Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol 4 Issue 89 i The Art of Healing

With Australia's long history of mining, agriculture and manufacturing, our wide brown land has been affected by soil, water and air contamination since the arrival of the First Fleet. From polluting gas works to leaching landfills; toxic industrial plants to unregulated dry cleaners; and leaking petrol stations to cancer-causing PFAS chemicals in our waterways – the impacts of the country's contamination history run deep. “We are dealing with a legacy of an industrial past and this is becoming an increasing issue as our towns and cities grow,” says risk-mapping expert Howard Waldron and co-founder of the spatial intelligence firm Lotsearch. “The land available for development can be subject to a potential issue or hazard – whether it's in a flood zone, fire zone or if it's a contamination hotspot. And…

For thousands of years, Native Americans have used cranberries as a remedy for bacterial infections, including those of the bladder. Today, unsweetened cranberry juice is often recommended by doctors as a treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI), and yet given a lack of solid scientific evidence, some researchers have argued that “any continued promotion” of this remedy goes beyond the data. However comparing the results of five of the trials, researchers have found that drinking cranberry juice led to a 27 percent lower rate of UTIs than a placebo liquite. This doesn't mean that cranberry juice is a replacement for modern medicine, but it does suggest it can help keep recurrent infections at bay and reduce the need for antibiotics. While increased liquids reduce the rate of UTI compared with…

Monash University's Dr Suzanne Orchard and her team analysed data from two studies which followed adults aged 70 years and older living in Australia and the U.S. Participants were initially in good health and were followed over several years during which some experienced a new cancer diagnosis and/or a cardiovascular disease event. Previous research has observed cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and heart attacks, after cancer treatment, but this is the first time the effects of different types of cancer and treatment types has been analysed. Of the 15,454 participants, 1,392 developed cancer over an average 4.6 years. Rates for stroke, heart attack and hospital admission for heart failure were twice as high in those who developed cancer compared with those who didn't. The elevated risk remained even after accounting…

The new study reveals that doomscrolling makes people more likely to feel suspicious and distrustful of other people and form the impression that life lacks meaning. Doomscrolling is where people spend a lot of time scrolling through traumatic news on social media such as shootings, terrorism and conspiracies, often to the point where it becomes addictive. “Doomscrolling can have dire consequences on our mental health and wellbeing leaving us feeling stressed, anxious, in despair and questioning the meaning of life,” says lead author, Mr Reza Shabahang from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work. “Viewing negative news on social media has become a source of vicarious trauma, where someone has a negative psychological impact even though they did not experience the trauma themselves. By being exposed to images and…

According to an international research team including scientists from The Australian National University (ANU), a new report published in The Lancet Planetary Health outlines how cities and businesses have the power to play a crucial role and become the “stewards” of critical Earth systems by demonstrating how they can reduce their environmental impact on the planet. The report builds on the Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries report published in Nature last year, which found that most of the vital limits within which people and the planet can thrive have been surpassed. One of three lead authors, Distinguished Professor Xuemei Bai from ANU, said that companies and cities have the means to act and drastically transform and reduce pressure on the planet. “Companies and cities have a huge potential to…

A new study has analysed patient data registries of Kuopio and Oulu University Hospitals from 2010 to 2021, reviewing all working-age patients diagnosed with dementia during this time period. Both incidence, which is the number of new cases, and prevalence, which is the total number of people affected, were explored. The patient charts of a total of 12,490 individuals were reviewed and classified to diagnostic groups using uniform criteria. The two hospitals diagnose practically all cases of early-onset dementia in their respective provinces, which makes the data highly robust. The study observed higher incidence rates of early-onset dementia than previously reported in international studies. Alzheimer's disease was the most prevalent subtype (48%), followed by frontotemporal dementia spectrum disorders (23%), and Lewy body spectrum disorders (6%). “The higher incidence rates observed…

Here are some of the latest stats from the report: • Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people living with dementia in Australia is expected to increase from over 421,000 in 2024 to more than 812,500 by 2054• More than 1.6 million people are currently providing care for people living with dementia in Australia• Whilst dementia is more commonly diagnosed in older age, it can affect children and younger adults, including people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Combating Stigma and Discrimination In 2023, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Dementia Awareness Survey asked more than 5,400 people aged 18 and over what they knew about dementia and their attitudes towards the condition and people living with it. Results from the survey highlighted that misconceptions about dementia…

If you really want to experience ongoing and optimal wellbeing, you need to nurture your physical, emotional and mental health through daily habits and self-care practices - every single day. The story of Alex, a fictional character, is a cautionary tale for those like him who believe relaxation and wellbeing can only be found on holidays … Alex eagerly awaited his much needed vacation in the hope of escaping the daily grind. He had been anticipating his much-awaited break for months, and had been pushing himself to the limit at work. When the vacation finally arrived, Alex's excitement was through the roof. However, as he stepped off the plane and breathed a sigh of relief, an unforeseen twist occurred: Alex suddenly fell ill. All the exhaustion he had suppressed to…

