November 2016

A tax on sugary drinks is an idea whose time has come, the Consumers Health Forum says.

“The latest analysis from the Grattan Institute makes a strong case for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. It adds to the growing calls from health leaders for Australia to take this vital step to reduce obesity,” the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said.

“There are now 15  countries which have implemented a tax on sugary drinks or plan to do so, along with four cities and districts in the United States.

“Australia’s adult obesity rate is among the highest in the world and demands more concerted counter-measures.  While a sugar tax is but one important action we can take to encourage healthier lifestyles in Australia, it would send a tangible message to consumers alerting them to the unhealthy level of sugar in their soft drink."

However, this Sydney Morning Herald article says it won't solve the obesity problem and this opinion piece on health blog croakey argues against a sugar tax.

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In the Australian e-newspaper The Conversation, Rachel Yates asks whether the law should allow better communication between health professionals, families and carers of those with mental illness even if this impacts on patients’ confidentiality.

The tragic death of former Adelaide Crows’ coach Phil Walsh, killed by his son Cy suffering from a mental illness, has highlighted the difficulties faced by families of those with mental health issues.

Phil Walsh’s wife Meredith emphasised her family’s struggle under current laws in accessing information to support their son. She called for the law to be changed to allow families better access to treatment information.

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Each month, 11.5 million Australians consume fast food. Alongside traditional burger, fried chicken and pizza chains, new chains are positioning themselves as healthier alternatives to the typical, energy-, saturated fat-, sugar- and salt-laden meals on offer at traditional chains.

The Conversation now reports that more than 40 percent of menu items being marketed using such health claims may not have complied with the requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Worst offenders were those positioning themselves as “healthier” – such as a popular juice chain and a popular salad chain (the authors have chosen not to publish the names of the chains).

QUESTION: I’m interested in knowing whether women ever respond differently than men to prescription drugs. Do they?

ANSWER: The short answer to your question is yes, in some cases. But it’s taken the medical community a long time to reach that conclusion.

Traditionally, it was believed that men and women react to medications in the same way. In recent years, however, there has been a growing awareness that women may not always respond in a similar fashion as men to certain drugs.

Express your interest in volunteering for Coordinare's (South Eastern NSW PHN) Consumer Health Panel - it's your chance to be the voice for your local community! You will be asked to provide feedback on a range of health care issues or services that impact upon you, your family or friends.

Whether its access to after hours health services, your ability to see a doctor when you need to, or the new My Health Record...

By sharing your views, you can help shape the future of our health care system! Coordinare are looking for residents from South Eastern NSW, aged 18 years or older, and a regular user of health care services.