Numbers are decreasing, but Australian women continue to smoke while pregnant The number of Australian women smoking while pregnant has dropped from 13% in 2011 to 10% in 2015, but antenatal expert Dr Wendy Burton says more needs to be done to get the message across to all mothers.
Smoking and drinking rates plunge, but illicit drug impacts on the rise A new report shows Australians are smoking and drinking less, but stimulants are leading to a greater health burden.
Update graphic images on cigarette packages to remind of health risks, experts say A new survey shows half of smokers do not know about all health problems associated with smoking. Cancer Council Victoria is now asking for an upgrade of the graphic images on cigarette packaging.
Plain packaging for tobacco hailed as a win for Australia The World Trade Organization announced that Australia has triumphed in global disputes over plain packaging for tobacco.
RACGP smoking cessation resources to mark World No Tobacco Day World No Tobacco Day aims to promote awareness of the harms of tobacco smoking and advocate for effective strategies to reduce tobacco consumption. The RACGP has a number of resources to assist healthcare professionals in guiding patients to smoking cessation.
Expert pushes for new health question in census to reveal data on smoking habits A question on people’s smoking habits in the next census will help experts better understand one of Australia’s greatest health problems, says a leading tobacco control researcher.
Varied outcomes for maternal and child health, AIHW report shows The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a report on the health of mothers and their babies, revealing varied outcomes across the country.
Tackling Indigenous Smoking program extended Falling smoking rates are good news in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health – but there is more work to be done.
Sugar, tobacco and pricing signals: A taxing argument Public health advocates argue that Australia’s efforts to reduce sugar consumption may benefit from the same type of tax strategies used against tobacco.
Closing the smoking gap for pregnant women With as many as 45% of pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women smoking during pregnancy, compared to 13% of non-Indigenous women, it is vital that healthcare professionals are equipped with the best available tools to aid in their smoking cessation.