Posts by Team VIVA!
Short people potentially at-risk of coronary heart disease – May 1, 2015
The shorter you are, the higher your risk could be for developing coronary heart disease, according to a new study coordinated by the University of Leicester. Researchers found every 6.35 centimetres of change in height could affect your risk of coronary heart disease by up to 13.5 per cent. They compared a 167cm person to…
Read MoreStriking 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…
Read MoreNo 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…
Read MoreGP’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”…
Read MoreOn 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…
Read More