Editorial
Welcome to the June 2007 edition of the HealthInsite newsletter, and a special welcome to any new subscribers! In the interests of providing you with a punchier and more regular e-publication, I am going to focus on HealthInsite News Items and breaking news. While some of these news items may pertain to the National Health Calendar, others will relate to issues that are topical and that may have got a run in the media in recent times. We will, of course, continue to link you to the HealthInsite Information Partners that have the best and most relevant information relating to the matters being highlighted.
There have been a couple of staffing changes in the HealthInsite team: Marlene Summers retired in May and will be greatly missed, especially by the team here! We are hopeful that she will continue to be an avid subscriber to the newsletter, and an enthusiastic advocate for the site. In Marlene's stead, we welcome Lesa Narayan and I know that she is looking forward to providing the same high quality and friendly service that Marlene has provided for so many years. We are also thrilled about the arrival of Kannika Phomson who will be working with me on HealthInsite communications and policy.
As usual, we are always grateful for your feedback, whether it be about the format or content of the newsletter, or more general observations regarding the site.
News Items
Bowel Cancer Awareness
Bowel Cancer Awareness Week was held in early June to raise public awareness of a disease that claims the life of one Australian every two hours. About 90 Australians die each week of bowel cancer. Bowel cancer is Australia's second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer.
The Cancer Council Australia, one of HealthInsite¿s information partners, has issued a media release supporting the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
HealthInsite has topic pages on bowel cancer, risk factors and diagnosis of bowel cancer, and treatments for bowel cancer.
MJA Indigenous Health Issue
The Medical Journal of Australia published its annual Indigenous Health issue in May, which includes articles on
diabetes, maternal and child health, health services, and the Indigenous medical workforce.
The contents page is at MJA 21 May 2007. Other MJA articles on Indigenous health since 1999 are listed on the MJA's Articles on Aboriginal health page.
The Medical Journal of Australia is published on the first and third Monday of each month.
All articles are available free in HTML and PDF format.
Allergen information
cards now available
Australians can now order compact allergen cards for egg, soy, wheat, peanuts, sesame, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and milk.
Anaphylaxis Australia has developed these cards with funding from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the NSW Food
Authority.
It is estimated that 1-2 percent of all Australians and 3-5 percent of children have food allergies. Current
food standards ensure that foods that can cause severe allergic reactions must be declared on product labels, however small the amount,
but research has shown that some consumers are not always aware that certain ingredients may be allergens.
The allergen cards list common ingredients derived from each of the major allergens,
and also provide advice about eating out for people who are food allergic. The cards are small enough
to fold into a wallet for ready availability.
The cards may be ordered from Anaphylaxis Australia at
coordinator@allergyfacts.org.au
or by e-mailing Food Standards Australia New Zealand at info@foodstandards.gov.au. Electronic versions of the cards are available at
Food Standards Australia publications.
HealthInsite has topic areas on Allergies and Hypersensititvities including Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis.
Kids Help Line Increasing Services
Kids Help Line, Australia's free, confidential, and anonymous telephone and online counselling service for young people has expanded its services, both access to the national 1800 55 1800 telephone number and online, following a new funding commitment from the Australian Government.
HealthInsite has topic areas on mental health issues for young people and children, with links to a range of support services and information.
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The
HealthInsite team regularly adds new items to the database including new
information partners, new topic pages and news items. Why not take a look
at the 
