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.
A group of 500 people marched on parliament on October 13 in the fight against dementia. The assemblage gathered to demand a $500 million Dimentia Action Plan over five years in the next federal budget. Alzheimer’s Australia president, Ita Buttrose led the march and warned there will be 75 000 baby boomers with dementia in 2020, just eight short years away.
The demand comes after the release of the Deloitte Access Economics report, Dementia Across Australia: 2011 – 2050. Its modelling predicts that without a significant medical breakthrough, by 2050 the number of Australians living with dementia will increase from today’s 267 000 people to 943 000 Australians by 2050.
In 2005, the Australian Government made dementia a national health priority and launched its Dementia Initiative. It was a long-term initiative designed to improve the quality of life of Australians living with dementia through the combination of research funding and improved support for carers.
The independent evaluation by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, described the initiative a success that made Australia a leader in dementia research, treatment and management.
The decision by the government to discontinue funding the Dementia Initiative due to end in 2013, was also protested against at the rally. Buttrose addressed, “In 2005, the Australian Government made a commitment to fight dementia, injecting $320 million over five years to the Dementia Initiative. Despite figures indicating the situation would get worse, the initiative has been discontinued”.
With this year’s Productivity Commission’s report Caring for Older Australians not proposing a single recommendation to address dementia, one is left wondering how Australia will cope with and care for the 4700 new dementia cases per week that are predicted in 2050.
Alzheimer’s Australia is the peak body providing advocacy and support for Australians with dementia.
To support Alzheimer’s Australia and their dementia action plan go to: http://www.fightdementia.org.au/