December 2011 News

A new study has found that elderly people with a diet high in fat and sugar scored worse on mental acuity tests than those who had diets rich in vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids.

The study - published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology - also showed the brain shrinkage commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease could be reduced by maintaining a healthy diet.

The Greens are urging the Gillard government to review its $490 million youth dental program after it was found that less than one-third of those eligible are accessing the service.

Under the teen dental program, 1.2 million teenagers are eligible for a $160 annual voucher, after their parents qualified for the Family Tax Benefit Part A.

However, according to the annual report released by the Department of Health and Ageing, just 30 per cent of grants were taken up in the last financial year.

A new survey has found that Australians are taking an unconventional approach to relieving stress at this time of the year.

Results from private health insurance provider Bupa's Stress Survey 2011 found that 77 per cent of Australians believed sex was an appropriate way to help manage stress.

Men aged 45 years and above and women aged 35 years or below were among the biggest advocates of the stress busting technique.

A new report by a government health agency has found that Australian women are continuing to wait longer to have children.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report - titled Australia’s mothers and babies 2009 - the average age of women who gave birth in Australia has increased - from 29.0 years in 2000 to 30.0 years in 2009.