Ethnic leaders in New Zealand are repeating their calls for greater participation in shaping government policy. They have already met with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and on 10 October met with Opposition leader Chris Hipkins and several senior members of the Labour Party. Specific concerns The ethnic leaders told Hipkins and his cohorts they are Read more
We who’ve entered our so-called golden years can recite for you the usual prescriptions for extending our lives and for improving the quality of those lives while we’re here. Doctors tell us. Medicare tells us. Our insurance companies tell us. Watch your waistline, exercise, keep your mind active, socialise, go for your medical checkups. But Read more
Imagine this: a novel virus is rapidly breaking out nationwide, resulting in an epidemic. The government introduces vaccination mandates and a choice of different vaccines is available. But not everyone is getting the same vaccine. When you sign up for vaccination, you are sent a vial with instructions to send a sample of your saliva Read more
In his newly released autobiography “Life: My Story Through History” Pope Francis asserts that he has no plans to retire despite ongoing criticism and health challenges. The autobiography, co-authored with Italian journalist Fabio Marchese Ragona, delves into key moments of his life and papacy, shedding light on his stance amidst controversies surrounding his leadership. At Read more
Researchers have recorded brain signals for pain for the first time, using a machine learning technique that could lead to treatments for the condition. They recorded pain-related data inside the brains of individuals with chronic pain disorders caused by stroke or amputation. Scientists have long sought to understand how pain is represented by brain activity. Read more
COVID-19 restrictions are winding down and in Australia, as of Friday anyone who tests positive will no longer be required to isolate. It is one of the last COVID rules to be scrapped following two years of restrictions lead by health advice. Masks, too, seem to be being left behind. Once mandatory in public places, Read more
For many the price of groceries is prohibitive. At many supermarkets, tomatoes cost $15 per kilogram. A bag of Homebrand potato chips is $1.50, and a litre of soft drink is $0.90. For many families, the choice is obvious. Why get a bag of vegetables, when you could get 10 bags of chips or 16 Read more
As we live through the tragic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is useful to reflect on the current vaccination process and, in particular, the innovative contribution of Pope Francis’ teaching and action. Michael Rozier, a Jesuit professor of health management and policy, has reflected on the importance of commitment to health care and identified Read more
Poor mental health is almost three times more prevalent among people in New Zealand who experienced four or more “adverse childhood events” compared with people who experienced none, Auckland University research suggests. The study covered eight types of childhood adversity: Emotional, physical or sexual abuse, and growing up in a household where there was violence, Read more
An IVF mix-up resulted in two California couples giving birth to and going home with each other’s babies, a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles alleges One couple said they had immediate suspicions that the girl she gave birth to in late 2019 was not theirs, due to the child’s darker complexion. However, they fell in Read more