Glaucoma: A silent disease
Glaucoma: A silent disease
About 68,000 people in New Zealand over the age of 40 already have glaucoma and this number could rise by another 8000 in the next 20 years. Health reporter Elspeth McLean looks at the issue.
Elspeth McLean
Antidepressant prescribing on forum agenda
Antidepressant prescribing on forum agenda
The controversial question of whether doctors are prescribing drugs to treat normal feelings such as grief is among issues to be examined in a University of Otago symposium this weekend.
Hand-washing required
Hand-washing required
People in Otago and Southland rural areas are being reminded to be vigilant about hand hygiene as notifications of gastroenteric diseases increase.
Test-tube babies can be costly
Test-tube babies can be costly
Concerns New Zealanders might be paying to care for babies with extremely low birthweights after their mothers sought multiple embryo transfers overseas have been raised with a visiting United States ethics academic.
School milk may cut cancer risk, study says
School milk may cut cancer risk, study says
Those who shuddered at the prospect of daily school milk but diligently drank it anyway may have significantly reduced their risk of bowel cancer, a University of Otago study suggests.
Bowel cancer testing kits now available
Bowel cancer testing kits now available
Bowel cancer screening kits will be available over the counter from today, a New Zealand first.
Melanoma's scar still affects family
Melanoma's scar still affects family
Dunedin teenager Karli Adams (14) knows she cannot change the fact her father Garth died when he was 31, but that does not stop her wondering what her life might have been like if he was still alive.
University nursing programme mooted
University nursing programme mooted
It is time a nursing programme was offered at the University of Otago, visiting New Jersey psychiatric nurse and academic Dr Shirley Smoyak says.
Opinions sought on screening for cancer
Opinions sought on screening for cancer
The views of 3000 people about two bowel cancer screening tests have been sought in a nationwide survey, part of a 20-month University of Otago study.
Vitamin C use in cure dismissed
Vitamin C use in cure dismissed
People convinced large doses of intravenous vitamin C were an effective cancer treatment could end the debate by setting up a randomised controlled trial, Prof Shaun Holt says.
Food addicts thought similar to alcoholics
Food addicts thought similar to alcoholics
Obesity is so commonplace, many see it as normal. Reducing it will take comprehensive measures similar to those needed to reduce alcohol harm, Prof Doug Sellman says.
A moderate approach
A moderate approach
Balance is the key to addressing the risk posed by prostate cancer, reports Elspeth McLean.
Fight kidney disease with weight, not water: prof
Fight kidney disease with weight, not water: prof
Drinking lots of water will not protect your kidneys from disease, but avoiding being overweight might.
Real hazard from working in the sun
Real hazard from working in the sun
Skin cancer is a major risk for outdoor workers. Elspeth McLean reports.
Five found with cancer after breast screening glitch
Five found with cancer after breast screening glitch
Five of the 241 women affected by a breakdown in communication over BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA) mammogram appointments were found to have cancer when they finally had mammograms, it has been revealed.
Screening changes to take years
Screening changes to take years
It could take three years to put all of the recommendations from the recent critical independent review of Breast-Screen Aotearoa into place.
Trust key in healthcare
Trust key in healthcare
Increasing regulation is not the way to make sure doctors and other health professionals behave well, the dean of the University of Otago's law school, Prof Mark Henaghan, says.
Complaints by 'ODT' upheld
Complaints by 'ODT' upheld
Complaints by the Otago Daily Times about Minister of Health Tony Ryall and his ministry's initial refusal to release some information have been upheld by Ombudsman Dr David McGee, more than a year after concerns were raised.
Breast-screening discussion delayed
Breast-screening discussion delayed
The national breast-screening programme's independent advisory group seems unlikely to formally discuss recent screening controversies until July.
Breakfast in bed on Beneficiary Bashing Day
Breakfast in bed on Beneficiary Bashing Day
If you are still recovering from that Sunday morning lie-in - the one accompanied by cold tea and burnt toast, the gift of something pink, or possibly a power tool you couldn't imagine using in a million years, then this unverified "leaked" recording may be of interest.