Dear Doctors,

Welcome to the November 2011 edition of the Thoracic and Sleep Group e-Newsletter.

This month's topics include:

• Alzheimer’s And Sleep
• Emerging Epigenetic Research In The Development Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Metabolic Consequences Of Sleep Deprivation
• Recognising the Symptoms of Sleepiness
• 8 tips to Better Manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

We welcome your feedback. You can email the editor with any feedback or suggestions for articles and news at editor@tsgq.com.au. - The Editor

Sleep Medicine News

Alzheimer’s And Sleep

November marks World Alzheimer’s Month. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative condition of the brain, characterised by loss of memory and cognitive function. It is estimated that there are currently approximately 18 million people worldwide diagnosed with the disease and by 2025 figures are projected to double to 34 million. In Australia an estimated 269,000 Australians currently live with dementia. It is the most common form of dementia accounting for 50 – 70 percent of all dementia cases. Read more...

According to Buist et al and Halbert et al the prevalence rate of COPD in industrialized countries is 5 to 15%¹. Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors are known to play a role in COPD development in susceptible individuals. The study of candidate genes that may be involved in the development of COPD has previously been inconsistent. Thus suggesting other factors may contribute to COPD susceptibility. Read more...

The prevalence of diabetes and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, the causes of which are not fully understood. With chronic sleep curtailment developing rapidly over the last 2-3 decades, laboratory and epidemiological studies suggest that sleep loss may play a role in the increased prevalence of diabetes and/or obesity. Read more...

Up to 30% of road accidents are attributed to driver fatigue and sleepiness. Research shows that people who drive while sleepy are as impaired as those under the influence of alcohol. Read more...

The month of November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. World COPD Day 2011 will take place on Wednesday, November 16 around the theme “Are you short of breath? You may have COPD! Ask your doctor about a simple breathing test called spirometry.” This positive message was chosen to raise awareness of spirometry as the gold standard for diagnosis of COPD, and emphasize the actions a person can take to safeguard his or her lung health. Awareness leads to greater chance of early diagnosis. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance is of swift lung cancer treatment and the ability to beat the cancer².

Read on for 8 tips for better management of COPD. Read more...

Thoracic Medicine News

Developments for Monitoring and Control and Asthma in Adolescents - British Guidelines 2011
British Thoracic Society (BTS) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) jointly produce and regularly revise the British Guidelines on the Management of Asthma. Recent developments have been in the areas of monitoring and control and asthma in adolescents. Here are these findings. Read more...

National Stroke Week: 12-18 September 2011
National Stroke Week 2011 will be held from 12-18 September and aims to raise awareness of stroke and the early warning signs of a stroke. Stroke is Australia's second single greatest killer, with over 60,000 strokes occurring every year. Ongoing research confirms that sleep-disordered breathing is a significant risk factor for stroke, can slow down rehabilitation, and can lead to a worsening of pre-existing obstructive and central sleep apnoea. Read more...

Thoracic & Sleep Group News

Our Education Teams for your Medical Practice

We recognise medical practitioners are time poor, and need succinct presentations from people with expertise. In 2011 we have scientific staff providing focused lunchtime educational presentations.

Our teams will come to your practice, provide up to date information in thoracic and sleep medicine, access to the latest CPAP equipment, educational material for your practice, in a timely interactive session.

The teams can provide referral pads plus the electronic referral software compatible with Best Practice, PractiX, Genie and Medical Director. All thoracic and sleep reports can be sent securely via Medical Objects. If you wish to have one of our teams come to your practice please email admin@tsgq.com.au or Ph (07) 3870 1120.

Electronic Referral Forms Now Available For Download

Electronic referral forms are now available for our Sleep and Respiratory Services here.

These referrals are compatible with Best Practice, PractiX, Genie and Medical Director and are sent securely via Medical Objects.
 

The Wesley Lung Function Laboratory

SAME DAY APPOINTMENT,
SAME DAY REPORTING
Please contact our office to have a referral pad sent out or download a referral here.

GUARANTEED SAME DAY REPORTING!

Phone:   (07) 3870 0858
Fax:       (07) 3870 2608
Email:    lung@tsgq.com.au

Bulk Billed Lung Function Tests:

• Spirometry
• Complicated lung function test (CO transfer and lung volumes)
• Bronchial provocation testing (Mannitol)
• 6 minute walk testing
• Allergen skin testing
• High altitude simulation testing
• Fraction Expired NO (FeNO)