Health Report

A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.
Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of people attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after their hospital stay, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. 
There's been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia. A childhood immunisation expert outlines an approach to help turn this around.
And a study shows most IVF add-on treatments do not result in more pregnancies.
References:
Statement from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
Chemical regulator approves restricted use of herbicide paraquat previously linked to Parkinson's disease
Mapping patient outcomes associated with cardiac rehabilitation
Childhood vaccine hesitancy, The New England Journal of Medicine
Safety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-ons
No evidence most IVF add-on treatments improve fertility
Concerns regarding the public health risks associated with unapproved peptide products
WA Health provides public health update following avian influenza detection in wild bird

The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.
Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them.
While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003.
So what happens now?
Further information:
Bird flu (avian influenza) CDC
Human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza
An overview of influenza H5 vaccines
Science Show: Preparing for the next pandemic
Vet chanced upon sick bird that turned out to be first H5 bird flu case

The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.
Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them.
While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003.
So what happens now?
Further information:
Bird flu (avian influenza) CDC
Human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza
An overview of influenza H5 vaccines
Science Show: Preparing for the next pandemic
Vet chanced upon sick bird that turned out to be first H5 bird flu case

A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can reverse and slow down damage.
Should gyms turn the volume down on the loud music they play while patrons are working out?
The donated brains of Parkinson's patients are analysed, showing that the original clinical diagnoses are incorrect in up to twenty percent of cases.
And a study shows survivors of Ebola can experience longer term neurological symptoms, including memory loss.
References:
Neurological Manifestations in Adult Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease
Internet Searches for Leucovorin, Folate, and Acetaminophen After a White House Autism Announcement
Assignment of benefit changes delayed
Ongoing access to Zoladex monthly implant in Australia - AstraZeneca
A review of the relationship between dimensions of alcohol consumption and the burden of disease
Pathology and Genetics in a Global Cohort of Parkinsonian Disorders
Lower Music Volume Levels in Fitness Class and Perceived Exercise Intensity

Genomic testing is cheaper than ever and can pick up a risk of disease in people with no family history. Should we expand it nation-wide?
IUDs are a highly effective form of contraception, but some women are concerned about pain. A new study looks at how commonly women experience pain on insertion and why.
Researchers have criticised the current state of peer review for scientific grants in Australia, arguing the process lacks transparency and opportunities for appeal.
And the TGA is cracking down on unregulated peptides, saying they're a safety risk for consumers.
Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.
For more on peptides, listen to our recent story Who's using peptides, and do we know what's in them?
References
Diabetes society apologizes after removal of Trump protesters from conference sparks outrage
Diabetes Association in uproar after members expelled from annual meeting over protest of NIH cuts
Egg Allergy Prevalence Before and After Guidelines for Earlier Egg Introduction
TGA strengthens compliance focus on unapproved peptide products as part of evolving risk response
TGA cracks down on unregulated peptides, says increased imports are posing a risk to consumer safety
Feasibility and outcomes of the DNA Screen nationwide adult genomic screening pilot
Factors Associated With Pain Related to Insertion of a Contraceptive Intrauterine Device: Findings of a National Survey
Australia’s erosion of peer review - Science