Australian Medical Association

Many people make the decision to have a part of their body pierced. Body piercing can have potential health consequences, some of them quite serious. This new brochure in the AMA youth health series, outlines some of the potential health problems of piercing, and provides advice on important questions to ask in order to avoid those problems.

Body image describes how an individual conceptualises his or her physical appearance. The body image a person has results from the interaction between the person’s thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours regarding their own body, and their perception of what counts as the ideal body within their own social and cultural setting. Unhealthy body image can affect men and women, children and the elderly from all backgrounds.

Youth Health: Cannabis and your health

AMA Position Statement: Developmental Health and Wellbeing of Australia's Children and Young People - 2003

AMA Position Statement: Child Abuse and Neglect - 1996. Revised 2005

What is stress?

Stress is a normal part of everyday life. It is the way our bodies respond to events which are stressful and could be a threat. Crossing the road can become stressful if a car speeds towards us. Once we sense the danger of the oncoming car, the body releases adrenaline, which speeds everything up. Our heart beats faster, we breathe more quickly, we may sweat more or get ‘butterflies’ in our stomach. The brain sends a signal to the body to do something. In this case it would be to run and get out of the way.

What causes stress?

Youth Health: Food

Towards a National Policy for Child Abuse and Recovery

This position statement focuses on the effects of poor health on the educational attainment of Indigenous people, and the reciprocal impacts of poor education on health. A number of recommendations are made to address this relationship.

Youth Health: Feeling Down?

Youth Health: Drugs

Youth Health: Fitness

Youth Health: Smoking

Youth Health: Gambling and your health

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs in Australia. People drink to relax, celebrate, have fun, gain confidence and forget problems. It is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the activity of the brain and the central nervous system. In moderation alcohol is not harmful to most people. However, excessive drinking can cause a number of social, personal and health problems. When people are not 100% in control of their speech, movement and judgement it can lead to accidents, drink driving,

Youth Health: Sex and your health

Youth Health: Doctors

AMA Position Statement: Health of Young People - 1998

Over a number of years the AMA has produced a range of brochures designed to inform people about issues that effect their health and well-being. A number of these brochures target young people.

Links to online versions of these brochures are provided below.