Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Campaign
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The AMSA Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Campaign
Being a medical student is a tough profession. Between study, employment, relationships and other activities, it can be difficult to find time for yourself and the other important people in your life.
The issue of medical student wellbeing is one that has gained increased attention in recent times. As part of our response to this important issue, AMSA, in conjunction with MDA National, is proud to present the Healthy Body Healthy Mind Campaign. This campaign, which complements MDA National's own Partnering Your Professionalism Program and Live Well Study Well Program, seeks to raise awareness of the issues affecting medical students and encourage local wellbeing activities.
2010 Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Campaign
AMSA congratulates the prize winners for the 2010 AMSA Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Campaign!
Winner
‘Mental Health in Medicine Seminar’* run by the Flinders Medical Students’ Society (FMSS), South Australia.
In August 2010, the FMSS held a seminar for students aimed at increasing awareness and reducing stigma about mental health issues among medical students. Presenters at the seminar included Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry, AM, and Professor Michael Kidd, AM.
The FMSS has been awarded $1500 for their fantastic efforts and are planning to hold a similar event later in 2011.
The brochure produced to complement the ‘Mental Health in Medicine Seminar’ can be found here.*
Runner-up
‘World of Wellbeing Forums’* run by the Monash University Medical Undergraduates' Society (MUMUS), Victoria.
In 2010, MUMUS ran a series of three wellbeing forums facilitated by older students which aimed to utilise their knowledge and experience to educate and assist junior students.
MUMUS was awarded $750 for their excellent efforts.
The Student Survival Guide distributed to students during the forums can be found here.*
2011 Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Campaign
The AMSA Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Campaign will be returning in the second half of 2011 with a rejuvenated format. Keep posted to this website for the release of more details in the coming months!
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Tips
The heavy workload imposed by medicine can lead to a variety of personal difficulties. These may manifest as reduced physical activity, inadequate sleep, mental health problems, poor eating habits, substance abuse or financial difficulties.
There are no simple solutions to these issues, but there are a few things can reduce your troubles:
- Allow time for regular physical activity.
- Allocate enough time for sleep.
- Share your feelings with those close to you.
- See your general practitioner regularly (click here to access AMSA's Get a GP Campaign - a list of bulk-billing GPs).
- Organise your time efficiently and plan ahead.
- Maintain a good diet. Don't rely on fast food.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and other drugs.
- Discuss ways to save more effectively with your bank.
- See if you are eligible for Centrelink assistance.
- Check university noticeboards for work that fits your studies
MDA National is proud to be the foundation sponsor and a wellbeing partner of AMSA's Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Campaign.
* The intellectual property of the events and promotional material associated with those events remain the property of the FMSS and MUMUS respectively. They are not the property of AMSA. The views contained within them reflect those of the authors and not necessarily those of AMSA.
