Concerns over female sterilisation device
21 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithA study published in the BMJ has highlighted concerns over implant based female sterilisation using the Essure device which blocks the fallopian tubes. Women who undergo the hysteropic sterilisation procedure have a significantly heightened risk of reoperation following complications, which the study’s authors have highlighted as a serious safety concern.
Non-invasive neuroimaging techniques
20 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithFor many years scientists have been trying to find a way to measure the pressure in a patient’s brain without having to drill a hole in the person’s skull. Although this remains the most reliable way to measure pressure in the brain, it is invasive, expensive and comes with the risk of infection and bleeding.
Australian women are putting their health last
20 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithFederal Health minister Sussan Ley today launched a campaign aimed at Australians to take up sporting activities in the name of their own wellbeing.
First do no harm: Children in detention and duty of care
19 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithDoctors and other medical staff at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital are refusing to discharge refugee children back into detention. They feel it is an unsafe environment that would be detrimental to their health.
Why does our balance get worse as we grow older?
15 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithAll of us have taken a tumble at some point in our lives. But as we grow older, the risks associated with falling over become greater: we lose physical strength and bone density, our sense of balance deteriorates and we take longer to recover from a fall. Alarmingly, this process begins around the age of 25. The reasons for this are varied and complex, but by understanding them better, we can find ways to mitigate the effects of old age.
Happy Global Handwashing Day!
14 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithThat’s right: the Food Safety Information Council is using this Thursday 15 October Global Handwashing Day to celebrate your favourite topic: hand washing. So get out those gloves and blow them up into balloons in the name of good hand hygiene.
Food for thought: nutrients for oral and mental health
13 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithThe Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) have joined forces to help promote National Nutrition Week (October 11 – 17) by saying that not only are vegetables a crucial part of a healthy diet, but they’re good for your teeth as well.
Practice Management - Building Patient Confidence
13 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithHow to give your patients confidence when working with you – long before you meet them face to face. Jane Anderson is a Personal Branding Expert helping service professionals to position themselves effectively in their industry. Here Jane shares her advice for medical professionals managing their own practices on establishing trust between patient and doctor before the first meeting.
What the Trans-Pacific Partnership means for health
08 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithThe Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was signed this week, with 12 countries including Australia agreeing to a trade deal which now needs to pass their relevant government processes for final approval.
Grey Nomads need to remember health plans
08 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithAs we approach the warmer months, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has given a heads-up to its members of the increased number of ‘Risky Nomads’ who hit the road to make the most of (or travel to) the better weather.
Here's the evidence why breast is best
07 October, 2015 by Sharon SmithIt’s a mantra repeated by health providers Australia-wide: breast is best. And while we’ve always known that there is something about mother’s breast milk that causes a baby to thrive, it has taken until 2015 to discover why that is.
Online Mental Health Conference
28 September, 2015 by Sharon SmithThe Mental Health Academy is offering 20 hours of CPD training through their 2015 Mental Health Super Summit, which will be held online from 29 October - 6 November.
Dementia support and prevention
24 September, 2015 by Sharon SmithCurrently in Australia, over 322,000 people suffer from dementia, with one in ten of Australians over the age of 65 affected by the condition. However, the Australian population is rapidly aging: the number of Australians aged 65 is expected to increase from 2.5 million in 2002 to 6.2 million in 2042, with only 2.5 people of working age supporting each person aged over 65 as opposed to 5 people in 2002. With this increase in the aging population, based on projections from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the number of people with dementia will reach almost 400,000 by 2020, and around 900,000 by 2050. According to Jon Kontopos, CEO of Dementia Caring, as the population in Australia ages, there will be an increasing pressure on the healthcare system to cater for those needing aged care, especially those who will be affected by conditions like dementia which require a high level of care.
A World View on Patient-Centred Care Design
15 September, 2015 by Sharon SmithJill Joseph is a leading healthcare planner and designer, having worked across the US, Europe and the Middle East as a consultant for Herman Miller Healthcare. This year she visited Australia to educate architecture and design firms on patient-centred care and evidence-based design for the healthcare industry.
RUOK? How to respond to someone who isn't OK
10 September, 2015 by Sharon SmithWorld Suicide Prevention Day prompts people from all walks of life to ask their loved ones what could be a life-saving question: are you ok?
