloating, pain and diarrhoea. For those people, plant-based milk offers a lactose-free alternative.

“If someone has an intolerance to dairy, it is easier for their body to digest plant-based milk,” says nutritionist Dr Rebecca Reynolds, adjunct lecturer, School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine & Health. “While some regular milk has the lactose removed, many prefer the taste of plant-based milk.”

Researcher in consumer behaviour, Associate Professor Nitika Garg, School of Marketing, UNSW Business School, says the quality and variety of plant-based milk available has improved in recent times.

“The taste is undoubtedly a key factor because consumers don’t want to feel they need to compromise on flavour,” A/Prof. Garg says. “Today, if you feel uncomfortable consuming dairy milk, there are a lot more alternatives in the market you can try that weren’t available 20 years ago.”

AN ETHICAL CHOICE FOR ANIMALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Many people are also switching up their milk of choice for ethical reasons. One concern is the treatment of livestock in the dairy milk production process.

“There is a movement of consumers who resent animal products – such as milk – because they are not necessarily associated with good animal welfare,” Prof. le Coutre says.

To produce milk, cows must give birth. If the calves are not needed as replacements for the milking herd, they are killed, often not humanely. More cows die per calorie of milk production than cattle for meat production.

A/Prof. Garg says some of the growth in plant-based milks can also be attributed to changing consumer perceptions about the sustainability of the dairy industry. There is growing awareness about the impact it is having on the climate and the environment.

Research suggests a dairy-free diet could be a more environmentally friendly option, and people can make significant moves for the environment by just reducing their dairy intake, Dr Reynolds says.

Some plant milks might be more planet friendly than others though. For example, it’s estimated that growing a single almond requires 12 litres of water. Still, almond milk uses less land and water than dairy milk and has lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“[But] there are challenges when it comes to plant-based products in that they usually destroy a lot of nutritional goodness and require a lot of resources just to mimic a product [milk] that isn’t intended for human consumption in the first place,” Prof. le Coutre says.

HEALTH BENEFITS AND CALORIC CONCERNS

Milk alternatives are also becoming an increasingly popular choice among health-conscious consumers. But what some consider to be a ‘healthier’ option is not always the case, Prof. le Coutre says.

So how does dairy milk stack up nutritionally against plant-based milk? While there is scepticism about the health impacts of dairy products, evidence suggests dairy benefits health.

“Overall, cow’s milk has a better nutritional profile than plant milks, with more protein and micronutrients like calcium,” Dr Reynolds says. “However, plant-based milks often have micronutrients added to them, can have less overall fat and saturated fat than dairy milk and more healthy plant phenol antioxidants.”

There’s a wide variety of plant-based milks in the market, like oat, almond and rice, with varying nutritional quality. Soy might be the strongest dairy-free plant alternative in terms of nutritional profile.

“Some have added refined sugar, which includes ingredients like ‘organic brown rice syrup’, which is less healthy than the natural sugar lactose that’s found in cow’s milk,” Dr Reynolds says. “This means that they can also be higher in high glycaemic index carbohydrates, which can increase blood glucose levels more than lactose. They also have added oils, which are not as healthy as say olive oil, and they’re not suitable as stand-alone milks for children.”

Dr Reynolds says if plant milk and other dairy substitutes are fortified – that is, have micronutrients like calcium added – there might not be a need to supplement in a diet. However, it’s estimated over 50 per cent of Australians aged 2 years and above don’t consume enough calcium and other micronutrients.

“Overall, plant-based diets are still strongly linked to good health,” Dr Reynolds says.

THE FUTURE OF PLANT-BASED MILK

With their rapid rise, A/Prof. Garg expects plant-based milk to become an even more dominant player in the milk market. Perhaps one day, it might even supplant dairy milk in popularity.

“Much of the growth to date appears to be consumer-driven, so I would expect the trend to continue to grow. As these brands continue to scale up their manufacturing and marketing efforts, there’s a huge opportunity for a true milk substitute to emerge and compete with dairy,” she says.

A/Prof. Garg says governments also have a chance to take advantage of the anticipated global demand in the industry.

“People are choosing plant-based milk more and more, and so it would make sense for governments to take advantage of the opportunity to support the production here in Australia,” she says. “It would also still be supporting the Australian agricultural industry, which is an important consideration for some consumers.”

In the short-term, A/Prof. Garg says switching to plant-based milk might not be realistic for everyone because of its high price point.

“We do have an issue with making products such as plant-based milk accessible for everyone. They are more expensive, and some consumers who might want to switch can’t, especially with the cost of living right now where every dollar counts,” A/Prof. Garg says. “It might be something governments need to explore, to help subsidise in the same way they subsidise the dairy industry.”