When I was growing up in NZ as a young girl, one of my activities was to bake biscuits for my family. I used to make shortbread, marshmallow shortcake, ginger crunch – all out of the much-revered Edmonds Cookbook. And sometimes, when I came home from school, I would get up on a stool to the cupboard where the biscuit tin was, and sneak a biscuit - but I was absolutely terrified of being caught. And I remember thinking, I can't wait until I'm old and I can eat all the biscuits and cake I want. So now that I am 'older', I recall those times, but while I am no longer terrified of being caught, now I can't eat too much cake or biscuits because of how it affects…

Elijah Behr, M.D., a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, explains heart rate variability and how it factors into health. What does heart rate variability measure? “It measures the balance of nerve activity in the body and the way it relates to your heart rate and blood pressure,” Dr. Behr explains. “Called the autonomic nervous system, it can be thought of as the balance between the effects of adrenaline in the body and the other part of the nervous system, the vagus nerve. From beat-to-beat, or over periods of time, heart rate variability can be measured in different ways to try to assess this balance within the autonomic nervous system,” he says. What does high or low heart rate variability mean? “In general, people who have higher heart rate…

According to a team of researchers led by the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), putting one pad on the chest and one on the back of the person who has suffered a cardiac arrest makes return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) 2.64 times more likely than if the pads were placed on the front and side. That's based on an analysis of 255 incidents attended by the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue team in Portland, between July 2019 and June 2023. The chest and back position (anterior-posterior or AP) was used with 158 people, and the chest and side position (anterior-lateral or AL) was used on the other 97 occasions. “I didn't expect to see such a big difference,” says Joshua Lupton, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at OHSU.…

New research was presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference in an abstract, Chroming Crisis: An Analysis of Chroming Related Content on TikTok. “What is particularly concerning about chroming is that it uses everyday household items that are easily accessible to teens,” said Keerthi Krishna, research assistant at Cohen's Children's Medical Center and first author. “The covert nature of these items means that parents and teachers are less likely to detect the behaviour, significantly increasing the risk of repeated usage and addiction among adolescents.” Chroming, also called “huffing,” typically produces a short euphoric state which creates a high potential for repeated usage and addiction. Inhalant abuse can lead to dizziness, brain damage, and even death. The authors analysed 109 videos on chroming that together had gained more…

In a submission to the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society, the three organisations set out a range of recommendations including: • co-designed policy measures • policies that compel social media platforms to work according to safety-by-design principles • transparency and user control when it comes to algorithms • verification of health content on platforms • funding for more research into the links between social media and mental health The Director of Service at ReachOut, Jackie Hallan, said that although social media poses significant risks to young people, it is important to consider the benefits and unintended consequences of any ban. “Young people are digital natives and for many that means that social media is already part of their worlds. Unfortunately, for too many young people that…

The winners of the new Aged Care Act include: Aged Care Providers While the new Act may not be everything that was hoped for by providers – and those details will come to light as it's sifted through – it provides certainty and assurance on future funding for the sector. Once legislated, providers will have their clinical costs fully funded by the government. There are also opportunities to overcome losses in accommodation and everyday living expenses due to greater user contributions, new fee structures and higher accommodation prices, and aged care providers will be able to keep 2% of refundable accommodation deposits every year for five years. Homeowners Aged care residents pay different fees depending on the outcome of a means assessment, and while this will change in several areas,…

FEATURE | Aged Care and Dementia In the study, Monash and Griffith universities looked at the health of over 700 residents in New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland to determine just how common malnutrition was. According to the lead author of the study, Dr Jonathan Foo, from Monash University's Department of Physiotherapy, good nutrition plays a crucial role in healthy ageing. “Malnutrition is associated with poorer overall health, increased hospitalisation rates, higher rates of falls and fractures, slower wound healing, higher infection risk, and accelerated mortality,” he said. “Despite such risks, aged care providers are not suitably resourced to perform routine screening using validated tools resulting in many malnourished residents being undetected and therefore untreated.” What were the findings? In total, 34% of residents were categorised as mildly/moderately malnourished.…

Melbourne Airport's newest hotel, the Novotel & Ibis Styles, is located within a 5-minute walk from Terminals 3 and 4, and a 10 minute walk from Terminal 2 (international) and Terminal 1. It is also a short drive to the Melbourne Airport Business Park, and they do offer 90 minutes free parking if you are picking up or dropping off. The vicinity offers a choice of a café, Italian restaurant and pub, and they try to use only Victorian products. There are also Departure Time display boards within the hotels so you can keep an eye on your flight times. Within the hotel, guests can choose from two accommodation and leisure options: Novotel or Ibis. Both have access to meeting and event spaces, a co-working hub and three food and…

