Evidence based policies can reduce drug harm

Australian experts are calling for evidence-based policies, which adapt faster, and respond more humanely and effectively, to new drugs and their changing availability and patterns of use.

Heartburn drugs can do more harm than good

A new UNSW study has found that national initiatives were unsuccessful in reducing prolonged use of anti-acid medicines for gastrointestinal acid-related disorders and more targeted interventions are needed.

$136 billion goes ‘up in smoke’ every year

Fewer Australians are smoking, but the habit still costs the community at least $136.9 billion a year, according to a research report released by the National Drug Research Institute.

The business reality of baby dreams

The best way to decommodify the booming trade in human eggs would be social policy that encourages women who want children to conceive before their fertility declines.

Smoking is so yesterday

Women face a number of additional medical issues if they smoke, and quitting is by far the single most effective step anyone can take to improve their health.

Mind your micro-nutrients

Environmental and health concerns mean that many people are switching to a plant-based diet, but they can risk missing out on some key micronutrients.

Women still face a glass ceiling in medicine

There are now more female medical graduates than men, but women are still under-represented in senior medical roles in this country.

Meat-free meals load up on salt

They might be plant-based, gluten-free, organic and vegan, but many meat-free alternative products are highly processed and packed with salt, which can cause health problems.

It’s time to tackle our opioid problem

The abuse of opioids, both legal and illegal, has been a problem in Australia for decades, but the rise of drugs such as fentanyl means they must be tackled with renewed urgency.

Opioids – where to from here?

Opioids are among the most powerful analgesics available to medicine, but they have huge capacity to cause harm. In trying to solve one problem, is a bigger one being created?

Is the war against type 2 diabetes being won?

Prevention strategies could be contributing to a recent fall in the number of people developing type 2 diabetes in some high income countries.

From Townsville to Tuvalu

Most people accept that climate change is transforming the global atmosphere and environment, but far fewer people understand the significant effects that climate change and environmental change are already having on human health.