Can coffee reduce heart attack?
More research is needed to confirm whether drinking coffee can reduce the risk of a heart attack, Heart Foundation CEO Mary Barry says. A study by Korean researchers, published in …
TPP to hurt medicines compliance: report
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement poses risks to Australians in terms of medicines compliance and affordability, tobacco and alcohol policies and nutrition labelling, a new report has found. And Shadow Health …
‘Shop around’ as insurance premiums rise
Customers should be encouraged to shop around for the best deal as private health insurance premiums will increase substantially from April, says Health Minister Sussan Ley. With a weighted industry …
Funding go-slow frustrates in electronic drugs reporting
Lack of funds and training is frustrating PSA’s NSW branch president Stephen Carter as they slow the rollout of Electronic Recording and Reporting of Controlled Drugs system (eRRCD). Carter told …
Should energy drinks be regulated?
International health experts are calling on governments to take a stronger regulatory stand on caffeinated energy drinks, which have been associated with cardiac arrest and sudden death, heart palpitations, digestive …
Higher copayments to reduce adherence?
Higher copayments and higher pricing signals not only impact on medication adherence but may lead to a rise in rates of discontinuation of some medications, a new study finds – …
Does Alzheimer’s disease start in the heart?
A radical new approach may overturn the prevailing medical wisdom that Alzheimer’s disease has its origins in the brain, according to a new review of the evidence. The alternative explanation …
Chondroitin benefits confirmed
The Australian Self Medication Industry has welcomed new research that confirmed the benefits of chondroitin sulphate for osteoarthritis. A Cochrane Review of 9,110 people across 43 randomised controlled studies revealed …
I-DECIDE: online domestic violence support
An online interactive tool has been developed to provide practical and confidential support to victims of domestic violence. The new I-DECIDE website—an Australian-first—was developed by a team led by Professor …
Mushroom poisoning warning for NSW
Due to an unseasonal rise in wild mushroom poisonings across the State, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust together with NSW Health have issued a warning against eating them. …
Clinical tips: arthritis explained
Arthritis: clinical tips by Karalyn Huxhagen, community pharmacist and 2010 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Pharmacist of the Year. One recent Sunday morning, an arrogant middle-aged male asked for medication for …
Juvenile arthritis as common as juvenile diabetes
The under-explored issue of juvenile arthritis will be the focus for Arthritis Awareness Week (15-21 March) in 2015, highlighting the fact that reduced awareness – among the community and among …