Govt plan to improve young people's health

Young Australians will be healthier in 10 years' time thanks to a new plan aimed at setting them on a good path, the federal government believes.

ELECTION19 SCOTT MORRISON CAMPAIGN DAY 10

Health Minister Greg Hunt says many chronic health problems in adulthood begin in childhood. (AAP)

Preventing illnesses is at the heart of a new plan to improve the health of young Australians over the coming decade.

The Morrison government has released its national action plan for the health of young people, covering the years 2020 to 2030, after crafting it alongside a range of health groups.

The coalition has committed $4 million to bring the plan to life, with $1.5 million worth of the cash set to be given out as grants over four years for preventative health programs encouraging kids to eat well, get active and sleep enough.

Programs that target risky behaviours, build coping skills and support positive mental health among parents will also be supported by the grants.

Reclink, which provides sport and art programs to disadvantaged Australians to promote social inclusion and other opportunities, will receive $1 million.

Another $1 million will go towards a program run by the Consumer Health Forum that involves young people in making health policies.

Health Minister Greg Hunt stressed many chronic health problems in adulthood, such as obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues, began in childhood.

"This action plan identifies the steps needed so our children and young people have the best start in life," he said on Wednesday.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world