New Release Books by Justin Healey

It is estimated that over 160 000 Australians experience homelessness each year, with one third of these people being children. Violence, unemployment, health problems, mental illness, substance abuse, poverty, abuse and neglect, what are the causes of homelessness?

Each year around one million people commit suicide worldwide; suicide remains the leading cause of death among Australians 15-34 years of age. These deaths can have lasting and devastating impacts on affected families and friends. Deaths caused by suicide are however, preventable. What are the risks and warning signs for people contemplating this devastating, final act? This book informs young people, parents and educators about suicide awareness, intervention and prevention. Also includes: worksheets and activities, fast facts, glossary, web links, index.

Physical activity is a key factor in maintaining good health and fitness. Being physically active has a number of significant health benefits, including chronic disease risk reduction, helping in the control of body weight and improving mental wellbeing. There has been a decline in physical activity over recent decades due to the sedentary nature of many forms of work, changes in transportation and increased OCyscreen timeOCO. A lack of regular physical activity and related overweight and obesity is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity from certain cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart and vascular diseases. Physical inactivity has been ranked second only to tobacco smoking, in terms of the burden of disease and injury from risk factors in Australia. Globally, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality. This book reveals the extent of participation in physical activity by Australians, and explores ways of overcoming sedentary behaviour and inactivity through appropriate forms of exercise to suit your age and situation. Are you active enough? Also includes: worksheets and activities, fast facts, glossary, web links, index."

Most people want to be accepted by their peers. Peer pressure can be a positive influence and encourage us to do our best, however it can also have negative consequences. The pressure to f̀it in'' with friends, at school or at work can affect the way you talk, dress and behave. It can be direct, indirect, or sometimes the pressure can even come from yourself. Peer pressure can influence us to do something we usually would not do, or prevent us from doing something that we would like to do. This book is a useful guide in explaining what peer pressure is, where it comes from, and how it can affect us. Advice is given to young people (boys and girls), parents and teachers on how to identify and handle peer pressure, and looks at some specific examples - teenage popularity issues, bullying, risk-taking behaviours (dating pressures, sex, drugs), and social pressures to look and act certain ways. How can young people assert their individuality in the face of so many challengi- ng group influences?

In spite of increased community awareness of youth suicide through the national suicide prevention strategy, suicide continues to be a major public health issue and social concern. The numbers of suicides in Australia have decreased in recent years following peaks in 1997-1998, however despite the decreases, suicide remains a major cause of death, and is greater than the number of deaths from transport accidents. Youth suicide is a particularly complex and sensitive issue, and its effects are devastating for entire communities, especially the family and friends of the victims. This book presents important information on a range of key issues relating to youth suicide prevention: risk factors and warning signs; myths about suicide; specific risk groups; mental illness; youth intervention strategies; and support for families, friends and school communities to cope with suicide-related grief.Includes: Glossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index

The rise in amphetamine use in some countries has reached epidemic levels. The introduction and uptake of "ice¿, or crystal methamphetamine in Australia has been recent compared to most affected countries, but already its devastating effects are being felt throughout the community ¿ addiction, extreme random violence, paranoia, depression, drug-induced psychosis. In Australia, more than 100,000 people are thought to have used amphetamines in the past 12 months and more than 1000 are believed to have been hospitalised for mental or behavioural disorders. Crystal methamphetamine use has now been acknowledged by the federal Government as the nation¿s worst drug problem, causing more community problems than heroin. There is no established treatment for amphetamine dependence. What are the medical, psychiatric, criminal and social impacts of this drug? This book seeks to educate readers about the forms and effects of amphetamines, a drug which can be snorted, ingested, smoked and injected ... and which can destroy lives in the process.Chapter 1: Amphetamine Use and SupplyChapter 2: Amphetamines ¿ Health and Social ImplicationsGlossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index

Diabetes is Australia¿s fastest growing chronic disease. Diabetes is diagnosed when a person¿s body is unable to automatically regulate blood glucose levels, resulting in too much glucose in the blood. While Type 1 diabetes represents 10-15% of all diabetes, it is the growth in Type 2 diabetes, 85-90% of all cases, which causes particular concern as it relates to lifestyle. The diabetes epidemic in Australia is driven by lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity. New figures show that over one million Australians have diabetes ¿ 100,000 Australians are developing diabetes each year, and 200,000 people move from overweight to obesity. Diabetes doubles the chance of people dying during the next five years ¿ the risk of dying is to the same degree as smoking. At present there is no cure for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. What are the different types of diabetes, what are the related health conditions and costs, and what measures can halt the spread of this largely avoidable epidemic?Chapter 1: Diabetes in AustraliaChapter 2: Diabetes Prevention and ManagementGlossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index

Continued connection to land and country is of profound social and cultural significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since the landmark 1992 Mabo decision the modern land rights movement has given way to a complicated and protracted legal process created to resolve claims of pre-existing rights and interests in relation to land and waters. The recent successful Noongar claim over metropolitan Perth has brought into focus the practical and symbolic complexities of native title. What is the history of land rights and native title in Australia, and what is the difference between the two? What is the process of native title applications and land use agreements, and what are their impacts on those with interests in the land under claim? The federal Government is currently proposing reforms to the litigious native title system ¿ what are they, and what is their impact on the cultural, social and financial status of the first Australians and the nation as a whole?Chapter 1: Land Rights and the Native Title ProcessChapter 2: Native Title Progress and ReformGlossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index

Many countries are struggling to meet their current and future energy needs, including Australia and the large reserves of uranium. This book contains an overview of global nuclear energy use and production and presents a range of arguments for and against Australia''s expanded involvement in the nuclear power industry.