Prof. le Coutre says plant-based milk – and plant-based mimetics more generally – will continue to play a significant role in strengthening our global food system.

“Plant-based products, existing animal-based materials and, someday soon, cell-based and blended products improve our food choices,” Prof. le Coutre says. “As we expand our portfolio of products, it enriches the spectrum of offerings in the market to everybody’s benefit.”

“Overall, if you can afford it, buying a plant-based milk fortified with micronutrients like calcium and without added sugar can be a good way to use your consumer power to help the environment and climate change,” Dr Reynolds says.

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Byron Bay News

HOLISTIC CARE HELPING VETERANS WITH PTSD

Published

9 hours ago

8 May 2024

Liam

HOLISTIC CARE HELPING VETERANS WITH PTSD

By Sarah Waters

Events such as Anzac Day have increasingly prompted conversations about the mental health of veterans and what help is available to them.

General Manager and Psychologist at Byron Private Treatment Centre Jenny McGee has extensive experience working with veterans who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions that have resulted from their service.

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In addition to evidence-based therapy for PTSD including, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Ms McGee said a holistic approach has profound benefits.

“What does happen with PTSD is that people are triggered by situations – people, places, sounds, smells and they can often be on high alert or hypervigilant where the whole nervous system is alerted, looking for danger and wanting to keep themselves safe and other people safe,” she said.

“For example, hearing a loud sound and thinking that they might be back in that dangerous situation and going to extremes to protect themselves and other people.

“Or it might manifest as irritability and the inability to engage socially like they might have once done.

“About 30 per cent of veterans with PTSD also suffer from addictions with alcohol and substances as they try to medicate their distress and symptoms.

“What can be additionally helpful for people is not only the evidence-based therapy they might undergo, but also to be in a green space and restful environment where they are able to allow the body and the physiological, high nervous system arousal to be lowered.”

About a third of the residents at Byron Private Treatment Centre are veterans, of all ages, who have served in different conflicts, sometimes generations apart.

General Manager and Psychologist at Byron Private Treatment Centre Jenny McGee has extensive experience working with veterans who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Some of them are Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who have experienced PTSD from domestic service.

Ms McGee said veterans are encouraged to go to the beach daily, see the sunrise and connect to the natural cycles in nature.

“Research shows that exposure to nature can lower stress hormones, lower blood pressure, improve the mood and reduce the risk of developing other psychiatric disorders, like depression and anxiety,” she said.

Daily outdoor activities including swimming, surfing, bushwalking and even equine assisted therapy, are sustainable practises all servicemen and women can incorporate into their lives.

Research has also shown the Mediterranean diet improves symptoms of depression and stress.

While peer support in a mixed group therapy setting can help with the transition back into civilian/community life.

Ms McGee said the impact PTSD has on the nervous system, including irritability, avoidance behaviours and intrusive memories or dreams, are the same symptoms soldiers experienced in WWI when it was referred to as ‘shell shock’ or ‘battle fatigue’ in WWII.

However, there has been a radical shift in how the community and society understands mental health, including the need to offer really supportive treatment.

“I think even our stigmatisation of different conflicts and different veterans has changed.

“And we’ve moved much more largely to really acknowledging the service that men and women have provided for Australia.

“With evidence-based treatment and support, people can overcome PTSD.

“Sometimes it might last for over a year, but people can heal and also repair Relationships,” she said.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition that can develop in response to a single, or repeated exposure, to trauma.

A number of events have the potential to cause PTSD, including threat of death, serious injury, viewing or handling human remains and seeing someone badly injured or killed.

If you need support, please contact veterans and families counselling service provider Open Arms on their 24-hour phone line: 1800 011 046 or visit here and they can connect you with counselling services in the community.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) also funds treatment for veterans.

For more information please visit here or visit here.

SIDEBAR:
The Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme report by the Department of Veteran Affairs states almost half (46 per cent) of the transitioned ADF were estimated to have met criteria for a lifetime anxiety disorder, and one-quarter were estimated to have met criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When compared to the general population, only four or five per cent of people might experience PTSD in their lifetime.

For more Byron Bay news, click here.

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Health News

Tweed Valley Hospital opens in five days

Published

1 day ago

7 May 2024

Liam

Last month the community had the chance to look through Tweed Valley Hospital before it officially opens to patients on Tuesday

Tweed Valley Hospital opens in five days

By Sarah Waters

The new Tweed Valley Hospital at 771 Cudgen Road, Cudgen will open to patients at 8am next Tuesday, May 14.

