Queenslanders are getting older and sicker with the state's chronic health burden expected to place severe strain on the state's health system over the next 10 years.
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A 4 per cent increase in GP visits - or 700,000 visits - has continued year on year over the past 10 years, mostly driven by the older population, and a new report warns that increase will not stop.
The 2018 Health of Queenslanders report, published by the state government this week, projects the likely challenges for Queensland's health system in the next decade.
Half the annual increase in doctor visits and hospitalisations is coming from older people, and the burden of chronic disease linked to ageing is increasing.
Dementia and substance use disorders, diabetes, musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders are rising as the state's population increases.
However, the report notes that overall Queensland has become a healther living environment wtih an increase in public smoking bans and support for more physical activity and sports.
"Much of the advantage in longer lives and lower death rates has been achieved by preventive action, screening, early diagnosis and effective treatments for lifestyle related diseases," the report says.
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young handed down the report in Parliament on Tuesday.
“Looking back over the last 10 years we can see continued improvement in the health of Queenslanders,” Dr Young said.
“The report shows that change is occurring in Queensland – we are becoming more informed and empowered to reduce our health risks and our state is becoming a healthier place to live.
“While it’s great to see some very positive changes, we know there is still more work to do, particularly to address preventable diseases and the health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and others.”
Queensland also has the highest rate of melanomas in the country, the report notes.
Almost half of Queensland children have sweet or salty snacks and lollies every day, with 43 per cent of children aged between five and six having decayed teeth.
More than one-third of the state's daily diet, across all age groups, was unhealthy foods, with 14-18 year olds eating the most.
Health Minister Steven Miles said the report showed promising changes for the state's overall health but there was still work to do.
“Most notably, this year’s report shows some significant achievements for prevention, including a further reduction in the rate of smoking, which has now fallen to 11 per cent," he said.
“Since 2002, we have continued to see the prevalence of smoking decline thanks to the action that has been taken in Queensland and as a result, more than 300,000 people have avoided an early death.
“This is a considerable achievement considering smoking remains the leading cause of premature death and disease in Queensland.”
