At the dawn of 2015, we thought it important to reflect on the major health issues that defined 2014. A year characterised by the life-threatening disease, Ebola in West Africa; suicide and pain associated with mental illness; an ongoing hike in deaths from cancer and recreational drug abuse; claims that medicinal marijuana could save lives;…

Scientists have discovered a ‘potential game-changer’ in the war against drug resistant superbugs – a new class of antibiotic that is resistant to resistance. The antimicrobial compound, Teixobactin, which was discovered using a ‘revolutionary’ procedure, has properties that suggest a new path towards developing antibiotics likely to avoid development of resistance. This ground-breaking discovery has…

Terrorism Noun The use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes. Systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve some goal. At 11:00am (CET) on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 staff at the offices of the popular satirical French Satirical Magazine, Charlie Hedbo, acclaimed for publishing images of the Islamic Prophet,…

Beyond Blue – an Australian not-for-profit working to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and suicide in the community – describes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a particular set of reactions that can develop in those who have experienced a traumatic event. The organisation identifies the following four main feelings associated with PTSD: Re-living…

Alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia and each year, millions of Aussies set New Year’s resolutions to address their unhealthy drinking habits. Yet, despite being well-intentioned the likelihood of achieving success is next-to-none.As reported in As reported in Body and Soul, a survey of 1,000 Australians found 69 per cent of participants…