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While it is widely known that the use of alcohol and tobacco are detrimental to a baby’s development, a new literature review conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia discovered that pregnant women are far less likely to perceive cannabis use to be harmful in spite of recent evidence to the contrary.

Floodwater can harbour dangerous soil-borne bacteria and disease organisms that pose serious health risks to the general public, as well as emergency services and health workers in affected regions. In the wake of recent flooding in North and North West Queensland there has been one death and several people have been hospitalised as a result of infection from environmental bacteria, in particular melioidosis.

Delaying the bathing of newborns for at least 12 hours after birth is associated with significant improvements in exclusive breastfeeding while in hospital and with mothers being more likely to have feeding plans on discharge that include human milk (exclusively or in addition to formula).

A new study has revealed first-time mothers who give birth via unplanned caesarean section are 15% more likely to experience postnatal depression, prompting calls for more mental health support for women whose babies are delivered via emergency caesarean section.

Overcrowding is a global concern for emergency departments (EDs) around the world. ED volume continues to grow at a steady pace, and as a result, hospitals are faced with increased adverse patient outcomes, higher mortality rates, longer lengths of stay and increased readmissions.

A vaccine that protects infants from a severe gastroenteritis-causing virus may provide an unexpected bonus; helping to prevent type 1 diabetes. The rotavirus vaccine became a routine immunisation for Australian babies in 2007, and unlike some other countries, it’s had widespread uptake. Now a new Australian study published online in JAMA Pediatrics, may have uncovered an added benefit to the childhood vaccination.

The Junior Doctor Survival Guide is a companion to the new students, interns and residents beginning their journeys as clinicians. Written by residents, for interns and residents, the Junior Doctor Survival Guide is a thorough summary of everything you need to know to get through your internship and residency (relatively) intact.

People who eat higher levels of dietary fibre and whole grains have lower rates of non-communicable diseases according to nearly 40 years of observational studies and clinical trials published in The Lancet. 

Patients could benefit from improved nursing care and outcomes thanks to new guidance that helps draw out meaningful findings from qualitative studies, according to new UK research.

Introducing dedicated expert nurses to proactively monitor patients at increased risk of “clinical deterioration” can help cut intensive care transfers by up to 40%, according to a new US study.