Prevention was the pivotal topic discussed by world leaders in Integrative Medicine and Healthcare at the BioCeuticals Research Symposium 2013, held last week.
As over-burdened health systems struggle to meet the demands of the baby boomer generation as well as a population struggling with the knock-on effects of obesity and other lifestyle diseases, speakers called for the evolution of the healthcare model with immediate effect.
The theme of the inaugural BioCeuticals® Research Symposium – ‘Research, Innovation, Reality” – showcased this exciting area of healthcare, with clinical updates on the latest advances in nutritional medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies presented to over 230 practitioners from around Australia.
The opening speech by Marcus Blackmore, Chairman of the Blackmores Group of companies including BioCeuticals, highlighted the role that consumers are playing in demanding a change in healthcare from a ‘sickness’ model to a ‘wellness’ model – one which aims to prevent the onset of health issues using evidence-based complementary therapies as a key pillar, rather than treating the symptoms of sickness with drugs.
Facilitator, Dr Mark Donohoe, Integrative GP and renowned expert in chronic fatigue syndrome and toxicology, said “the BioCeuticals Research Symposium highlighted the best in Preventative Healthcare that integrates evidence-based complementary therapies ensuring optimum health, for as long as possible, with little known side effects.
“The international speakers did not disappoint,” he adds. “We heard from world leaders in herbal medicine, vitamin D and integrative cancer therapies amongst many other topics relevant to practitioners whose aim is to help improve their patients’ health as well as stave off the onset of degenerative diseases.”
Nathan Cheong, Prof Micheal Holick, Kerry Cunningham
While Australians enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the world, not all Australians are necessarily the healthiest people in the world*.
Compared to OECD countries, Australia has one of the highest rates of obesity with 1 in 4 Australian adults and 1 in 12 children categorised as obese. Chronic diseases take up more than 70 per cent of Australia’s total healthcare expenditure. The need to evolve to a preventative healthcare model integrating evidence-based complementary medicine with traditional medicine is absolutely key.
The BioCeuticals Research Symposium highlighted the potential for healthcare practitioners to safely and effectively integrate complementary therapies into their patient protocols to help maintain optimal health.
Some of the highlights of the Symposium included Integrative Cancer Therapies, Gut Health, Integrative Cardiovascular Therapies and Systematic Reviews of Botanical Preparations.
For more information go to www.bioceuticals.com.au
*Source: Australia’s Health 2012 in Brief.