Healthy advice from your family doctor
Zoledronic acid is new treatment for osteoporosis that is used only once a year, and is given through a drip into a vein. It is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Osteoporosis is a common condition which causes brittle bones which are prone to breaking easily, for example after a minor bump
The herbal remedy ginkgo biloba is widely used to prevent and treat dementia, but does it work? In a recent study of over 3,000 people 75 years and older with normal mental function, ginkgo was not found to prevent dementia from developing. No benefit from taking it was found after 6 years. (Ref. 1) A
Up to 90% of people with asthma and COPD are not using their puffers correctly, according to the National Asthma Council. A new video is now available online to demonstrate correct step-by-step use for all types of puffers. Incorrect use is especially common in the older age groups and can greatly reduce the effect of your
A recent review of all the available research on the use of thickeners in infant formula has found that they only have a small effect on gastric reflux. This effect may be of ‘questionable clinical significance’. Up to 40% of infants regurgitate after feeding and thickeners such as rice cereal are sometimes added to the milk
Women between 20–40 years should know the normal look and feel of their breasts and report any unusual changes to their GP. This is the advice of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) in its recent Cheeky Checkup campaign. About 700 women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year.
Australians in their late 20s are most at-risk from mumps and should consider further vaccination, according to an article in this week’s issue of the Medical Journal of Australia. The number of cases of mumps has risen dramatically over the last few years and adults account for more than three quarter of them. People in their twenties
Swelling of the arm, leg or other body part after cancer treatment may be caused by ‘secondary lymphoedema’ and should be treated early. A new, free information booklet on lymphoedema is now available from the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC). What is secondary lymphoedema? Lymphoedema is swelling caused by the buildup of lymph
Do pregnant women need, or should they be given the flu vaccination? Read on to find out… In Australia flu vaccination is recommended for: All women planning a pregnancy, and Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season (June to October) … according to the 2008 Australian Immunisation
There is no evidence that measures to reduce exposure to house dust mites (a tiny organism found in house dust) are of any benefit for people with asthma. This was the conclusion of a recent Cochrane review (an analysis of all the latest scientific evidence). Many people with asthma are sensitive to the house dust
Health authorities have recently issued warnings for listeriosis (infection with listeria bacteria) which can be a serious risk for pregnant women. Listeriosis is usually caught from contaminated food. It is generally a mild infection causing fever, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. However those at high risk, such as pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system