On the same day the Tweed Valley Hospital opens to patients, The Tweed Hospital at Powell Street, Tweed Heads, will close.

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Anyone requiring emergency medical care from next Tuesday onwards should present to Tweed Valley Hospital.

All inpatients at The Tweed Hospital will be transferred to the new hospital.

This process is expected to take a full day, and is being coordinated in partnership with NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, Transport for NSW and Tweed Shire Council.

Hospital staff will liaise directly with affected patients and their families or carers.

A community health service providing a range of clinics and community outreach services, as well as the existing BreastScreen NSW service, will continue to be delivered at the Powell Street site in Tweed Heads.

However, there will be no emergency services or hospital inpatient services available at this location after Tuesday 14 May 2024.

Tweed Valley Hospital is located close to the M1 motorway and adjacent to Tweed Coast Road.

Emma Jane Davies and Sasha Harrington at the new Tweed Valley Hospital

The hospital is easily accessed by car and public transport.

If travelling by car, follow the M1 to Chinderah, and take the exit towards Cudgen/Kingscliff.

Continue on Tweed Coast Road and turn left at the intersection of Tweed Coast Road and Cudgen Road.

Drop off bays are located at the hospital’s three entrances – the main entrance, the emergency department and the east entrance.

Staff, patients and visitors will have access to over 1200 free on-site car parking spaces at the Tweed Valley Hospital.

There is long-term capacity for up to 1500 car spaces on the site.

Tweed Valley Hospital is located on a public transport route.

Bus stops are located on both sides of Cudgen Road, directly in front of the hospital, with a pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights.

Bus service provider Kinetic has the details of all bus routes – visit here to read the full announcement from Kinetic.

For any questions, please contact Kinetic Customer Experience Team directly at info@wearekinetic.com or (07) 5552 2700.

A taxi rank is also located at the main entry to the Hospital.

The hospital connects with established pedestrian and cycle routes in the area.

For more Tweed Shire news, click here.

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Health News

Private Health Insurance Costs Under Scrutiny as Premiums and Profits Soar

Published

2 weeks ago

26 April 2024

JeffG

Private Health Insurance Costs Under Scrutiny as Premiums and Profits Soar

Recent data analysis has spotlighted a concerning trend in the private health insurance sector, prompting a significant outcry for a comprehensive review. A surge in premiums has been linked not just to rising healthcare costs but also to an increase in insurer profits and management expenses, igniting a fierce debate between health professionals and insurance providers. Rising health insurance premiums

A study by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) reveals that while net insurance profits soared by over 50% from June 2019 to June 2023, patient rebates only saw a modest rise of 3.6%. This discrepancy raises questions about the allocation of premium dollars, suggesting that a substantial portion is diverted towards enhancing profit margins and covering operational costs, rather than directly benefiting policyholders through medical treatments or hospital care.

The findings have fuelled a dispute highlighted in a recent ABC Four Corners report, which accused some providers of overcharging for medical procedures, a claim refuted by the insurers but supported by insider revelations. The AMA has criticized the private health sector for not meeting the expected standards of financial management and transparency, suggesting that premiums are increasingly used to cover costs unrelated to patient care. Rising health insurance premiums

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In defence, industry representatives like Dr. Rachel David, CEO of Private Health Australia, argue that management expenses are rigorously monitored and justified, attributing rising costs to broader economic inflation affecting all sectors. However, this assertion does little to pacify concerns about the disproportionate growth in profits and administrative expenses compared to the relatively stagnant increase in patient benefits.

The debate extends to the efficiency of fund utilization, with the AMA advocating for insurers to return at least 90 cents per dollar of premiums to policyholders, a standard that currently stands at about 86 cents, significantly higher than general insurance returns but below the proposed benchmark.

Amidst these escalating tensions and conflicting reports, National Seniors Australia has called on the Federal Government to assign the Productivity Commission the task of conducting an in-depth inquiry. This investigation would scrutinize the continual rise in private health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, assess the value and scope of coverage, and propose necessary reforms to curtail costs and enhance service value, particularly for older Australians.

The proposed comprehensive review aims to halt the relentless cycle of premium hikes and restricted coverage that plagues policyholders, ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient system that prioritizes patient care over profit. As stakeholders brace for a potential overhaul, the spotlight remains firmly on the need for a balanced and equitable approach to healthcare funding.

Supporters and concerned policyholders are encouraged to join the advocacy efforts by participating in National Seniors or contributing to the Health Costs campaign, as stakeholders push for a resolution that could redefine the landscape of private health insurance in Australia.

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