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A healthy start in life a good investment for the future

There is substantial international evidence that an investment in preventive health in the early years of life helps pave the way for continued good health well into later life, Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson has said.

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A healthy start in life a good investment for the future

There is substantial international evidence that an investment in preventive health in the early years of life helps pave the way for continued good health well into later life, Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson said today.

Supporting the release of a consultation paper called 'Towards the Development of a National Agenda for Early Childhood', Senator Patterson said promoting prevention from the earliest years is crucial.

"Sound nutrition is essential in the early years of life to prevent the development of diet-related chronic disease in later life such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers," Senator Patterson said.

"Poor nutrition has been shown not only to affect growth and development during pregnancy and throughout childhood, but also to increase the likelihood of developing major risk factors for chronic disease such as overweight and obesity.

"Immunisation is an example of successful prevention. There has been a continued increase in the number of young Australian children being immunised resulting in less illness, fewer hospitalisations and more lives saved.

"The increase in the rates of childhood immunisation against a range of potentially life-threatening illnesses is clearly showing results and is an achievement that this Government is very proud of," Senator Patterson said.

However, the Minister said a healthy start in life means more than good antenatal and postnatal health care. It also means supportive families, appropriate care and communities where children can have positive experiences.

For example, it has been shown that the pre-birth environment and early childhood experience influence brain development and affect the chances of chronic disease and long-term problems in later life.

Senator Patterson said that there are benefits in the government and the non-government sectors coordinating their efforts to improve the outcomes for children.

"State and Territory governments, non-government organisations and the research community have all made important gains in this area and I look forward to contributing to the National Agenda for Early Childhood from the Commonwealth Health Portfolio," Senator Patterson said.

Media inquiries, contact Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.