There are numerous examples of the havoc infectious diseases can play on communities that have not previously been exposed to them.
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Analysis and Comment
Poorer children in Australia are less likely to receive their share of Medicare funding, particularly in the first years of life.
Consuming yoghurt is associated with many health benefits. But with all the varieties of yoghurt, and added ingredients like fruits and probiotics, it can be hard to know which is best for your health.
Spoiler: there's a lot more that we don't know about what causes chronic fatigue.
Health care produces 7% of Australia's carbon emissions. And hospitals produce about half of this. Not to mention all the single-use items thrown away every day.
In the hierarchy of diseases, those suffering from 'high prestige' diseases benefit from strong community and clinical support, while others are left in the dark.
Unlike condoms, which need to be used every time with sex, or the pill, which must be taken every day, LARC doesn’t require any action after placement in the body and is immediately reversible.
Excess weight affects fertility in men and women - the good news is weight loss can reverse the negative effects.
Male contraceptives have been under development for at least the past 50 years, because of the success of the female pill and pessimism about men taking a pill.
We don't have evidence that can point us to the exact purpose of yawning. But there are several theories.
There are more than 30 different types of contraceptive pills. But brand names such as Microgynon, Levlen, Yaz and Brenda give little indication of the ingredients, dose or who should use them.
A cancer is in remission when it can no longer be detected. But we only say it's cured when it hasn't come back for a certain time – and that differs for different cancers.
Parents worry about giving their kids pain relief. Four out of five experts say it's OK.
Frontotemporal dementia typically affects people under 65 and is about more than memory loss – this is what to look out for.
Women on the pill are able to manipulate or suppress their menstrual cycles to have fewer "periods", or to avoid bleeding at important or inconvenient times.
A recent series on low back pain by the global medical journal The Lancet shows doctors often overlook recommended treatments, such as advice to stay active and to exercise.
A new study has countered old reports acupuncture can improve your chances of having a baby when going through IVF.
We usually focus on the physical health effects of the pill, yet the most common reason women stop or change the pill is mental health side effects.
The Australian government provides a safety net of subsidies for elderly Australians unable to fully fund their own care. But will the extra 14,000 home care places in the budget meet demand?
There is no biological evidence for “giving your body a break” and in fact, it could do your health more harm than good.
The Pill
Unlike condoms, which need to be used every time with sex, or the pill, which must be taken every day, LARC doesn’t require any action after placement in the body and is immediately reversible.
There are more than 30 different types of contraceptive pills. But brand names such as Microgynon, Levlen, Yaz and Brenda give little indication of the ingredients, dose or who should use them.
Women on the pill are able to manipulate or suppress their menstrual cycles to have fewer "periods", or to avoid bleeding at important or inconvenient times.
We usually focus on the physical health effects of the pill, yet the most common reason women stop or change the pill is mental health side effects.
Health budget
Despite the government spruiking its tax relief for Australians in this year's budget, many women will not benefit from the tax plan.
Flu vax
While not perfect, the seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza. There are a few changes to the flu vaccine and what is available this year. Here's what you need to know.
Changing the Brain
Brain injuries damage regions of the brain and this damage can extend post-injury. But other brain regions can pick up the slack, and there are things we can do to help.
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Cancer
Obesity is linked with a host of health outcomes. Both a disease itself and a risk factor linked to many others, we explore the linkages between obesity and cancer.
Fentanyl
It is thought that in 2002 fentanyl, or a drug based on fentanyl, was used by Russian special forces to disable Chechen rebels after a four day stand off in the Dubrovka theatre in Moscow.
Lithium
Lithium is present naturally in many water systems and was once considered an elixir. It has long been used to treat bipolar disorder, but researchers have also started exploring its role in dementia.
Burnout
Burnout is hard to diagnose, as it is not featured in the manual of mental disorders.
Food safety
The "sniff test" doesn't work every time, and other food safety tips.
Parenting
Food refusal is a normal developmental stage, but there are a few problem traits to look out for.
Back pain
A new study has found no evidence to suggest a link between carrying a heavy backpack and back pain in these age groups.
Fentanyl
It is thought that in 2002 fentanyl, or a drug based on fentanyl, was used by Russian special forces to disable Chechen rebels after a four day stand off in the Dubrovka theatre in Moscow.
Vaccines
The kinds of vaccines adults need depend on several factors, including whether you were born here, how old you are and whether you intend to travel overseas.
Cocaine
Cocaine is the second most commonly used illicit substance in Australia, after marijuana.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B rates in Indigenous communities are ten times higher than the rest of Australia. Eliminating the infection from Indigenous Australia can make a significant contribution to closing the gap.
Podcast
Trust Me, I’m An Expert: how Syrian refugees are using exercise to improve mental health.
The Conversation40.1 MB (download)
Last year, two researchers flew to Gaziantep in southern Turkey, where about one in four people are Syrian refugees, to explore how exercise might help improve mental health.
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