Management of brain injury in non-elite field hockey and Australian football - a qualitative study.

Issue addressed: This study aimed to assess the current understanding of brain injury in sport, and to identify existing management and return-to-play guidelines associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), in non-elite field hockey and Australian rules football in Western Australia.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with key injury management personnel in non-elite field hockey and Australian football in Western Australia.Results: None of the twenty clubs surveyed followed a standardised procedure for the management of head and brain injury in their team or sport.Conclusions: Findings from the study indicate that the management of head and brain injury was variable, subjective in nature, and that there were no evidence-based guidelines available for the management of mTBI to any of the respondents in this study.So what: Sporting associations and governing bodies should drive the development of evidence-based policies and guidelines that incorporate initial management of head and brain injury, and return-to-play guidelines following mTBI in sport. The primary focus of the initial drive should be towards junior sport where the incidence of head and brain injury is significant

Health promotion innovation in primary health care

Previously, the main focus of primary health care practices was to diagnose and treat patients. The identification of risk factors for disease and the prevention of chronic conditions have become a part of everyday practice. This paper provides an argument for training primary health care (PHC) practitioners in health promotion, while encouraging them to embrace innovation within their practice to streamline the treatment process and improve patient outcomes. Electronic modes of communication, education and training are now commonplace in many medical practices. The PHC sector has a small window of opportunity in which to become leaders within the current model of continuity of care by establishing their role as innovators in the prevention, treatment and management of disease. Not only will this make their own jobs easier, it has the potential to significantly impact patient outcomes

Assessment of reach of physical activity and exercise media messages to regional Western Australia

The ‘Kimberley Active; Getting Our Mob Moving’ campaign, is aimed at Indigenous communities in the Northwest. It seeks to promote physical activity to a broad cross-section of community members to improve their health status by incorporating exercise into their daily lives. AIM: The aim of this formative component of the project was to gain an understanding of the reach of physical activity and exercise advertisements to the residents in Broome, Western Australia.SAMPLE AND METHODS: A purposive sample of spectators who attended the local Australian Rules Football grand final held in a Broome on 27 August 2007 were asked to complete a brief survey around media messages they recalled hearing, reading or watching in the past six months associated with physical activity and exercise. Deliberate measures were taken to ensure a good response rate from both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal adults.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that a significant number of respondents engaged in regular and long period of sedentary behaviours on a regular weekly basis. Furthermore, few respondents are active enough to gain any health benefits. Physical activity preferences suggested should be considered and several options tested in the larger campaign, budget permitting Most respondents did not consume the national nutrition target of two serves of fruit and five of vegetables daily. Listening to the radio was a common past-time. This media avenue should be further investigated as a cost effective means of delivering educational messages to a wide cross-section of the target group

Industry Guidelines for Seafood Health and Nutrition Messages

This guide has been written to assist the seafood industry to recognise and promote health and nutrition messages regarding seafood consumption and health.The guide summarises relevant regulations, legislation and guidelines governing use of health and nutrition messages to promote seafood on food labels and in advertising material. Although this guide provides the main points that should be considered when promoting the health benefits of seafood, it is recommended that the original documents are referred to when planning any labelling or advertising materials. A list of relevant websites and references are provided at the end of this guide. The guide also summarises scientific evidence regarding the health benefits of seafood consumption

Hepatitis C treatment - better outcomes through partner support

BACKGROUND Globally, it is estimated that 170 million people are living with hepatitis C and between three and four million are newly infected annually. In Australia, around 1% of people are living with chronic hepatitis C, with two-thirds of these being men. AIMS This research aimed to determine the impact of hepatitis C treatment on partners of patients using in-depth exploratory techniques. METHOD Four infected men and their partners (n= 8 participants) and three service providers were recruited and interviewed separately to identify the needs of female partners supporting patients with Hepatitis C. Discussion was based on the experiences of female partners during the treatment phase of male hepatitis C patients. RESULTS All participants recognised a need for greater assistance for partners of hepatitis C treatment patients. It was also recognised that strong social support improved treatment outcomes and helped to maintain the survival of family relationships during the intensive treatment phase. CONCLUSION Although this research was limited by size, it provides valuable insights into ways to enhance hepatitis C management outcomes beyond traditional medical treatment regimes, for example through formal partner support

Seafood, nutrition and human health: A synopsis of the nutritional benefits of consuming seafood

Seafood as a whole food is highly nutritious. Benefits to human health associated with the consumption of seafood are noted for multiple bodily organs and physiological functions. Seafood compares favourably with other protein sources as it offers superior macronutrients in the ideal form of lean proteins combined with healthy omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs),and a wide array of highly bioavailable micronutrients.This exposition investigates the role of key nutrients present in seafood on human health. Particular focus is placed on marine sourced omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins A, B12, D and E, iodine, selenium, calcium, zinc and iron

Consumption of fish and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has been described as 'one of the most disabling and burdensome health conditions worldwide' and is responsible for approximately 70% of dementia in the elderly. Based on the current prevalence of AD, an aging world population and the associated projected health care requirements, it is estimated that by 2050, the prevalence of AD will reach 104 million with around 43% requiring ongoing health care. If the onset of AD can be reduced by as little as one year, the prevalence could be reduced by 10%. There is substantial commonality in research findings to date around the positive influence of seafood consumption in reducing the risk of dementia and AD. Emerging concern about the sustainability of global fisheries supports the recommendation of selective consumption of sustainable wild caught and increased emphasis on production of farmed fish supplies to meet consumption needs