Pediatricians renew call to abandon spanking

(HealthDay)—The American Academy of Pediatrics is strengthening its recommendation to ban spanking and other forms of corporal punishment, citing new research that says that type of discipline can affect normal brain development. Harsh verbal punishment, such as shaming or humiliation, is also a threat to children, the AAP says in an updated policy statement. “The good news is, fewer parents […]

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Experts call for a targeted approach to cancer prevention

Policymakers around the world should consider introducing more targeted early interventions in a bid to tackle cancer, according to experts at the University of Stirling. A new paper – published in the International Journal of Healthcare Policy – analysed data from 162 countries to examine the relationship between economic growth and cancer incidence. Dr. Bryan McIntosh, of the Faculty of […]

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Researchers call for major re-think on sun safety

Most Australians are familiar with the ‘slip, slop, slap’ message, but new research suggests we’re not taking sun safety seriously enough. Currently, health agencies recommend that sun protection is used when the UV Index – which measures the intensity of UV radiation – is three or higher. But researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) and New Zealand’s National Institute […]

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A call to neuroscientists to help reveal root causes of chemobrain

A substantial fraction of non-central nervous system cancer survivors, especially those who have received chemotherapy, experience long-lasting cognitive difficulties, including problems with concentration, word-finding, short-term memory, and multitasking. Though well documented, cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), known colloquially as chemobrain or chemofog, remains a mystery regarding its underlying neurological causes. In a Forum paper published June 12 in the journal Trends […]

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Call for older people to be vaccinated against pneumonia

Action is urgently needed to address declining vaccination rates against pneumococcal pneumonia, which causes more than 2,000 deaths each year in people aged over 65. Researchers, doctors and patients have teamed with Lung Foundation Australia during this week’s Pneumonia Awareness Week to call for proactive community action to address the declining vaccination rates against pneumococcal pneumonia – an infection responsible for more […]

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