the conversation
How to reduce dependency on drugs like Valium with alternative therapies
Benzodiazepines are prescribed for anxiety, but can cause more problems than they solve, argues Ben O’Mara Ben O’Mara, Adjunct Research Fellow, Swinburne University of Technology Benzodiazepines (such as Valium and Xanax) …
Why do parents reject childhood vaccination?
Australians’ attitudes to vaccination are more complex than a simple ‘pro’ or ‘anti’ label Julie Leask, Associate Professor, University of Sydney; Margie Danchin, Senior Research Fellow and General Paediatrician, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Nina …
The role of pharmacists should be overhauled, taking the heat off GPs
While medicines prices should be cut, pharmacists could also do more than they currently do, writes Grattan Institute director Stephen Duckett Stephen Duckett, Director, Health Program, Grattan Institute A Grattan Institute …
How fake drugs end up in our public health system (and how to spot them)
Prescribing and using pharmaceuticals is a matter of trust Bruce Baer Arnold, Assistant Professor, School of Law, University of Canberra Prescribing and using pharmaceuticals is a matter of trust. Health service …
Health Check: is snoring anything to worry about?
There’s nothing quite like the sound of snoring as the ultimate sleep interrupter, writes Jason Amatoury Jason Amatoury, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Biomedical Engineer, Upper Airway Physiologist, Neuroscience Research Australia There’s nothing …
Medicines to treat side effects of other medicines?
Sometimes less is more beneficial, say University of Sydney researchers Jesse Jansen, Senior Research Fellow, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney Andrew McLachlan, Professor of Pharmacy (Aged Care), University of …
Weekly Dose: Truvada, the drug that can prevent HIV infection
Efficacy is estimated to be as high as 99% in men who have sex with men who take Truvada daily. Sharon Lewin, Consultant Physician, Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital & …
Getting the right treatment can prevent heart attacks — here’s how
Getting the right treatment can prevent heart attacks – here’s how Jenny Doust and Paul Glasziou Every year, more than 40,000 Australians die from heart disease. That’s almost a third …
Not everyone who takes painkillers for fun is an addict; some have just found a different way to cope
Not everyone who takes painkillers for fun is an addict; some have just found a different way to cope Stephen Tomsen, Western Sydney University and Kev Dertadian, UNSW Australia The …