Essay On Aboriginal Health Issues

Words: 570
Pages: 3

The health of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Australians is in comparison to Non-Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Australians very poor; they are generally known to have significantly ill health. They typically are more likely to experience a disability, have a reduced quality of life and die at a much younger age because of their ill health. Being healthy includes a person’s health being at a “complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” (World Health Organization, 1948) The socioeconomically disadvantages of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Australians compared to other Australians is one of the major problems for their poor health.
Indigenous Australians are known
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Some specific health conditions that affect the Indigenous population include Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, Disability and communicable diseases. Factors in which contribute to ill health in the Indigenous population are their nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol use. A healthy nutrition is important to sustain a healthy lifestyle but for the Indigenous community it can be a challenge to receive fresh food because of expenses or their location in a remote area. Keeping physically active is important for the health of a person and it’s also good for their social and emotional wellbeing. Keeping physically healthy can “reduce the risk of heart problems, diabetes, and some cancers.” (Australian Indigenous Health, 2013) Tobacco use is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, some cancers, lung disease and a variety of other health conditions. “Tobacco use was responsible for one-in-five deaths among Indigenous people in 2003.” (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2014) Alcohol use is also a major problem imposing on the health of Indigenous Australians. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are less likely than non-Indigenous Australians to consume alcohol. However, Indigenous Australians who drink generally