Health experts issue new public health warning on dangers of e-cigarettes
Health experts have this week issued a new public health warning on the dangers of e-cigarettes, or “vaping” after a Queensland man’s autopsy revealed he ‘most likely’ died from vaping-related lung damage. Peter Hansen, 71, switched from smoking to vaping more than a decade ago, believing it would be better for his health. Mr Hansen…
Knowing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer crucial to curbing preventable deaths from disease
Tragically, every eight hours, one woman dies from ovarian cancer in Australia, equating to 1,042 women each year.1 Further estimates suggest that 1,720 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer per annum, making it the eighth most common cancer in Australia.2 This month (February) is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – an important milestone on the public…
New data reveals disproportionate COVID-19 mortality and prevalence rates among Australian CALD communities
New Government data released today reveals disproportionate COVID-19 mortality and prevalence rates recorded among Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse populations (CALD). The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows our nation has witnessed almost three times as many deaths from COVID-19 among those born overseas compared with those born locally (in Australia). The ABS data…
Lowering your risk of developing dementia
One in 10 Australians aged 65 years and above are living with dementia, the risk of diagnosis for which doubles every five years from aged 60. Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather, a broad term used to describe a group of symptoms that cause progressive damage to the brain. These symptoms include a…
Australian researchers have identified first genes linked to anorexia nervosa
Did you know approximately 85,000 Australian adults are currently living with anorexia nervosa? Anorexia nervosa is a serious and complex mental disease with psychiatric and physical symptoms. It is a life-impairing illness characterised by dangerously low body weight, an intense aversion to gaining weight and an inability or unwillingness to recognise the seriousness of the…
Sad news of the passing of a giant of the Australian communications industry – Rest in Peace Peter Lazar AM LFPRIA
VIVA! Communications was saddened today to learn of the passing of Aussie PR veteran, Peter Lazar AM LFPRIA. The Life Fellow and Past President of the PR Institute, creator of the PRIA Golden Target Awards and Registered Consultancy Group PRIA, and co-author of the ‘Australian and New Zealand Public Relations Manual’ had an extraordinary professional…
Looking back on my time at VIVA! – Bella Poidevin
When I first came to VIVA! offices in December, 2017 to meet a woman named Kirsten Bruce for a job interview, I could never have imagined the journey that was about to begin. Starting in the VIVA! office with no prior communications experience, but a (somewhat over the top) passion for healthcare, made for a…
Wrapping up 2021
As 2021 draws to a close, Team VIVA! reflected on a year that brought not only new challenges, but also many reasons for celebration. Like many across Australia and around the world, the VIVA! team contended with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, including lockdowns and disruptions to many facets our daily lives. “We are…
Shining a light on men’s mental health this International Men’s Day
Today is International Men’s Day, a day both celebrating the positive male role models in our communities, and also highlighting some of the current health challenges facing men around the world. To celebrate this International Men’s Day, we talked to loving husband, father-to-three and Managing Director and Owner of VIVA!, Paul Jans about some of…
Improving access to cervical cancer screening for Australian women
This week, Health Minister, The Hon Greg Hunt MP, announced Australia will become one of the first countries in the world to offer the “game-changing” self-collect cervical cancer screening test, through the National Cervical Screening Program. From July 1, 2022, all eligible women will be given the option to collect their own sample for their…