child health
Back at school? Here’s how to keep kids free of head lice
A new school year, and another battle between bloodsucking parasites and the kids they love to live on, writes Cameron Webb from the University of Sydney A new school year, and …
Docs swallow Lego… for science
University of Melbourne researcher Dr Andrew Tagg and some paediatrician colleagues looked at how long it takes Lego to exit the digestive system “Children frequently ingest coins (generally with minimal reported …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Effects of vitamin D supplementation on musculoskeletal health A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D supplementation does not prevent …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby takes a look at the latest in research news Second-generation antipsychotics in children Second generation antipsychotics such as clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine pose a serious risk to …
Decongestant safety unclear in kids
An Australian researcher has urged health professionals not to give decongestants to children under the age of 12 Not only do these treatments fail to alleviate cold symptoms but their …
Codeine canned for Kiwi kids
New Zealand’s health professionals have been advised not to give codeine at all to children aged under 12, or to breastfeeding mothers New Zealand regulator Medsafe, and the Medicines Adverse …
Clinical tips: family health
Ben Basger takes a look at issues around preventive health for all the family Did you know that the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Red book (or ‘Guidelines …
Cannabidiol and epilepsy
An Australian trial of 40 children with hard-to-treat epilepsy shows that cannabidiol may have some positive effects with a manageable side effect profile The research, published in the Medical Journal …
‘We’re ready and raring to go.’
Pharmacists in Tasmania are now waiting on government supplies of meningococcal vaccine – and hope to expand vaccination further In late July Tasmania’s Minister for Health, Michael Ferguson, announced that …
MHR appeals to parents
The Australian Digital Health Agency is encouraging parents to have My Health Records for their children, saying these could save lives Parents are being encouraged to talk about the electronic …
Identifying and treating children’s pain
There is a widespread view that childhood pain is under-recognised and under-managed, writes Leanne Philpott Pharmacists play a valuable role in helping parents assess the severity of their child’s pain, …
Pharmacists to vaccinate kids
The Tasmanian Government is extending the free vaccination program against meningococcal disease – and pharmacists will be able to vaccinate some children Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health, announced that meningococcal …