The Heart Foundation of Heartweek is on the 6th to 12th May.
The 2012 Influenza Vaccination Program will commence nationally on Thursday 15th March 2012
Children presenting to the emergency department with moderate or severe asthma attacks are less likely to be admitted to hospital if they are treated with systemic corticosteroids within the first 75 minutes after triage, according to a new study.
Central Queensland University conductes the largest Australian sleep census to explore the sleep habits of the nation. 
New research shows increased information and education regarding the neurocognitive, cardiovascular and metabolic consequences of untreated OSA, as well as the importance of persisting with the treatment has positive consequences on patients CPAP compliance.
New research results reinforce the value of follow-up tools following right heart catheterisation and provide further support for some of the treatment goals currently suggested by international guidelines.World COPD day aims to raise awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 
The Thoracic and Sleep Group Queensland will be holding free lung tests at the Wesley Hospital to raise awareness of lung health and COPD.
No referral necessary!
Time: 8:30 – 4pm
Where: Wesley Hospital entrance (opposite Wesley Medical Imaging)
For more details phone: (07) 3870 0858
Why World COPD Day?
Early diagnosis of COPD is vital as it allows patients to take steps to slow down the progression of the disease, live healthy lives for longer and avoid expensive emergency care. However, not enough patients are diagnosed early enough1. Alarmingly, 3 out of 4 people with COPD do not know they have the condition and are therefore not taking the important steps to manage their symptoms and stem the progress of the disease2. The first World COPD Day was held in 2002. Each year organizers in more than 50 countries worldwide have carried out activities, making the day one of the world's most important COPD awareness and education events3.
“World COPD Day is an annual awareness-raising event organized and sponsored by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). For more information please click here”
Diagnosing COPD
Spirometry is a simple lung test and is the gold standard for diagnosing COPD. An FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.7 or less post-bronchodilator is indicative of COPD. A history of smoking or exposure to noxious agents also assists diagnosis4.
References:
1. British Lung Foundation. World COPD Day. Accessible via: http://www.lunguk.org.
2. The Australian Lung Foundation. Breathe Easier – Your Guide to COPD. Accessible via: http://www.lungfoundation.com.au.
3. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. World COPD Day. Accessible via: www.goldcopd.org//WCDIndex.asp.
4. COPDX. Confirm Diagnosis. Accessible via: www.copdx.org.au.