Through this project, I will determine how diet and physical activity can improve the health and quality of life of people suffering from chronic kidney disease. I will also assess whether lifestyle interventions have the potential to prevent chronic kidney disease. My results will directly impact the lives of people with kidney disease and could lead to public health interventions to prevent kidney disease.
Metabolic disorders related to the modern lifestyle, including inactivity, obesity, the metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes, are responsible for a major proportion of the disease burden in Australia. Current treatment strategies are expensive and because they are directed at end-organ damage (heart failure, heart attacks etc), rather ineffective. This multispecialty, multidisciplinary group will undertake a series of unique studies aimed at understanding and preventing early cardiovascular c ....Metabolic disorders related to the modern lifestyle, including inactivity, obesity, the metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes, are responsible for a major proportion of the disease burden in Australia. Current treatment strategies are expensive and because they are directed at end-organ damage (heart failure, heart attacks etc), rather ineffective. This multispecialty, multidisciplinary group will undertake a series of unique studies aimed at understanding and preventing early cardiovascular complications of these metabolic conditions. Sensitive new cardiovascular imaging techniques will be used to detect preclinical abnormalities in the structure, function and metabolism of the heart and vasculature, facilitating the development of new strategies of exercise and lifestyle intervention to prevent these complications. While built on the successful current CCRE in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, including multidisciplinary clinical research training, the new application involves major new directions in the interface between the liver and metabolic syndrome, and strategies for community-based prevention programs. The nursing intervention model, which will focus on workforce models of care, is especially important. The results of this study will provide information to address the need for different nursing models sought by the recent Productivity Commission Report.Read moreRead less
A major focus on weight gain prevention is urgently needed in all population groups and settings.This research program will identify the key success factors related to the implementation of preventative health programs into community settings in Australia and internationally. Research in translation and scale-up activities will generate an understanding of how preventive interventions work within real world conditions and expedite interventions into practice.
Investigations Of Strategies To Address The Long Term Maintenance Of Bone Density In Younger Women: Fracture Risk Feedback And Vitamin D.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$223,155.00
Summary
Fractures in the elderly are an important health problem. We previously studied 470 young women, informing them of their level of fracture risk and providing osteoporosis education. Women at higher risk more often started calcium supplements, increased physical activity, and had higher bone density after 2 years than those at low risk. We will test the same women after 11 years to see if these improvements persist and so might reduce fractures in old age. We will also assess the effects of vitam ....Fractures in the elderly are an important health problem. We previously studied 470 young women, informing them of their level of fracture risk and providing osteoporosis education. Women at higher risk more often started calcium supplements, increased physical activity, and had higher bone density after 2 years than those at low risk. We will test the same women after 11 years to see if these improvements persist and so might reduce fractures in old age. We will also assess the effects of vitamin D on bone health in these women.Read moreRead less
The Effectiveness Of Motivational Enhancement Therapy For Obese Patients And Support Partners
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,644.00
Summary
Tbe obesity pandemic has been described by leading researchers as a problem out of control, with lifestyle interventions generally resulting in regain of treatment-induced weight losses. The present study will evaluate the effectiveness of motivational enhancement therapy (MET) for both patients and their support partners in helping obese patients to achieve long-term weight losses by sustaining their motivation for making difficult lifestyle changes over time.
Nutrition Intervention Strategies For Improving Health Outcomes In Remote Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,155.00
Summary
Remote Indigenous Australians experience a disproportionate health burden. It is likely that poor nutrition across the lifespan is a significant contributor. Strategies to improve nutrition and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Indigenous Australians could make a significant contribution to closing the health gap. Research will be conducted to identify and test strategies to improve nutrition by increasing the intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and protein rich foods.
Metabolic And Hormonal Pathways In Gynecological Cancer - Epidemiological Studies Of Risk And Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,275.00
Summary
Metabolic and hormonal factors probably play a role in a womans chance of developing and surviving gynecological cancer, but the exact mechanisms are unclear. This project will use questionnaire information, blood and tumour samples of over 5,000 Australian women to examine the mechanisms leading to cancer development and survival among women with uterine and ovarian cancer, the two commonest female reproductive cancers. Results will help plan primary prevention strategies and care.