Cost-cutting, funding that doesn't reward good food, and residents not having a voice contribute to poor quality nutrition in our aged care homes. That can be devastating. But there is a better way.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
Leptospirosis is spread by rats and other rodents, potentially killing dogs and humans. But we can protect ourselves and our pets.
Most drug use among Australian festival goers appears to be occasional and isn't problematic. But a small group experience higher rates of drug-related harms.
Washing hands and coughing into your elbow can help limit the spread of infectious diseases on planes and around the globe. So why don't passengers read about this in their inflight magazines?
While changes in libido are perfectly normal, there's still some things you can do to try and increase it. If they don't work, consider seeing a doctor or counsellor.
Children with autism don't usually begin therapy until they're given a diagnosis, which rarely occurs before the age of two. But new research shows there's benefit to starting early.
A woman with a disability has won the right to have a sex therapist funded under the NDIS. This sets a positive precedent, but the NDIS should go further and fund sex worker services, too.
Washing your hands helps protect against the flu. So it makes sense for governments to make hand sanitisers available in public places.
A surprising number of people are catching pneumonia or urinary tract infections in hospital, a new Australian study shows for the first time.
The microbiome is one of the largest organs in the body. Understanding its constituents and their functions will lead to breakthroughs in health care and well-being practices.
Headlines about this year's flu season have been alarming. It's true, we are having a serious season – but the data doesn't indicate it's the worst one we've ever had.
Gut microbiota are better predictors of belly fat than diet.
Each year 50 000 people from 89 countries, in every continent except Antarctica, die from leishmaniasis, an ancient neglected disease.
The proposed Australian ban of some types of breast implants is too little, too late. It also reveals regulatory failures that need to be fixed if Australian consumers are to be protected.
A report on primary health care found New Zealand fails to deliver good outcomes for Māori because the state does not stand aside to allow Māori to take charge of their own affairs.
People suffering from mental illness face many challenges, but we don't always notice the loved ones who do much of the caring behind the scenes.
If you're poor, female, or live in rural Australia, you're less likely to access the NDIS or get as much bang for your buck.
The flu vaccine is built on the strains expected to circulate in a given year. While the majority of strains circulating this year are matched in the vaccine, there's one strain we didn't predict.
Men are feeling more and more pressure to get rid of their love handles and beer bellies – and heavy promotion of unrealistic appearance standards are to blame.
Patient information dumped on the side of the road in Brisbane recently has raised the issue of how hospitals and clinics manage their old paper records.
If you're overlooking potential romantic partners because they're not who you envisioned as 'the one', it might be time to reassess your approach.
A muscle-wasting condition called sarcopenia affects up to one-third of older adults. The good news is that people with sarcopenia can rebuild their muscle mass.
Specialist teachers and hours of compulsory physical education a week are keeping Nordic school children moving. When it comes to physical activity, Australia could do better.
Winter health
Headlines about this year's flu season have been alarming. It's true, we are having a serious season – but the data doesn't indicate it's the worst one we've ever had.
The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to start working and only protects against influenza, so you can still get sick from other viruses after your flu shot.
Children's immune systems are more vulnerable to the flu; even kids who are otherwise healthy can develop complications. The best way to protect children is by having them vaccinated.
From vitamin C to chicken soup, there are many supposed remedies for treating a cold. Here's what the evidence says.
Where culture meets health
By working together with culturally and linguistically diverse groups, health services can position themselves to deliver culturally responsive care to our multicultural population.
Interpreters are essential in providing ethical and high quality health care to Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse population.
Aged care royal commission
Aged care facilities are employing fewer registered and enrolled nurses and more carers, which saves money but results in sub-standard care.
As the Aged Care Royal Commission shifts its focus to aged care for Indigenous Australians, access isn't the only challenge. Often problems arise when services don't accommodate their cultural needs.
Creative arts therapies allow people with dementia to express joy and sadness through painting, dance, music and drama.
The aged care royal commission begins hearing evidence today about the quality of care in nursing homes. These 10 charts show how the current system works and the challenges it faces.
Research and Expert Database
From the archives
An outbreak of the Ebola virus, which started in a rural region of Guinea in West Africa, has now spread to the nation’s capital Conakry. It now reportedly involves 122 people, of which 78 have died. Additional…
From the archives
Mosquito-borne dengue virus returned to central Queensland after being absent for decades. But while most Australian cases involve travellers, this one is locally acquired.
Medical fees
It is perfectly legal for a doctor working in private practice to charge what they believe is fair and reasonable. But that doesn't mean it's OK to charge tens of thousands of dollars for a procedure.
Private health insurance
Private health insurance premiums will rise from April 1, leaving consumers wondering if they should give it up or downgrade to save money.
Meningococcal
Meningococcal is a rare but very serious infection that can lead to blood poisoning and brain infection. But no single vaccine protects against all the strains.
Mental health
Australia is about to start its first trial of psychedelic drugs for the treatment of anxiety and depression. If the results are positive, this could transform the way we treat mental illness.
Indigenous mental health
A culturally specific screening tool for depression has been successfully tested among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This is why it's so important we start rolling it out.
Ageing on country
As the Aged Care Royal Commission shifts its focus to aged care for Indigenous Australians, access isn't the only challenge. Often problems arise when services don't accommodate their cultural needs.
Measles
We've had the measles vaccine in Australia since 1968, but a two-dose program was only introduced in 1992. And if you haven't had the second dose, you're at risk of contracting measles.
Drug testing
Most of the evidence drawn on by critics of the trial comes from places that have implemented such programs. So, have they worked?
Active kids
Although it's not possible for parents to completely shield their kids from screens and junk food, in the home they have a unique opportunity to establish healthy behaviours.
Concussion in sport
The link between concussion and irreversible brain injury is particularly troubling, especially given the dominance of Australia’s contact sporting culture.
Flu outbreaks
Flu outbreaks in nursing homes can lead to pneumonia, stroke and heart attacks among elderly residents. Staff are a major potential source of infection, but only around one in five get an annual flu shot…
Milk recall
When several milk brands were recalled last week due to the presence of E. coli, people were concerned. But the recall is a sign that dairy surveillance systems are working as they should be.
Healthy ageing
On the whole, we're living longer and healthier lives, thanks to advances in medical care, as well as lifestyle changes. But there are major differences in the health experiences of different groups.
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Most Read past week
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- It’s a bad year for flu, but it’s too early to call it the worst ever – 5 charts on the 2019 season so far
- Have you found ‘the one’? How mindsets about destiny affect our romantic relationships
- We all want the same things in a partner, but why?
- The muscle-wasting condition ‘sarcopenia’ is now a recognised disease. But we can all protect ourselves
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