2009 AMA Indigenous Health Report Card

The AMA has released its eighth Indigenous Health Report Card, this year putting the focus on the tragic state of health of Indigenous males - boys, adolescents and men. Indigenous males are much more likely to die earlier from preventable causes than non-Indigenous males and Indigenous females. At every age - from boyhood to manhood - Indigenous males experince higher rates of diseases and conditions that are totally preventable. There is evidence that the loss of status, self-esteem and sense of purpose experienced by many Indigenous men is intimately bound up with their poor health as both a cause and an effect. In this Report Card, the AMA sets out some solutions to help improve the health and quality of life of Indigenous males, and gives examples of Good News Stories where innovative programs are providing healthier lifestyles for men and boys alike. (From: NRHA eforum 13 November 2009)