If the menu of potential activities that do us good is made to look uninviting or challenging, we are more likely to choose the easier but less healthy option.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Public health – Analysis and Comment
Data suggest that people are living many years in poor health in Africa.
As cannabis is legalized in Canada and parts of the United States, it’s worth looking back on the public health impact of the repeal of alcohol Prohibition in the U.S.
The alcohol industry introduced rules to self-regulate placement of alcohol ads in November 2017. We reviewed the first six months of regulation and it was unlikely to protect young people.
The health concerns that dominate public submissions to the parliamentary inquiry into WestConnex are a reminder that papering over such issues comes back to haunt governments.
Research shows that cannabis legalization is unlikely to either reduce criminal involvement or availability to youth. Could legalization be a result of neoliberalism, or a way to woo young voters?
HIV negative children born to women with HIV have a greater risk of dying before their first birthday.
Haze from Northern California wildfires has drifted as far east as Philadelphia. Wildfire smoke contains many potentially toxic substances, so anyone exposed to it should take basic precautions.
Billboards spreading misinformation on the risks of vaccination have popped up around American cities. A bioethicist explains why decisions not to vaccinate children are indefensible.
The private car is the default transport option for many families. This reduces physical activity and increases greenhouse gas emissions, with unhealthy results for their children and the environment.
The head of the World Health Organization calls air pollution ‘the new tobacco’ because it causes millions of preventable deaths yearly. Fine particle pollution is especially deadly.
South Africa is a water stressed country but crisis point can be avoided.
Progress in malaria control has stalled. Research towards an effective vaccine is underway.
Scientists have found ways to trick the brain into thinking you’re tasting salt.
A study of the social cost of carbon emitted by the shrinking fleet of Texan coal plants suggests that closing more of them down would be good for the climate and public health.
Thousands of people are suing Monsanto, claiming that its Roundup herbicide gave them cancer. A California judge has reduced the first damage award but let the verdict against Monsanto stand.
The global target to eradicate polio is being missed because a number of countries are struggling to reach high vaccine coverage.
Many will switch to less healthy diets as imported food becomes more expensive, says new research.
The World Health Organisation has issued noise guidelines for Europe, but they apply to everyone.
Outbreaks of zoonotic diseases call for a collaborative approach to surveillance.
Cannabis legalization in Canada is a public health strategy. Let’s harness this opportunity to understand how cannabis could fit into a multi-faceted opioid prevention and response strategy.
Obese people are stigmatised by society – no wonder parents react defensively to letters informing them their child is overweight.
In Uganda stand-alone clinics for HIV treatment persist because of stigma and overcrowding.
Fungal diseases can be life-threatening for people living with HIV, cancer patients and those admitted to hospital.
Empowered women make millions of decisions that add up to a better demographic situation for themselves, their children and for Africa.