Science uncovers why romantic love scrambles the brain
It is well known that romantic love changes the brain, releasing the hormone oxytocin, responsible for the euphoria we feel when falling in love. Researchers from the Australian National University, University of Canberra and University of South Australia have measured how a part of the brain is responsible for putting our loved one on a […]
Incidental activity of 10 minutes may decrease heart disease risk
Choosing the stairs or speedily sweeping can lower the risk of heart disease, but how much and for how long is needed for it to have an impact? According to research published in The Lancet Public Health, short bouts of incidental activity, the kind we do as part of daily living, could reduce risk of […]
Bank exercise for better health later on
While it’s never too late to exercise, the earlier you commit to regular exercise the better. Younger women can retain the benefits of exercise during their 20s, going on to have better heart health later in life, research shows. “We wanted to explore whether women could ‘grow’ their physical activity, like bank savings, for enhanced […]
Small amounts of regular exercise make a difference
Want the health benefits of exercising, but aren’t too keen on pounding the pavement or pumping iron every day? New research may be able to narrow down just how many times per week you need to exercise to make it worth your while. Exercising every day for just 20 minutes may be more effective than […]
Expansion of mental health safe spaces in communities
There is a growing momentum for the creation of community-based safe spaces for people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal crises, as an alternative to visiting hospitals and emergency departments. In Australia, some safe spaces have been established, however many are housed within or near hospitals. Hospitals come with many barriers when it comes to responding […]
Industrial relations expert supports reform to gig economy, labour hire
New protections are needed to account for the emergence of the gig economy and the rise of labour hire operators, says an Australian academic in Industrial Relations who has given evidence to the Senate Inquiry into the Closing Loopholes Bill. “The Closing Loopholes Bill will help address wide cracks in Australia’s regulatory framework, which have […]
Monovalent vs Bivalent Vaccines for COVID-19
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised the Australian Government regarding the use of new monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines for eligible recipients. The new monovalent vaccines will be available from 11 December 2023, coinciding with the expected rise in COVID-19 cases over the holiday period. With a relatively large number of people with […]
Elective surgery backlog causing long waiting times
Public sector elective surgery waiting times are at the highest level in 20 years despite an increase in surgeries performed in the past year. Elective surgery waiting times were at the highest level in 20 years during 2022–23 as public hospitals worked to catch up following pandemic-related delays that arose due to disruptions in the […]
The Importance of Enrolled Nurses in Aged Care: Results of a National Aged Care Survey
According to the latest workforce census, there were around 17,000 Enrolled nurses (ENs) working across Australia’s aged care sector in 2020.1 Enrolled nurses are fundamental members of aged care teams and their work contributes valuably to the care of many older people around Australia.2 Many ENs are highly experienced health professionals and provide important leadership […]
Have your say on the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Clinical Care Standard
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is seeking feedback on the draft Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Clinical Care Standard. The Commission developed the draft clinical care standard in collaboration with consumers, clinicians, researchers, and healthcare services. The standard aims to improve care for people living with COPD, a serious chronic […]