Twenty-one years ago the World Health Organization (WHO) declared 1 December the first World AIDS Day. Its aim was, and remains, to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS issues, and particularly the need for support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS. Since then, World AIDS Day has been established as one of the world’s most...
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A recent court decision in the United States has once again brought into question the hormone replacement treatment of post menopausal symptoms. Menopause, which is defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation, normally occurs in a woman’s life between the mid-forties and mid-fifties; so most women will now live at least a third of their...
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We Australians have the dubious honour of making our country the second fattest nation on earth (no prizes for guessing number one!). Nevertheless, fats are an essential part of our diet. Just how good or bad they are depends very much on the type of fat we consume, and how much. While it has been...
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Earlier this month Australia’s environment ministers agreed to a new National Waste Policy: Less waste, more resources. Maybe it was more than just a happy coincidence that the policy was announced in the days leading up to National Recycling Week. National Recycling Week was established by Planet Ark 14 years ago and now has a...
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Globally the major health issues are still the infectious diseases HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. However, chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are becoming more prevalent. Among infants, diarrhoeal and respiratory diseases are the biggest killers; but worldwide, the leading cause of death among young people, in the 10-24 year age group, is traffic...
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On the evening of 14 November – and maybe for a few nights either side as well – the Arts Centre Spire in Melbourne will be lit blue. It’s just one of several major landmarks in Australia and what’s expected to be over 1000 buildings and monuments worldwide that will take on a temporary...
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Almost certainly, at some time in our lives, we’ll have to look after the needs – usually the health needs – of someone else. That person will probably be a friend or member of the family. Quite often that time for caring might be just a few days; perhaps even a few weeks. However, occasionally...
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