Medica - Australian Healthcare News and Information

Drug and alcohol organizations say that pregnant women must be warned of the risk of causing irreversible brain damage to their unborn children by drinking. 12 December 2007

The widow of asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton declared her faith that a cure would be found for asbestos-related diseases. 6 December 2007

Australian research shows that babies born to women on antidepressants are smaller and more likely to suffer tremor and irritability, but the symptoms are not long-lasting. 12 December 2007

The Australian Medical Association President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said the AMA welcomes the opportunity to continue their relationship with Nicola Roxon following her appointment as Minister for Health and Ageing. 6 December 2007

Australian Medical Association President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, says that the AMA would work closely with Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, to simplify Medicare and provide incentives for longer consultations for patients with chronic conditions. 6 December 2007

A Danish study has indicated that a blood clot in a person's vein nearly doubles the risk of heart attack or stroke within a year, providing strong evidence that the three conditions are linked. 5 December 2007

A new report suggests swimming may cause respiratory problems rather than help them. 5 December 2007

A study in the United States suggests that many steroid users are in their twenties and thirties, are well-educated and don't play sport. 5 December 2007

AMA President Rosanna Capolingua, has welcomed the grassroots approach to policy development of the new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. 28 November 2007

The U-S Food and Drug Administration has recommended new warnings about the psychiatric side effects seen in some patients taking Roche's Tamiflu and GlaxoSmithKline's Relenza. 5 December 2007

New Australian research has shown the levels of dust mites in children's beds are three times higher in autumn than in summer. 5 December 2007

A new study shows that displays of cigarette packets behind shop counters do tempt people back to smoking. 5 December 2007

A world expert on the flu virus has warned that thousands may die needlessly from influenza next winter unless Tamiflu is down-scheduled.
Molecular biologist Dr Graeme Laver, whose work led to the development of Tamiflu, says that the Australian government is putting lives at risk, by refusing to down schedule the antiviral drug to Pharmacist Only status. 26 November 2007