Australia is the lucky country!

High standard of living

Long life expectancy

A sports loving nation

Fresh food and clean water

Excellent health and education systems

So why do our youth have major health issues?

In 2008 35% of young people (aged 12-24) & 25% of children (aged 5-11) were estimated to be overweight or obese.

Obesity

Some of the effects of obesity on children and young people are: • Stress on bones and joints• Snoring ,sleep apnoea and asthma• High blood pressure and blood fats• Type 2 diabetes• Low self-esteem, stigmatisation and

behaviour problems• Obese children usually become obese

adults

What causes obesity?• Unhealthy food choices

• Sedentary lifestyle-lack of physical activity

• Family genetic history• Not enough sleep

• Unhealthy family habits

Young people living in low socio-economic (SES) areas are 44% likely to be overweight or obese, compared to 25% of young people live in high SES areas.

Indigenous young people are more likely to be overweight and obese than non-indigenous people.

It is predicted that by 2020, 65% of young Australians will be overweight or obese!

The prevalence of obesity in children has risen throughout the world over the last 30 years.

Mental Ill Health

Causes of mental ill health Family history

Negative early life experiences Psychological factors Serious illness/injury Current circumstances

Drug use

In 2009 over 1 million young Australians had a mental illness.

Anxiety, depression and substance use disorders are the most common mental illnesses.

1 in 4 young people (16-24 years) are living with a diagnosed mental disorder in any year

Effects of Mental Ill Health Relationships and social interactions

suffer Education and work is disrupted Changes in appetite and sleep Increased participation in risky

behaviour Increased chance of illness and self

harm

Substance Use

30% of young people drink at high levels for a short time

11% of young people are daily smokers 1 in 5 people (12-24 years) used an

illicit drug in the last 12 months

Causes

Behavioural and emotional problems

Early exposure to drugs Peer pressure Poor parental control and

supervision Low self-esteem Legal and financial problems Leaving school early

Effects

Dependency, withdrawal, psychotic disorders , amnesia

Respiratory disorders and cancer Alcohol addiction Liver, heart and brain damage Poisoning Mental illness and suicide Family and relationship problems

How do we help our children achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes?

Regular physical

activity helps our children to be healthy and happy!

How does physical activity help improve health and wellbeing?

Physical Benefits Helps build and maintain healthy

bones and muscles Helps maintain a healthy weight Reduces risk of chronic diseases Improves cardiovascular capacity

Social Benefits Promotes wellbeing

Reduces depression, anxiety and stress

Increased social network and acceptance

Increased self confidence

Academic Benefits Increased concentration levels Increased attentiveness to the learning task Increased problem solving skills

How can schools help?

Schools need to implement curriculum to enhance the health and wellbeing of students

Schools need to offer a variety of physical activities for students Schools need to be supportive of students physical and mental wellbeing

Putting the pieces together for a whole school approach for Health Education

Family & community involvement

Physical Education Health

Education

Counselling & Social Services

Healthy School Environment

Professional training for staff

An integrated whole school approach