Entry Event

What is Health Promotion?

There is a lot of good news on the health front in Australia: our life expectancy is one of the highest in the world; death rates have continued their long-term downward trend; and our health generally compares well with that of the populations around the world.

By many measures, we are doing well

• We are living longer

• Different age groups have different leading causes of death

• Premature death rates have fallen

• Overall burden of disease has fallen

• Most Australians report their health as 'good' or better

But there are concerns

While there are positive signs and progress on many fronts, it is clear that Australia is not healthy in every way, and some patterns and trends give cause for concern.

Chronic diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes are becoming increasingly common in Australia due to a population that is increasing and ageing, as well as to social and lifestyle changes.

Inequalities in health exist and some groups in our community are not faring as well, including people living in rural and remote areas, the lowest socioeconomic groups, Indigenous Australians and people living with disability.

Adolescence and young adulthood 

Adolescence and young adulthood is a significant period of transition in a person's life. Many modifiable behavioural risk factors that can affect current and future health and wellbeing either emerge or accelerate during this time. Addressing health concerns and choices early can improve the immediate quality of life for young people and is socially and economically more effective than dealing with enduring problems in adulthood. Basically, prevention is better than cure! If we can address the risk behaviours and promote protective behaviours during adolescence, the likelihood of reducing the prevalence of chronic disease later in life will increase dramatically.

1. Identify the top 5 health concerns for young people and justify your choices

2. Using the Information collected on one health priority area create an infographic - see link below for more detail on how to create your infographic

In relation to the driving question and the task notification, write down what you already know and what you need to know to reach your potential in this unit.

Driving question:

What actions are required to improve the health of young people?

Complete the "Know & Need to Know" table attached

Complete the "think, pair, share" activity within your group and with other groups. Share your questions with your teacher.