Challenges in Adolescent Health: An Australian Perspective

--><!-- David Bennett (Editor) Childrens Hospital at WestmeadSusan Towns (Editor) Childrens Hospital at WestmeadElizabeth Elliott (Editor) Childrens Hospital at WestmeadJoav Merrick (Editor) Ministry of Social Affairs, Jerusalem, Israel Series: Health and Human Development This book addresses the issue of adolescent medicine and its place in society today. It discusses Australias first hospital-based medical unit which officially opened in 1978 and is now called the Childrens Hospital at Westmead, Australia. The future of the adolescent into adulthood is crucially dependent on the care given early on, addressing both the physical as well as mental and behavioral conditions imperative of stellar care. Although the book is directed to Australian youth, it would be applicable to all adolescent care in every part of the world. Abuse problems, such as smoking and alcohol, are also discussed and new avenues of treatment plans explored. This important book will be an aid to both professionals in the field and laymen, including the parents who remain the childs first and most important care-takers in his or her well-being.