The increase in Indigenous health professionals, recently announced by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, is testament to the dedication and resilience that is driving positive change in health outcomes across Australia, including in rural, regional and remote areas. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and their training organisations for their achievement. Many of them have trained in and returned to rural, remote and regional areas, which reflects their commitment to serve their communities,” said National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen. “These practitioners are not only enhancing the accessibility of healthcare services but are also providing culturally responsive care, which is essential for improving health outcomes among Indigenous Australians.” Consistent growth has also been shown in the number of…

A recent study from the University of Sydney calls into question the widespread use of antidepressants for chronic pain in people over 65, urging healthcare professionals to reconsider their approach to treatment. Over the past four decades, only 15 clinical trials have specifically explored the use of antidepressants for pain relief in older adults. However the latest research, which synthesises data from these trials, found little evidence to justify the common practice of prescribing antidepressants to manage non-cancer pain in this age group. Despite this lack of solid evidence, many international guidelines still recommend antidepressants for treating chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis. These guidelines often fail to account for the unique needs of older adults, whose bodies process medications differently from younger patients. This mismatch in treatment recommendations could potentially…

The latest AUSactive survey, now in its fifth year, offers a snapshot of the trends that exercise professionals and business operators are observing among their clients and members throughout Australia. CEO Barrie Elvish stated that as health and wellness evolves, new fitness trends are emerging for 2025, reflecting the diverse needs of people at different life stages. “Staying active can mean different things to each individual, and this year's trends showcase a wonderful array of how people are keeping fit,” Mr. Elvish explained. “As we approach 2025, these trends emphasise the increasing importance of holistic and personalised approaches to fitness and health for all ages.” ANTICIPATED TRENDS FOR 2024/25 Programs for Older Adults Tailored fitness routines that support health and independence amongst older generations. Exercise for Mental Health Initiatives aimed…

The five-year investigation, focusing on wild-caught guppies exposed to the widely prescribed antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac), highlights the profound and interconnected effects of this pollutant on aquatic ecosystems. The study, led by Dr Upama Aich from the Monash University School of Biological Sciences and Assistant Professor Giovanni Polverino from the University of Tuscia, has been published in the Journal of Animal Ecology. Pharmaceutical pollutants, especially antidepressants like fluoxetine, have become a pervasive issue in water bodies worldwide. These pollutants, often introduced through wastewater discharge, persist at low levels in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Despite their widespread presence, the full impact of these chemicals on aquatic wildlife, particularly on behaviour and reproductive success, has remained unclear. “Even at low concentrations, fluoxetine altered the body condition of guppies and increased the size of…

According to new research conducted by Flinders University, one in ten older people experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to medications whilst in hospital. “As the population is getting older, patients have more chronic medical conditions and are taking a greater number of medications so it's becoming increasingly important for healthcare systems to focus on preventing harm from medications,” says Dr Joshua Inglis, a researcher with the College of Medicine and Public Health, and Consultant Physician in Flinders Medical Centre's Department of Clinical Pharmacology. “We found that in hospitalised patients aged 65 years and older, adverse reactions to medication were associated with longer stays in hospital and a higher risk of death.” The findings have prompted calls for hospitals to take further steps to prevent medication-related harm. The study looked at…

While the current model is not yet autonomous, being controlled remotely by human operators through VR systems, the range of possibilities these robots offer is expanding rapidly. Beyond household uses, many are beginning to consider how these humanoid robots could transform industries like aged care and home care, improving services and addressing workforce shortages. Residential care homes are struggling with staff shortages, while increasing regulations demand more personalised care. Robots could offer a solution by assisting human staff with physical and repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-quality interactions with residents. Robots in Aged Care With the rise of ageing populations and a growing strain on care systems, robots like Optimus could play a significant role in aged care. Some ways that humanoid robots could be used in aged…

When it comes to health issues, the predominant view is a binary one, in which physical conditions tend to be considered more valid and deserving of care and compassion than mental ones. Things are changing, but mental ill-health continues to provoke fear in some people, along with a wish for the 'mentally unwell' to be out of sight, out of mind. The medical diagnosis of mental health challenges is also very much a binary process: you are considered fine until you meet criteria for a mental illness or disorder. The terminology of sickness reinforces the idea of that tipping point from normalcy to madness. The conclusion (that the person who has been tainted by mental ill-health is now abnormal), doesn't shift much even when they recover, and it plays out…