Headlines on health

New study finds high rate of chronic conditions in Australian teenagers

A study of 5,000 Australian teenagers has found that almost one in two of those surveyed live with chronic diseases or developmental conditions. The research observed a link to unhealthy habits and poor mental health. But independent experts are emph…

New grant sends culturally targeted quit smoking program national

An Indigenous-led program that’s already helping hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people quit smoking and vaping is about to go national, thanks to a new $4.7 million grant. Which Way? Quit Pack has been developed by a team at the Un…

GPs call for help to measure racism in the workplace to improve health care

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says racism is affecting how people use healthcare services. As we mark the International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the nation's doctors want government support to measure …

How neurodiversity can impact treatment of an eating disorder

The Butterfly Foundation says seeking support for an eating disorder is often the most difficult step in the road to recovery. But a growing body of research suggests this may not be the case for neurodivergent and gender diverse people. Ongoing barr…

A hard pill to swallow: US call to impose tariffs on Australian pharmaceuticals

An American pharmaceutical lobby group has urged US president Donald Trump to impose tariffs on Australia-made drugs, citing Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme subsidies which they claim have caused a loss for US companies. It comes after both…

Call for increased dental support for seniors

The Australian Dental Association is calling on the government to introduce a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme. It comes amid an increase in the number of people over 65 being hospitalised due to dental issues.

New PBS listings offer timely and affordable treatment options for women

Multiple women’s health medications are set to become more affordable when they're added to the government-subsidised list of medications, the PBS. The federal government says the latest listings follow on from the $50 billion package of women's heal…

INTERVIEW: Are we at risk from a Measles outbreak in Australia?

Measles was once considered eliminated in the United States, thanks to the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and high immunisation rates. But because measles is so contagious experts say at least 95 percent of a community must be vaccinated to stop outbr…

Staying in control: helping young athletes beat body image issues

Australia's leading charity for eating disorders has launched a new campaign in collaboration with top AFL players to shed light on body dissatisfaction in sporting environments. The Butterfly Trophies Lunch, which took place at the Melbourne Cricket…

Record breaking artificial heart implant is a life-saver

An Australian man has become the first person in the world to leave hospital with a total artificial heart implant. The patient lived with the device for more than 100 days before receiving a donor heart transplant earlier this month