Controversial Issues in Health
The nature of decision-making about health issues in our society means that there will often be diverse points of view. Lately, there have been a number of proposals put forward with some already in parliament that may fall into this category. I usually make a practice of not giving personal opinions in this column, however, in this month’s article, I am going to break that rule. It must be stated though, that these opinions are not necessarily those of the “Grapevine” but mine alone (with a reasonable knowledge of health research influencing them).
Teenage Binge Drinking: It is refreshing to see that the Prime Minister is very concerned about this problem, as the incidence of under-age binge drinking in Australia is one of the worst in the world. Adolescents as young as early teens seem to be able to get plenty of alcohol, and seem to be almost left alone to consume it without intervention by parents or police.
Urgent action is needed as the resultant ill-health and social unrest is most disturbing. I am not sure what the answer might be but, as a society, we have to look at such aspects as how it is being provided, the age of legal drinking, the promotion of alcohol (especially with sport), the pricing in relation to alcohol content and the problem of poor parenting.
Fluoride in the Water Supply: I know that this will not be popular with some, but the research worldwide in favour of it is overwhelming and I am just sorry that it wasn’t available when I was young. Well done, Anna!
Health and Fitness Literacy: We now have National Testing in literacy and numeracy with benchmark testing in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. With high obesity levels and poor fitness in Australian children, isn’t it time to consider an evaluation of “physical” literacy to include evaluation of obesity levels, physical fitness and basic movement and games skills? The myth that Australians are fit and healthy because we get quite a few medals, hides the real truth. We rate very poorly in fatness, fitness and skills levels and we spend less time on Health and Physical Education in schools than most other countries in the world.
Smoking Laws: Fortunately, we have had very positive changes in this area in relation to smoking venues. There is still a lot more to consider. Why are people still smoking in houses and cars in the presence of children, why are cigarettes so easy for kids to get and why are there not more convictions of shop owners who still sell them to minors?
Any comments? With the editor’s permission, I may include them next month, (but I don’t believe in anyone being allowed to place opinions in papers without identification). Good Health.
Dr Rod Edwards PhD
School of Education & Professional Studies, Griffith University
r.edwards@griffith.edu.au
