Fatal lung infection not on public’s radar – May 19, 2015
Fatal lung infection not on public’s radar Experts calling for Aussie adults to curtail risk of infection this Pneumonia Awareness Week Fewer than one-in-seven Australian adults at-risk of pneumonia consider themselves vulnerable, with only one-in-five having reported vaccinating against the often-fatal lung infection.1 In addition to advancing age (65+), Lung Foundation Australia’s ‘Lungs4Life’ research released…
2015 Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Week – May 8, 2015
This week marks national Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Week in Australia, which runs from May 3 – 9 each year. National MND Week aims to acknowledge the MND community, including people living with MND, and commemorates Australian MND advocates and those who have passed away from the disease. Partnering with the State MND Associations, to…
New research reveals a tuberculosis treatment may hold the key to overcoming phobias – May 5, 2015
Researchers from Macquarie University, Sydney may have uncovered an interesting new use for tuberculosis treatment, D-cycloserine. Further to antibiotic activity in treating tuberculosis, D-cycloserine partially attaches to nerve cell receptors responsible for nerve conduction strength and memory, and as a result, can enhance learning and memory processes. In the research study, it was administered to…
Striking over-the-counter pain medications for elderly off PBS to minimise strain on public purse – April 27, 2015
In a bid to save taxpayers millions of dollars, paracetamol, aspirin, antacids and other over-the-counter (OTC) medicines could be struck off the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as of May, 2015. On average, OTC paracetamol, which is sold in supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, costs between $2.89 and $3.50 for a pack of 20. For the…
No link between MMR and Increased ASD risk – April 26, 2015
Published just days after the Commonwealth Government announced parents who choose not to vaccinate their children “conscientious objectors” will no longer be granted childcare benefits, new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals there is no link between the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and an increased risk of autism…
GP’s incentives will be doubled to vaccinate overdue children – April 24, 2015
The Federal Government plans to double GP incentives to boost flagging vaccination rates among Australian children. In addition, the Government has announced religious exemption will no longer be accepted as a reason not to vaccinate children. These changes follow hot-on-the-heels of the government’s recent refusal to provide family tax benefits to parents claiming “conscientious objection”…
On a wing and a prayer: Little Wings charity helping kids in outlying communities access life-saving, city-based treatments – April 23, 2015
Australian parents of children living with life-threatening or chronic illnesses are under immense pressure to meet their healthcare needs and to ensure they obtain appropriate medical attention. For those living in rural and outback communities, this strain can often be exacerbated by the need to travel long-distances, on a regular basis, to access treatment. This…
Autism linked to pre-eclampsia
A US study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Paediatrics involving more than 1,000 children has revealed the development of autism in children is twice as likely when a mother has experienced pre-eclampsia during birth. Pre-eclampsia – a condition that only occurs in pregnancy – is typically characterised by high blood pressure…
Team VIVA! turns pink to raise funds for women’s cancer research – November 12, 2014
On October 26, 2014 Adore Yoga, a local yoga studio in Mosman near VIVA! Communications’ office, organised a very special yoga class to raise money for women’s cancer research. VIVA! donated to the cause and supported Adore Yoga’s second Pink Yoga event with a team in pink. The region’s largest yoga class saw Team VIVA!…
Aussie cricket legend says healthy ageing is everyone’s business
Former Australian Test Cricketer, VFL/AFL footballer, author and commentator, Max Walker, AM, joined public health experts at the ‘Equity in disease prevention: vaccines for the elderly workshop,’ held in Melbourne today (Friday, June 20), to tackle the monumental health challenges facing our greying nation. Innovative, effective and long-term approaches to elderly immunisation were proposed to…