A huge international study of global causes of death has revealed that since 1990, there has been a profound change in risk factors for death. In 1990, child and maternal malnutrition and unsafe water, sanitation, and lack of hand washing were the leading risks for death, but these have now been replaced by dietary risks and high blood pressure. The findings are from a new … [Read more...]
Low back pain not because of weather: Australian Study
Australian researchers reveal that sudden, acute episodes of low back pain are not linked to weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind direction and precipitation. Findings published in Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), indicate that the risk of low back pain slightly increases with higher wind … [Read more...]
Oral garlic not useful in treating vaginal thrush: Australian Study
In a world-first study, led by the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women's Hospital, researchers have found garlic does not significantly reduce vaginal candida (thrush). Led by University of Melbourne PhD candidate Cathy Watson also of the Royal Women's Hospital, the findings were published online in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This study is the … [Read more...]
Traditional medicine: Environment change threatens indigenous know-how: Australian Study
The way indigenous cultures around the globe use traditional medicines and pass on knowledge developed over centuries is directly linked to the natural environment, new research has found. This makes indigenous cultures susceptible to environmental change, a threat that comes on top of the challenges posed by globalisation. "Traditional medicine provides health care for more … [Read more...]
Research examines acupuncture needle quality: Australian Study
The quality of needles used in acupuncture worldwide is high but needs to be universally improved to increase safety and avoid potential problems such as pain and allergic reactions, RMIT University researchers have found. The researchers looked at surface conditions and other physical properties of the two most commonly used stainless steel acupuncture needle brands. The … [Read more...]
Nutrition an issue for Aboriginal Australians: A Study
Nutrition has not been given enough priority in national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy in recent years. This is the finding from a study published in the latest issue of Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. Led by Jennifer Browne from La Trobe University, the study examined Aboriginal-specific health policies and strategies developed … [Read more...]
Chinese herbal medicine is dangerous: Australian Study
A herbal preparation prescribed by a Chinese herbal medication practitioner in Melbourne for back pain resulted in life-threatening heart changes, prompting a team of intensive care and emergency physicians to call for appropriate patient education by practitioners who prescribe complementary medications. Writing in Emergency Medicine Australasia, the journal of the … [Read more...]
Acupuncture does not improve chronic knee pain: Australian Study
Acupuncture did not provide any benefit in patients older than 50 years with moderate or severe chronic knee pain, according to a new research study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers from the University of Melbourne randomly assigned 282 patients with chronic knee pain to needle acupuncture, laser acupuncture, no acupuncture or … [Read more...]
Researchers question use of paracetamol for lower back pain and osteoarthritis: Australian Study
New research shows that paracetamol is ineffective in reducing pain, disability or improving quality of life for patients who suffer from low back pain or osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, and its use may affect the liver. The study published in the British Medical Journal provides new evidence that paracetamol is no better at treating low back pain than a placebo and its … [Read more...]
Skin based immunity secrets revealed: Australian Study
A team of international scientists has discovered a new mechanism by which immune cells in the skin function as the body's 'border control', revealing how these cells sense whether lipid or fat-like molecules might indicate the presence of foreign invaders. The findings could improve how we fight some infections, allergies and auto-immune diseases. The discovery by … [Read more...]
Extreme Exercise linked to Blood Poisoning: The Australian Study
Researchers have discovered that extreme exercise can cause intestinal bacteria to leak into the bloodstream, leading to blood poisoning. Experts at Monash University monitored people participating in a range of extreme endurance events, including 24-hour ultra-marathons and multi-stage ultra-marathons, run on consecutive days. "Blood samples taken before and after the … [Read more...]
