Australians misusing painkillers Figures have shown that 75% of recent painkiller/opioid misusers in Australia reported misusing an over-the-counter codeine product in 2016. This follows recent news that drug-induced deaths in Australia are at their highest rates in almost two decades, with opioids killing more people than illicit drugs methamphetamines and heroin.
Vaccine-hesitant patients The RACGP is firm in its belief that GPs, as the community’s first point of healthcare contact, are the most trusted source of advice on immunisations. As such, it is important that GPs understand all aspects of this vital aspect of healthcare, including common misinformation regarding perceived harms of childhood vaccination, as well as how to effectively deal with patients who are reluctant to have their child immunised.
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.
AIHW says 50% of women experience violence Almost half of Australian women have experienced violence since the age of 15, according to statistics released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Clinical Pearl: Osteoporosis and breast cancer Bone health is of paramount importance for patients undergoing aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer. While endocrine treatments improve cancer-specific outcomes, they may cause severe hypogonadism leading to accelerated bone loss.
Opioids leading in drug-induced deaths Drug-related deaths in Australia are at their highest levels in the last two decades, according to figures released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Sports and mental health The bracingly honest words from 25-year-old AFL footballer Alex Fasolo about his struggles with depression have highlighted the fact issues of mental health can affect anyone, even professional athletes who are often revered as near-gods.
Dementia death rates rising Dementia is now the leading cause of death among women in Australia, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This is a significant development given ischemic heart disease has previously been the leading cause of death for both sexes in Australia since the early part of last century.
World Obesity Day Many Australians are failing to heed the healthcare warnings on World Obesity Day, with almost two thirds of adults and one quarter of children categorised as overweight or obese.