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August 2013 News

One more reason to eat your greens
Written by: Edward Brewer
28/08/2013 - 4:16pm

A new study conducted by the University of Hawaii Cancer Centre has revealed that women can potentially lower their risk of developing bladder cancer by eating more vegetables.

In 2009, there were around 2,300 reported cases of bladder cancer in Australia.

So, if you want to promote corporate health in your workplace and look out for the wellbeing of your female employees, you might want to provide them with some fresh produce!

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AHCRA says remove the cause, don't just treat the symptom
Written by: Suzanne Still
28/08/2013 - 12:58pm

According to the Australian Health Care Reform Alliance (AHCRA), we need to remove the cause and not simply treat the symptom if we want the country to be healthier.

"This will come mainly from addressing the significant factors outside the health system that have major impacts on Australia's health outcomes and health equity and on better preventive strategies," said Tony McBride, AHCRA Chair, in an August 26 statement.

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AHHA calls for better dental services
Written by: Jethro Still
28/08/2013 - 12:57pm

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), along with seven other health organisations, is urging the government to improve dental services for both children and adults.

Julie Barker, president of the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists' Association (ADOHTA), said in an August 13 statement that dental services have always been "a weak link in the Australian health system".

She added that many Australians cannot access "timely dental care," especially those who belong to disadvantaged groups.

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Study: Aussies should exercise, sleep and work better
Written by: Edward Brewer
23/08/2013 - 4:49pm

A study released by the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute reveals that Australians aren't making enough of an effort to stay healthy.

Of those who took part in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab), a shocking 36 per cent were not getting sufficient exercise.

The study also demonstrates that people in the 25-34 year old age bracket are most likely to gain weight.

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Coalition's health policy doesn't address health care affordability
Written by: Suzanne Still
23/08/2013 - 4:48pm

On August 22, the coalition government released its health policy.

While Ian Yates, chief executive officer of COTA Australia, agrees with many of the suggestions made in the policy, he thinks it is lacking in some areas.

For instance, he says the policy "does not go far enough" when it comes to the affordability of health care, particularly for older Australians.

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AIHW releases hospitalisation rates for injuries
22/08/2013 - 4:44pm

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released a report yesterday (August 21) that reveals some shocking facts and figures about hospitalisation rates for injuries in Australia.

"Trends in Hospitalised Injury, Australia 1999-00 to 2010-11" shows that the number of injuries requiring hospitalisation has risen over the past 12 years.

While it may only have been by one per cent, this amounts to an increase from 327,000 cases to 438,000 cases per year.

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Australia's healthiest areas revealed
20/08/2013 - 4:48pm

Melbourne is home to the healthiest women in Australia, according to a recent study conducted by Women's Health.

Rachelle Mackintosh, acting editor of Women's Health, said in an August 19 statement that this is a "big, healthy thumbs-up for Victorians".

Approximately 50,000 people from all over Australia took part in the study, which asked them around 1,800 questions about their health.

Every state and territory was judged across a number of categories, including food choices, smoking, exercise and BMI.

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Australian health insurance requirements for 485 visas
19/08/2013 - 4:49pm

The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman's (PHIO) Quarterly Report contains some important information about the health insurance requirements for those in Australia on 485 visas.

The 485, or Temporary Graduate, visa allows people who have finished their studies to remain in Australia for a certain period of time.

Depending on your unique circumstances, you can live, work and study Down Under for anywhere between 18 months and 4 years. Your family members may be able to stay in Australia on the 485 visa, too.

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What are out-of-pocket expenses?
16/08/2013 - 4:26pm

Australia's health insurance providers are, on the whole, providing sound advice to customers about the out-of-pocket expenses they are likely to encounter when receiving medical treatment.

However, the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman's (PHIO) Quarterly Bulletin reveals that there is still room for improvement - especially when it comes to talking about hospital costs versus medical costs.

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What is Lifetime Health Cover?
14/08/2013 - 3:58pm

According to the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman's (PHIO) latest Quarterly Bulletin, many people around Australia are a little confused when it comes to Lifetime Health Cover.

In June 2013, the number of people visiting the PHIO website shot up to over 92,000.

Between April 1 and June 30, the PHIO received a record number of enquiries - 551 in all - which is up on the 380 enquiries that were received during the preceding quarter.

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