New research released by Palliative Care Australia (PCA) shows that half of Australians who have recently lost a loved ones didn’t discuss end-of-life care, and only 56% are confident their loved one’s end-of-life wishes were carried out – highlighting the importance of talking about the uncomfortable subject of dying, says Dr Yvonne Luxford, CEO of PCA.
‘There’s a number of reasons people don’t discuss end-of-life care – one major one is just a discomfort about starting conversations about our own death and dying... Read more
High-profile medico Dr Norman Swan has slammed the Anti-Vaccination Network’s (AVN) petition, calling on people to support its campaign to block proposed rules in NSW to make certain vaccinations mandatory. The AVN's petition is ‘irresponsible,' he says.
Norman is the presenter of the ABC’s Health Report and is has won 3 Walkley Awards for his health journalism. He also writes a monthly column for PS magazine.
The AVN, which is fighting a December 2012 ruling that it change its name or be deregistered, is... Read more
Walking is an important mode of transport: not only is it free, it helps reduce environmental pollution and a great way to get some exercise. And walking to school helps set children up with good habits that can last a lifetime, says a spokesperson for Walk Safely to School Day.
‘Walking has proven long-term health benefits for participants,’ says Liza McNally, from Walk Safely to School Day. ‘Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference.
‘By incorporating walking to school into the daily habits of young... Read more
Mums-to-be now have the option of having a whooping cough vaccination during the last trimester of pregnancy to provide protection from this highly infectious disease for their newborn babies.
The new Australian Immunisation Handbook (10th edition) advises that women in Australia can now have the pertussis vaccine in the third trimester of pregnancy, as an alternative to vaccination before conception or after delivery of the baby. The level of maternal pertussis antibodies is thought to be the most important... Read more
It’s a commonplace expression but when it comes to real-life pregnancy experiences—researchers really need to know that mums really think. That’s why Newcastle researchers are asking mums to open up about what they felt about being pregnant, and also how they felt after they gave birth.
The researchers say the information will be used to help healthy lifestyle programs for other mothers-to-be.
Dr Lesley MacDonald-Wicks says the University of Newcastle is calling for women who have given birth in the... Read more
