Medica - Australian Healthcare News and Information

Researchers say women who take folic acid supplements for at least a year before becoming pregnant can greatly reduce their risk of delivering a baby prematurely. 7 Feb 2008

Cancer experts have called for a ban on smoking in cars carrying children. 7 February 2008

A new risk report says breast implants, deodorant and coffee are extremely unlikely to cause cancer. 7 Feb 2008

The NSW Government has announced extra funding, to give more women access to life saving breast screening services. 7 February 2008

The TGA is investigating reports that anticonvulsant medicines carry an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. 7 February 2008

Patients are asking GPs to write out twice as many medical certificates as a decade ago, to meet employers' demands. 1 February 2008

A new survey has shown the number of prescriptions written by GPs has declined by 10 per cent over the past decade. 1 February 2008

Women with aggressive breast cancer who have not responded to treatment with chemotherapy or Herceptin may soon get cheap access to an expensive new drug. 1 February 2008

New research indicates asking women to have a chlamydia test at the same time as getting a pap smear would help control the disease. 1 February 2008

New research indicates that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of shingles. 1 February 2008

US health authorities have issued advice that children under two should not be given over-the-counter cough and cold medicines because of potentially life threatening side effects. 25 January 2008

U-S researchers say pregnant women who drink two or more cups of coffee a day have twice the risk of miscarriage, as those who avoid caffeine. 25 January 2008

A trauma surgeon from Victoria, is suing The Alfred hospital for damages after he was suspended for alleged misconduct. 17 December 2007