The AustralAsian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine closed their seventh conference in Melbourne last month. Professional Beauty spoke with A5M Director, Helen Anton.
The 7th annual conference, was what the response to this year’s program?
The A5M (AustralAsian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine) has had excellent feedback from the recent conference held in August in Melbourne. The program, themed Obesity & the Metabolic Syndrome: An Integrative Practice proved to be extremely relevant to our audience of Integrative Practitioners. In addition, visiting Aesthetic practitioners such as Dr Steven Dayan MD from USA, together with Australian experts in Aesthetic Medicine, delivered outstanding lectures to the Aesthetic stream including surgery, fillers, laser, stem cells and practice marketing.
Can you explain the main focus of the conference and why this was chosen?
Research shows Australia’s obesity levels put us squarely among the ‘worst’ third of OECD countries. Based on measured height and weight in 2007–08, 25 per cent of children aged 5–17 years were overweight or obese and this rose to 61 per cent of adults. Adding to these figures, more than 25 per cent of Australian adults have Metabolic Syndrome.
Being overweight or obese and physically inactive is linked to an increased risk of Metabolic Syndrome amongst other environmental factors. The A5M 2013 Conference themed Obesity & the Metabolic Syndrome: An Integrative Practice addressed the most advanced evidence-based treatments, research and preventative methods to tackle this escalating health problem.
Conference speakers expressed the impact this is having on our rates of chronic disease, quality of life and our life expectancy.
How does the academy approach/interpret the term ‘anti-ageing’?
Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine are among the fastest-growing specialties throughout the world, founded on the application of advanced scientific and medical technologies for the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age-related dysfunction, disorders, and diseases.
It is a healthcare model promoting innovative science and research to optimise the healthy life span in humans. As such, Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine are based on principles of sound and responsible medical care that are consistent with those applied in other Preventive Health specialties. The goal of Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine is not to merely prolong the total years of an individual’s life, but to ensure that those years are enjoyed in a productive and vital fashion, in optimal good health.
What areas are we seeing the greatest movement in key technologies and research?
We continue to see rapid progress in protocols, products and technologies that enable us to modify the ageing process. Seniors can now enjoy productive years in good health if they prescribe to the principles of Anti-Ageing Medicine. Research is making inroads into inflammatory diseases such as CVD, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Cancers and more. With advancement in Preventive Health protocols, early detection and intervention, patients are taking control of their health and helping to stave off the onset of issues relating to ageing. Changes in diet, lifestyle, nutrition, exercise and the addition of evidence-based nutritional supplementation, are assisting to maintain optimal health long past previous generations. The emerging field of Nutrigenomics, evolution of stem cells, advances in gene-testing and therapies are all adding to healthy ageing and to extending optimal longevity.
What role does the A5M play within the industry and how does it benefit members?
A5M is the leading provider of clinical education in Anti-Ageing, Integrative and Preventive Medicine, training thousands of doctors and allied health practitioners each year in Preventive approaches to Internal & Aesthetic Medicine. As the local chapter of the World Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (www.waaam.net) it is renowned for its first class clinical education which advances the knowledge of practitioners in essential Preventive approach to healthcare.
For more information on The Australasian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine, call (03) 9813 0439, email enquiries@a5m.net or visit www.a5m.net