Washing machine filters a ‘no-brainer’ to cut pollution
Australia has a plan to fit pollution filters to domestic washing machines by 2030 but experts say the rise in fast, plastic fashion demands urgent action.
health
Can vaping help people quit smoking?
Vapes are unquestionably popular, with many who vape saying they are trying to quit or to cut down on cigarettes. But can vapes actually help significant numbers of people quit smoking?
Aust student flown back from Taiwan after poisoning
A student who fell seriously ill after ingesting rat poison in Taiwan has returned to Australia after his family raised over $200,000 for a medevac flight.
Australian stinging tree injects promise of pain relief
Researchers have identified a pain pathway targeted by a notorious Australian stinging tree and say it could point the way to new, non-opioid pain relief.
Tobacco tax hiked to snuff out vaping and smoking
Revenue from a federal budget hike in tobacco taxes will go towards programs to reduce smoking rates and vaping.
Medicare bolstered through $2.2 billion package
Medicare will receive a $2.2 billion boost in a bid to strengthen Australia's health system, struggling under waiting time lists and emergency presentations.
National cabinet leaders agree on economic reforms
State and territory leaders have agreed on changes to health systems, the NDIS and other areas at the latest national cabinet meeting.
Emergency departments first for NSW nurse-patient ratio
NSW will become the third state to mandate a nurse-to-patient ratio in public hospitals, but the government warns the overhaul won't happen quickly.
Medicine shortage fears a scare campaign, says minister
The government will make it cheaper for people with chronic conditions to get common medicines by allowing them to buy two months' supply with one prescription.
Widow of AFL great calls for better concussion support
Action is needed to stop athletes taking the field when concussed, the widow of former footballer Danny Frawley has told a Senate inquiry.
Millions to be spent on research into long COVID
The federal government will inject $50 million into long COVID research as a committee outlined plans for a national database of the virus.
Seven tips for a healthier relationship with your phone
How long do you spend staring at a screen every day? According to one report, the average person spends about seven hours a day on screens connected to the internet. And that figure is going to be even higher if your job is mainly done in front of a computer.
New flesh-eating bacteria ‘weapon’ could save lives
Researchers have found a new way to target a flesh-eating disease originating from a common bacteria for which treatments are limited and ineffective.
Quacks told to cut it out in cosmetic surgery crackdown
Laws covering cosmetic surgery are going under the knife in Queensland as the state looks to crack down on "surgeons" with no recognised medical training.
Ex-Geelong star Gary Ablett Sr sues AFL ‘for millions’
An Australian Rules football legend is the latest player to sue the AFL for damages over concussion injuries he sustained while playing.
Lyssavirus warning after sick bat found on Gold Coast
Members of the public have been warned to never handle bats after a flying fox was found with the fatal Australian bat lyssavirus on the Gold Coast.
Spinal unit under microscope amid concerns over care
Queensland Health will evaluate the state's spinal injuries unit amid concerns it's struggling with a lack of resources.
Rate of long COVID-19 symptoms mirrored by flu patients
Long-term symptoms that last more than three months are not unique to COVID-19 among a highly vaccinated population, a study in Queensland shows.
Early-season flu spike prompts call to get vaccination
The Queensland premier and chief health officer are urging residents to get flu jabs after more than 6300 influenza cases have been recorded this year so far.
War of words erupts over Wesley aged care closures
Wesley Mission will close its three remaining residential aged care homes in Sydney, citing staffing difficulties and cost pressures caused by industry reforms.
More aged care facilities close after nursing mandate
Brightwater Care Group has confirmed three of its Perth facilities will close in the next 12 months due to new staffing requirements.
Ditch tobacco vending machines in pubs, lawmakers told
Health groups are urging Queensland politicians to take proposed smoking laws further, but the hospitality industry wants tobacco vending machines left alone.
Female contraceptive ‘bad idea from the start’: lawyers
A permanent female contraceptive was a bad idea from the start, say lawyers in a class action after women underwent hysterectomies to deal with side effects.
Struggle for Qld maternity staff detailed in FOI docs
Maternity services in some Queensland towns were under stress last year due to a COVID-19 wave, documents obtained under Freedom of Information laws show.
Qld tobacco and vape amendments ‘too little, too late’
The Queensland government has heard public submissions into the illegal sale of tobacco and rising use of vapes across the state.
Women’s pain inevitable, say contraceptive case lawyers
Lawyers defending a permanent female contraceptive say pain and abnormal bleeding are inevitable for many women, and deny a causal link with the Essure device.
Chemicals in ‘new car smell’ could pose health risk
That new car smell just lost some of its appeal, with scientists finding cabin materials can emit potentially harmful levels of chemicals linked to cancer.
Does exercise help you lose weight?
It’s no surprise exercise is one of the first things we turn to when we decide it’s time to lose weight. But does exercise help you lose weight, or is it just diet?
Flu, COVID-19 jabs encouraged before ‘triple pandemic’
Winter could bring a perfect storm of flu, COVID-19 and other viruses, and health authorities want those at a higher risk of severe illness to get vaccinated.
Treasurer warns vaping is hurting health and the budget
The treasurer says the switch to vaping is leaving a hole in the federal budget, but the "incredibly concerning" health crisis is the main priority.
Call to put patients before profits in budget measures
Two peak medical bodies are at odds over solutions to soaring medicine expenses and a burdened health system, with patient well-being caught in the crossfire.