More research needed for ovarian cancer screening
Did you know that in Australia one woman dies every eight hours from ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour in one or both ovaries, which can spread throughout the body if not detected and treated early. Every year, approximately 1,800 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia, making it the eighth most…
Outcomes of Federal Budget 2021-2022
The 2021 – 2022 Federal Budget announcement includes some key changes for the healthcare industry. Notably, this budget delivers the largest investment in aged care and the largest investment in response to a Royal Commission in Australia’s history. The funding will work to afford older Australians greater respect, care and dignity through a five-pillar plan…
World Immunisation Week 2021
As millions of people around the world eagerly await their COVID-19 vaccinations, this year’s World Immunisation Week (WIW), which falls in the last week of April, has come at a fitting time. Organised by the World Health Organization (WHO), this year’s theme is ‘vaccines bring us closer’, aiming to increase global engagement around immunisation, and…
Aussies avoiding what matters most in last stage of life
Experts issuing public health plea for improved communication, acceptance and preparation for last stage of life Of the 160,000 Australian deaths recorded each year, more than 60 per cent (100,000) are predictable, and can therefore, be planned for. Yet concerningly, less than one in six Australians (15 per cent) have care plans in place for…
AUS-first digital platform supporting young Aussies living with incurable movement disorder
More than 20,000 young Aussies (under 50 years of age) living with an incurable movement disorder are set to benefit from the launch of an Australian-first digital support platform today (Thursday, April 8, 2021), ahead of World Parkinson’s Day (Sunday, April 11, 2021). Developed as a ‘living lab’ model, the Young Onset Parkinson’s Exchange (YOP-X)…
World Autism Day
Did you know, approximately 1 in 70 people are considered to be on the autism spectrum? This means it is likely that you have met or will meet someone with autism in your lifetime. It is estimated there are more than 205,000 Australians living with autism, with the prevalence of the disorder on the rise.…
Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness
Today (26th March), the VIVA! team has popped on some purple to mark Purple Day 2021 and raise awareness of the 250,000 Australians living with epilepsy. Started by 9-year-old, Cassidy Megan, Purple Day is a global initiative with the goal of encouraging discussions around the disease, increasing support for those affected, and providing a platform…
Endometriosis Awareness Month – March into Yellow
This Endometriosis Awareness Month, Endometriosis Australia is calling for everyone to ‘March into Yellow’ to raise awareness of endometriosis and encourage public discussion on the largely invisible illness. Endometriosis affects more than 830,000 women in Australia and occurs when tissue, similar to the uterus lining, forms outside of the womb, growing around the ovaries, bowel…
The critical role of empathy in effective communications
Empathy is key to effective healthcare communication. The ability to put oneself in another’s shoes, trying to understand what they may be feeling, and acknowledging the significant impact an illness or life event can have on a person’s wellbeing is crucial to building trust and connecting in a meaningful way. Every day, the VIVA! team…
World’s Greatest Shave
Did you know, 47 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer every day? That’s one person every 31 minutes. According to The Leukaemia Foundation, this figure is set to increase to 100 by 2035. This week marks the World’s Greatest Shave, an initiative run by the Leukaemia Foundation to help raise funds and support those living…