Sorting by

×
Proactive deprescribing beneficial for older patients

Proactive deprescribing beneficial for older patients

As we get older, we tend to accumulate medications that have been prescribed over the course of adulthood, often leading to polypharmacy (defined as taking five or more medications concurrently). Research in 2017 found that almost a million Australians over the age of...

The importance of holistic care in managing women’s sexual pain

The importance of holistic care in managing women’s sexual pain

Vaginismus is a sexual pain disorder that can have a profound impact on wellbeing and sense of self. It is due to the pelvic floor muscles spasming and can result in vaginal penetration being painful to impossible. It is reported to affect between one and seven per...

Whooping cough vaccination rates low among older Australians

Whooping cough vaccination rates low among older Australians

Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough are covered by various combination vaccines in Australia. While part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, recommended coverage for adults becomes more complex, with varying schemes and rules governing who gets which...

Hepatitis E virus: it’s time to pay closer attention

Hepatitis E virus: it’s time to pay closer attention

According to the World Health Organisation, viral hepatitis infections claim the lives of 3,500 people each day worldwide. One of the lesser-known kinds is hepatitis E. Infection can occur after eating or drinking contaminated food or water in less developed...

Is lifestyle therapy helpful for depression?

Is lifestyle therapy helpful for depression?

Depression affects 1 in 7 people in Australia. Good nutrition, physical activity and having someone you can reach out to are all important when someone is depressed. How do these lifestyle interventions compare though, and which are the most important? A new study...

Getting more people into bowel cancer screening

Getting more people into bowel cancer screening

Bowel cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, claiming the lives of 5,350 Australians every year (103 a week).  That number is even more tragic because many of these deaths could have been prevented through early detection. The National Bowel Cancer...

Does high-intensity exercise boost memory function?

Does high-intensity exercise boost memory function?

It’s the in-vogue form of exercising, and now another study suggests it has benefits over and above the everyday activities of jogging, swimming or cycling. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is characterised by periods of intense physical exercise, interposed...

Australians not good at identifying their own melanomas

Australians not good at identifying their own melanomas

Australians have some of the highest rates of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. This results in a high incidence of skin cancer, including melanoma. Over the past four decades in particular, skin cancer rates have increased significantly, with two...

Do multivitamins make you live longer?

Do multivitamins make you live longer?

Multivitamins are commonly used in the belief that they prevent disease and maintain health. In fact, approximately 45% of Australians take vitamins, minerals or supplements and it’s estimated to be a $5 billion dollar industry. But in a new study, their use didn’t...

Does walking reduce low back pain?

Does walking reduce low back pain?

Low back pain is pervasive globally, affecting millions. And though it is usually self-limited, recurring symptoms are common, adding significantly to both personal disability and economic costs. Despite exercise being recommended for prevention, the effectiveness of...

Dementia risk reduction and prevention: Tips from a leading expert

Dementia risk reduction and prevention: Tips from a leading expert

Dementia is the leading cause of death for women (second overall for the population) according to Dementia Australia. There is a lack of knowledge and understanding in the community about dementia, and it can often be a stigmatised or neglected group. Even the 1.6...