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.

The growing number of Australians at risk of serious chronic diseases from obesity, smoking and excess alcohol use is a major health challenge facing Australia. This AMA Policy Brief, Preventing Obesity, Smoking and Excess Alcohol Use, summarises some key measures that the AMA believes should be given priority in a National Preventative Health Strategy, including support for the preventative role of doctors and implementation of a number of targeted community-level measures.

This position statement details the measures the AMA believes are necessary to reduce the harms associated with excess consumption of alcohol in Australia. The AMA makes recommendations about prevention, early intervention and treatment regarding alcohol consumption, and include a focus on problem drinking among young Australians. This position statement is supported by an AMA background information paper on alcohol consumption and patterns of harm.

Excess alcohol use, and the harms it produces, continue to be a  major health problem in Australia. It is crucial that alcohol policy is informed by pertinent and comprehensive evidence. This AMA Information Paper provides up to date information and data on alcohol consumption and harms in Australia.

The AMA has made a submission to the Department of Health and Ageing in response to the report released by DoHA on the outcomes of the Point of Care Testing (PoCT) trial in general practice.

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.

This submission responds to the options for prevention of obesity, smoking and harmful alcohol use that are explored in the National Preventative Health Taskforce discussion paper - Australia: The Healthiest Country by 2020. The submission emphasises the crucial role of doctors in providing preventative health care.

This position statement outlines the measures the AMA considers appropriate for the prevention and treatment of obesity in Australia.

This submission discusses guidelines being considered by the NHMRC for low-risk alcohol consumption. The AMA agrees with the 3 draft guidelines, subject to a number of qualifications, which it argues the NHMRC should seriously consider.

In this position statement the AMA notes the protective benefits of physical activity for chronic diseases, and argues that opportunities for physical activity should therefore be enhanced across all sectors of the Australian population.

This position statement notes the centrality of sound nutrition to good health and recommends measures that the government and food industry can take to improve the nutritional opportunities and habits of Australians, particularly children.

This position statement details the harms of tobacco smoking and the measures needed to increase cessation and reduce initiation of tobacco use.

AMA Position Statment: Breast Cancer Screening - 1998/1999

AMA Position Statement: Cervical Cancer Screening - 1999

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,

This position statement focuses on the need to adopt a strategic approach to prevention of chronic diseases among Indigenous people, with a particular emphasis on the social context of chronic disease.

Youth Health: Sex and your health

Youth Health: Fitness

Youth Health: Smoking

This position statement notes the negative health impacts of problem gambling, and among other things, recommends the development of a national strategy to recognise, reduce and prevent problem gambling.

AMA Position Statement: Preventive Medicine - 1998