Public Health

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:29): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Health and Wellbeing a question regarding public health.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: Members of the council know my long interest in holistic wellbeing, particularly as it feeds into mental health. I spoke earlier this month on some of the simple steps people could take to help make R U OK? Day successful, as well as highlighting World Suicide Prevention Day. Will the minister update the council on action people can take to support their personal health?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:30): I thank the honourable member for his question. The Marshall Liberal government is committed to supporting South Australians in making improvements to their health, not only through the provision of quality health services in and out of hospital but also by encouraging a vision of holistic wellbeing and encouraging South Australians to take personal action.

By way of responding to my honourable colleague the Treasurer, I assure the Treasurer that I have had my flu vaccination this year. Unfortunately, I got in too quickly and SA Health media missed their opportunity, but I thank the President for facilitating flu vaccinations in the house this year. I also assure the Treasurer that I had a pear and a banana for lunch.

There are many factors that contribute to the better health and wellbeing of individuals and the community. Some require state-of-the-art equipment and service delivery; some are as simple as ensuring you get the right amount of sunshine. SA Health's Chief Medical and Chief Public Health Officer has issued a statement encouraging South Australians to think about their vitamin D levels and what they can do to ensure they have sufficient vitamin D.

We are leaving the winter period, and as we move into spring there is an opportunity to address vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and muscles, and although we think of Australia as the sunburnt country, it is estimated that about 30 per cent of Australian adults are vitamin D deficient because they aren't getting enough sunshine. Vitamin D deficiency doesn't have obvious systems but can cause health effects, including bone and muscle pain and softening of the bones.

The best source of vitamin D is the direct UV from the sun, but in winter most people tend to spend more time indoors. When they go outside, the extra layers of clothing mean many people aren't getting the exposure to the sun they need. National research has found the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency rises to about 50 per cent of women during the winter and spring months. Infants, children and elderly adults are also at higher risk. Particularly in older adults, weakened bones can increase the risk of falls or fractures.

Fortunately, despite the negative outcomes of deficiency, there are simple steps we can take to help boost vitamin D. Firstly, there are small amounts of vitamin D in some foods, such as fish, milk and eggs. However, food alone only contributes about 10 per cent of what the body needs. UV is necessary for the production of vitamin D in the skin, but as Australians know too well, it is also a cause of cancer.

It is important to get the balance right. From May to August, it is recommended that South Australians get two to three hours of sun per week, while in the summer months just a few minutes is sufficient to boost vitamin D levels. Your local GP can check vitamin D levels with a simple blood test and provide supplements if required.