Health

Health coverage from Canterbury New Zealand Wire.

Health
NZ’s next government must look beyond today’s health challenges – a new report shows why
The decisions New Zealanders make at this year’s general election will help shape health and wellbeing for decades to come.
SyndicatedMichael Baker, Professor of Public Health, University of Otago4 Nov 20265 min read
Health
NZ has retreated from global cooperation on health security. Can a new government change course?
Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of international leadership in improving health security, from nuclear disarmament to pandemic control.
SyndicatedMichael Baker, Professor of Public Health, University of Otago2 Nov 20264 min read
Health
A neuropsychologist explains the importance of exercise in fighting dementia
Billions of dollars are being spent on research to find a molecule that will cure Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, as Dr. Louis Bherer explains, adopting certain lifestyle habits could significantly reduce the risk of developing symptoms, in some…
SyndicatedLouis Bherer, Professor, Université de Montréal2 Nov 20265 min read
Health
NZ’s hidden chronic health burden is even bigger than we thought – new analysis
In New Zealand, more than 80% of healthcare costs go toward caring for people with long-term or chronic conditions.
SyndicatedKatrina Poppe, Associate Professor of Health Data Science, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau26 Oct 20263 min read
Health
How long until wearable brain-computer interfaces become mainstream?
Devices that link human minds to computers are progressing rapidly. Already, these brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are allowing patients with severe paralysis to communicate, use digital devices or control smart homes with their brains.
SyndicatedDamien Coyle, Director of the Institute for the Augmented Human, University of Bath23 Oct 20265 min read
Health
The government wants to reward better GP care. But what happens when targets take priority?
Last month, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced new funding to reward GP clinics that meet a series of performance targets.
SyndicatedFelicity Goodyear-Smith, Professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau22 Oct 20264 min read
Health
How does fake tan work, and why does it sometimes smell ‘biscuity’?
Real tans come from UV-triggered pigment production in living skin; that same UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.
SyndicatedAnna Wang, Associate Professor of Chemistry, UNSW22 Oct 20264 min read
Health
NZ’s next government will inherit a Treaty debate that is far from resolved
For the past three years, reducing the role of te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi in public life has been one of the coalition government’s main priorities.
SyndicatedDominic O'Sullivan, Adjunct Professor, Stout Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington and Auckland University of Technology, Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University20 Oct 20266 min read
Health
Natural hazards don’t obey electoral cycles. The next government faces crucial choices
Every election seems to return to the same themes: the economy, health, housing and the cost of government. But one challenge cuts across these and will confront whichever government is elected.
SyndicatedIain White, Professor of Environmental Planning, University of Waikato19 Oct 20266 min read
Health
A plan exists for a fairer and healthier food system. Which party policies align best?
Aotearoa New Zealand produces enough food annually to feed 40 million people – most of it exported. Yet it is estimated one in three households experience some form of hunger or food insecurity.
SyndicatedDianne J. Ma, Lecturer in Culinary Arts & Gastronomy, Auckland University of Technology16 Oct 20265 min read
Health
NZ’s health system suffers from chronic ailments only cross-party consensus can treat
With news of hospitals unable to provide safe care, workforce shortages and difficulties in accessing services, health is again a major voter concern leading up to next month’s general election.
SyndicatedRobin Gauld, Executive Dean, Bond Business School, Bond University14 Oct 20264 min read
Health
Only structural change will fix NZ’s glaring health equity gap – what voters should know
The performance of New Zealand’s health system – from hospital staffing and resourcing to access to primary care and general practitioners – is a key election battleground once more.
SyndicatedBen Gray, Associate Professor of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago13 Oct 20265 min read