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 …
Chondroitin use confirmed in Cochrane Review
Carl Gibson, chief executive of Complementary Medicines Australia has welcomed the results of a Cochrane Review of chondroitin sulfate that confirm the efficacy and safety of this supplement in the …
Patients dying in cancer drugs wait: MA
Australian cancer patients don’t have time to wait for access to new cancer drugs, says Medicines Australia. In its submission to the Senate Inquiry into the availability of new, innovative …
Managing high pressure with CMs: Braun
Working under high pressure almost always goes hand-in-hand with a decrease of performance in comparison to low-pressure situations, says Adjunct Associate Professor Lesley Braun, director, Blackmores Institute. Speaking to pharmacists …
Health websites too hard for many
A Deakin University study has found that Australian health websites are too difficult for the average person to read. Dr Matthew Dunn and Christina Cheng, researchers with Deakin’s School of …