AMA News

The AMA recommends that people turn down the volume on their portable music players to prevent hearing damage over the holiday season.

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said that listening to music at loud volume levels over extended periods could cause hearing damage.

The AMA is extremely disappointed that the Forum on Food Regulation failed to endorse the traffic light system of labelling for packaged food.

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said that the Forum last month ignored the recommendations of the Labelling Logic report, which was prepared by an independent expert panel, and the professional advice from a range of public health authorities, including the AMA.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) recently joined forces to heighten community awareness of the importance of dental care as part of overall personal health and wellbeing.

Doctors and dentists are specifically reminding people about the dangers of excess sugar consumption.

The AMA last month released the AMA Position Statement on Funding of Residential Aged Care 2011.

AMA Vice President Professor Geoffrey Dobb said that there is no doubt that the funding of residential aged care now and into the future in a fair and sustainable way is a complex and emotive challenge for the nation.

The ongoing availability of quality medical care for older Australians is a crucial component of aged care that needs immediate consideration by the Government, according to the AMA.

The AMA has developed a plan for the provision of medical services for older Australians that should be considered by the new Cabinet, which now features two senior Ministers from the Health portfolio.

The AMA last month welcomed the appointment of Tanya Plibersek as the new Minister for Health.

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said that Ms Plibersek’s Ministerial experience in Housing, Human Services, and the Status of Women, along with her commitment to social equity and social justice, makes her well equipped to take on the demands and challenges of the Health portfolio.

The AMA is urging governments to impose tougher restrictions on alcohol marketing to young people.

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said the warmer weather and high profile sporting and music events make summer the ideal time for alcohol companies to exploit current loopholes in advertising regulations and launch mass advertising and marketing campaigns that encourage teenagers and young people to drink, often recklessly.

Health groups including the AMA have applauded the decision to promote the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, to Cabinet, and adding Social Inclusion to his portfolio.

Mental health and ageing are key areas of the health portfolio that deserve the attention and advocacy of a Cabinet Minister.

The AMA is calling on the Government and health groups to place a renewed focus on child and youth health issues in 2012.

Children and young people confront a range of health issues including poor diet and obesity, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and bullying.  The degree to which these conditions have an impact can be influenced by socio-economic factors.

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton has urged all Australians to keep an eye out for neighbours and relatives for signs of stress, distress, depression or loneliness over the holiday period.

Dr Hambleton said that Christmas and the January holidays are times of joy, celebration and family for most people but they can also be times of sadness and isolation for others.