Shorten promises $2.3 billion package to relieve costs for cancer patients

Apr 05, 2019 10:20 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

Bill Shorten has promised his government would introduce a A$2.3 billion four year package to slash cancer patients out-of-pocket costs, and has committed $1 billion to give extra tax relief for low income earners, above...

The new truth about Aspirin, and your doctor's slow uptake of medical evidence

Apr 05, 2019 10:15 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

For decades, millions of patients have been taking a daily Aspirin in an attempt to prevent hearts attacks and strokes. But in March 2019, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released...

Most of us support mandatory vaccines for schoolkids, but is it good policy?

Apr 05, 2019 10:15 am UTC| Insights & Views Law Health

Recently, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, including a measles outbreak in British Columbia, have ignited a firestorm of public debate about childhood vaccination and what should be done about current...

Going to the naturopath or a yoga class? Your private health won't cover it

Apr 03, 2019 10:31 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

Starting this week, private health insurers are prohibited from providing benefits for a number of natural therapies. This includes aromatherapy, Western herbalism, homeopathy, naturopathy, pilates, reflexology, Rolfing...

Alcohol misuse is more common in the armed forces than post-traumatic stress disorder

Apr 03, 2019 10:30 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

Alcohol has historically been used in the UK armed forces to encourage bonding and to deal with difficult experiences. And while alcohol use is now on the decline, harmful drinking in the forces is still double that of the...

A new drug promises to lower risks of asthma attack

Apr 01, 2019 17:31 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health

A recent study shows that a gamechanger drug called Fevipiprant promises to lower patients risks of suffering an asthma attack and being admitted to a hospital. This is the first time a drug reducing airway smooth...

Making more drugs available 'over the counter' would be a win for the public and the health care system

Apr 01, 2019 17:30 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is currently looking to expand the list of medicines available over the counter that is, via a pharmacist without a prescription. If these changes get off the ground, we could...