Taking action to transform care for COPD patients
A national clinical care standard is set to improve outcomes and reduce potentially avoidable hospital admissions for the incurable lung condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Opinions
Fluoridation of drinking water is a public health success story – why does the debate continue?
The addition of fluoride to drinking water has improved dental health worldwide for over 70 years but is still hindered by misinformation; let’s look at the evidence.
Oyster ‘blood’ holds promise for combating drug-resistant superbugs: new research
Superbugs that are resistant to existing antibiotics are a growing health problem around the world. Globally, nearly five million people die from antimicrobial resistant infections each year. The annual toll of antimicrobial resistant infections is expected to rise by 70%, with an estimated 40 million deaths between now and 2050.
New twin study links fruit and vegetable consumption to reduced depression risk
New research led by the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at UNSW, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the potential protective role of fruit and vegetable consumption against depression. Utilising data from four international twin cohorts, the study addresses longstanding questions about the impact of diet on mental health by leveraging twin studies to minimise confounding factors.
How we diagnose and define obesity is set to change – here’s why, and what it means for treatment
Obesity is linked to many common diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease and knee osteoarthritis.
Clinicians and digital health: tackling the last mile problem
The successful implementation and uptake of health technologies in real-world settings remain an ongoing challenge. Clinicians have an essential role to play in facilitating successful digital health design and implementation.
Most patients with mitochondrial disease can be diagnosed via genomic sequencing
Diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases has often required invasive muscle biopsies, but a national study shows that most patients can be diagnosed by genomic testing of blood.
Flipping the script on loneliness with green prescriptions
Green prescriptions — a prescription for an individual to step outside and spend time in nature and community — are an effective, inexpensive way to ease the burden of loneliness.
The entwinement of social determinants of health, the social model of disability and the Disability Royal Commission
The medical profession must understand and addresses the social influences on the lives of people with disability in order to improve the health, wellbeing and lives of people with disability.