Resilience (or resiliency) is the ability to manage and learn from difficulties and to bounce back after adversity. Resilient people have personal strengths, skills and abilities which help to buffer them against stress. Resilience skills can be learned from a young age, and are important keys to positive mental health. What are the protective factors that promote resilience? Who is at risk of not ''bouncing back'' and what coping skills can people learn in order to deal effectively with the ups and downs that everyone experiences to varying degrees in their life? This book is a helpful tool in advancing mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on understanding and promoting resilience in children and young people.Chapter 1: Understanding ResilienceChapter 2: Resilience in Children and Young PeopleGlossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index

We live in an affluent, developed country in which most Australians have their material needs met. To a significant degree, Australia is a consumer-driven society, in which success and personal fulfilment are measured by the acquisition of material things. Consumerism and overconsumption has for many Australians become a way of life, in which they experience confusion between their needs and wants. The Australian dream now seems to incorporate more than just home ownership ... bigger houses, bigger vehicles, bigger televisions, and bigger expectations. What is driving Australians to suffer from a sustained bout of this so-called ¿affluenza¿? Has materialism gone mad, or are we just becoming more conscious as consumers? The book examines these issues, and also looks at ¿ethical consumption¿ ¿ how does our consumption of luxury goods impact on people in the developing world and on the environment? Do we really need the latest car, plasma TV or mobile phone?Chapter 1: Consumption and Young ConsumersChapter 2: Affluenza and Ethical ConsumptionGlossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index

Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Australia, killing more than 36 000 people annually. In addition to advances in treatment, more lives could be saved by improved awareness of the causes of certain cancers. This book contains helpful information from cancer councils on cancer detection and prevention.

This book explores the latest family trends, changes and diversity, featuring a range of family types including single parent families, step and blended families, rainbow and same-sex families. It also examines the quality of family relationships, and the challenges families face in the modern age.

"[The book] examines sexuality discrimination and gay rights in Australia; and takes a look at the causes and effects of homophobia." - introduction.

What exactly is self-esteem? What are the causes of low self-esteem, and how can we improve poor self-image? Negative influences on young people''s self-esteem such as unsupportive and abusive family relationships, peer pressure and the impact of the media on body image are examined.

Explains how human rights are set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Also examines the state of children''s rights in Australia, where there have been some positive developments, but also a number of critical issues and mixed results. Are the human rights of our children and young people at risk?

One of a series of educational resource books offering information about contemporary issues in Australian society. Information is sourced from newspapers, journals, government reports, surveys, websites and lobby group literature. This volume looks at issues surrounding sexual abuse, its definition, support for survivors, keeping children safe, and the law. Includes source references, illustrations, statistical facts and figures, website listing and index.

One of a series of educational resource books offering information about contemporary issues in Australian society. Information is sourced from newspapers, journals, government reports, surveys, websites and lobby group literature. This volume looks at issues surrounding immigration in Australia, including immigration and the population, and the asylum seekers debate. Includes source references, illustrations, website listing and index.

Invasive species in Australia - Feral animals - Australia''s threatened species - Threatened species - Green consumer guide - Related web sites.

One of a series of educational resource books offering information about contemporary issues in Australian society. Information is sourced from newspapers, journals, government reports, surveys, websites and lobby group literature. This volume looks at issues surrounding Indigenous disadvantage and overcoming this disadvantage. Includes source references, illustrations, glossary, statistical facts and figures, website listing and index.

Although over half the countries in the world have now abolished the death penalty, there have been moves to reintroduce it, even in Australia. The death penalty debate - what are the key arguments for and against capital punishment?

One of a series of educational resource books offering information about contemporary issues in Australian society. Information is sourced from newspapers, journals, government reports, surveys, websites and lobby group literature. This volume looks at issues surrounding the homeless, including the extent and causes of homelessness, and youth homelessness. Includes source references, illustrations, statistical facts and figures, website listing and index.

Globalisation is a word that often prompts an emotive reaction. What is globalisation, and what are the key economic, environmental, equality and cultural factors in the debate over its benefits and losses? Can free trade also be fair trade? What are the benefits and risks for Australia, and challenges for developing countries?

"The cloning debate looks at the latest developments relating to the possible cloning of human beings ; the major arguments for and against human reproductive and therapeutic cloning ; and recent developments and issues involving the cloning of animals." - back cover.

One of a series of educational resource books offering information about contemporary issues in Australian society. Information is sourced from newspapers, journals, government reports, surveys, websites and lobby group literature. This volume looks at issues surrounding global water use, water management and reform and water conservation. Includes illustrations, glossary, facts and figures, further resources and index.

The "right to life" versus the "right to choose" debate has polarised public opinion for decades. This well-balanced book contains a range of articles from key groups on both sides of the debate. It looks at the facts, as well as presenting the ethical, medical, social, political and economic arguments.