Disadvantaged regions at risk of dental decay: study
Responsibility for water fluoridation should return to the Queensland government say researchers who found disadvantaged areas had greater dental disease risk.
health
Ultra-processed foods: here’s what the evidence actually says about them
The perils of ultra-processed foods received widespread coverage in recent months – thanks in no small part to the publication and promotion of TV presenter and doctor of virology Chris Van Tulleken’s book Ultra-Processed People.
First vaccine approved for infectious respiratory virus
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has for the first time approved a vaccine against the highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus.
Yezidi refugees have a field day picking up hockey
A regional Queensland town, home to the largest Yezidi community in Australia, is getting young refugees into hockey to lay roots and heal from their traumas.
Cost of responding to hundreds of MDMA overdoses rising
The cost of responding to MDMA overdoses is on the rise, with hundreds of people admitted to hospital in Victoria each year.
King Charles seeks treatment for enlarged prostate
The Princess of Wales has gone under the knife for a planned abdominal surgery, while King Charles will also be in hospital for a prostate procedure.
HIV-hepatitis project aims to reduce health inequities
A new project focusing on Indigenous-led health initiatives is aiming to help address disproportionate rates of hepatitis and HIV in First Nations communities.
Snake bites and sightings reach a summer peak
Snake bites have sent three people to hospital in the space of three hours as the reptiles are prevalent during Aussie summer.
Subsidy for new treatment of ‘national cancer’ melanoma
A cutting-edge treatment for advanced melanoma will soon be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with 940 patients expected to benefit.
Boost paid leave to help kids thrive, say famous dads
Hamish Blake, Red Wiggle Simon Pryce and Amar Singh are among famous dads united behind a plan to allow fathers to be more active in their kids' lives.
Croc attack leaves nine-year-old in critical condition
A child was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after being bitten by a crocodile in a remote area of the Northern Territory.
Pill testing might have stopped festival deaths: study
The rollout of pill-testing services has been thrown back into the spotlight after research highlighted a series of potentially preventable deaths at festivals.
Crackdown slated for $3 billion illegal tobacco trade
Australian Border Force will receive a major funding boost in a crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade the government has labelled a "serious tax crime".
Australia urged to name heatwaves to highlight threats
Spain started giving names to heatwaves in 2022 in a bid to better engage the public and save lives. Now some say Australia should follow suit.
Doctors defend seven-day delay for patient results
Delaying patient results could prevent misinformation and distress, doctors say, as the government tries to scrap wait times for scans and medical tests.
New COVID-19 variant drives festive season surge
COVID-19 infections have spiked in Australia's two most populous states, with a new variant and Christmas festivities driving higher hospitalisations.
Size matters in new worker tests for dust lung diseases
Testing of airborne particles and their effect on workers' lungs may be failing to identify harmful materials, despite a recent ban on engineered stone.
Drug batch fears after suspected overdoses at festival
Multiple revellers have suffered suspected overdoses at a festival, with eight people rushed to hospital in a critical condition and placed in an induced coma.
Fewer doctors offer bulk billing as consult costs rise
Fewer GPs offer bulk billing and people are paying more out of their own pocket despite government incentives targeting child patients and pensioners.
Fed up to the back teeth: rural dental divide revealed
A country dentist says exposure to rural areas during study inspired his professional calling, as an inquiry calls for incentives to study and work in the bush.
Surge in drownings prompts water safety warning
Dozens of tragic deaths have authorities urging Australians to stay safe as they head to the water during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Wasted opportunity as frozen eggs languish in storage
The vast majority of eggs frozen by prospective mothers go unused, causing headaches for IVF clinics and preventing potentially groundbreaking research.
Researchers a step closer to finding a diabetes cure
Melbourne researchers from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute have found a way to regenerate insulin production in damaged pancreatic cells.
How to keep your physical and mental health on track during the holidays
With the holiday season in full swing, it's the perfect time to explore some fun and practical tips for staying healthy and happy, without missing out on any of the festive fun.
Christmas Miracle: Gold Coast Twins Defy Medical Challenges
Gold Coast's own Lucas and Bailey Edwards, twin brothers who bravely fought health challenges since their premature birth, are now gearing up to celebrate a heartwarming first Christmas at home with their family.
Alert over summer spike in COVID, respiratory illnesses
An '"unusual" spike in respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza has prompted a pre-holiday warning from a state's chief health officer.
8 tips to navigate Christmas if you have a fussy eater or child with allergies
Food-focused celebrations like Christmas can be very stressful for parents with children who can’t eat just everything. However, parents can navigate these situations and foster healthy eating habits with a few simple strategies.
A country jackpot: cash incentive to lure GPs out bush
A $10,000 cash incentive is being used to convince doctors of the benefits of a life in the country, as one state tries to plug a regional GP shortage.
Festive warning as poll reveals lax COVID-19 attitudes
One in three Australians don't believe keeping up their COVID-19 boosters or measures to curb its spread are important amid an eighth wave, a survey shows.
Caution as rising heat risks pressure on energy supply
Scorching temperatures could place pressure on the energy grid as households and businesses are asked to reduce non-essential power use as much as possible.
‘Immoral’: crackdown vowed on inflated NDIS prices
Dodgy NDIS providers have been put on notice about inflated prices likened to "a wedding tax", with a new taskforce to crackdown on the practice.