02 February 2025
STUDY SHOW CONSTIPATION - HEART RISK
A MONASH University-led study links constipation to a higher risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including heart attacks and strokes. Analysing data from over 400,000 participants, researchers found constipated individuals were twice as likely to experience MACE. Constipation also increased risks in hypertensive patients by 34%. Genetic correlations suggest shared factors between gut and heart health. With 14% of the global population affected, the study highlights gut health's role in cardiovascular disease prevention.
02 February 2025
ATM LAWS AT CLUBS, PUBS NOW IN EFFECT
THE deadline for pubs and clubs to comply with new ATM laws is February 1, 2025, as part of the NSW Government's gambling harm minimisation reforms. ATMs and EFTPOS machines must be at least 5m from gaming rooms and out of sight. Non-compliance may lead to fines or prosecution. Other measures include reducing gaming machine caps, banning gambling signage, cashless gaming trials, and a $100M commitment to harm reduction efforts.
02 February 2025
NSW DOCTORS LAG BEHIND NATIONAL RATES
GENERAL practice training in NSW is improving with an 8% rise in GP registrars for 2025, but it lags behind the national growth of 19.8%, says the RACGP. Rural areas saw only a 4% increase, with regions like Western NSW severely underrepresented. The RACGP urges NSW to match Victoria's $40,000 incentives for GP trainees and calls for federal investment to fund 1,500 more training places over five years to address workforce shortage,