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Homeopathy – a Political Diversion Rather than a Valid Issue
The spotlight has recently been shone on Homeopathy with GP commentators saying that if pharmacist collaboration is to occur with GP’s then homeopathy should be banned within pharmacies. Then we have had some pharmacy commentators echoing the call mainly from the HMR accredited sector- the pharmacists from NHP pharmacology actually seeking collaboration with GP’s. Given…
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When it comes to cancer – who are the brave ones?
The recent death of Jessica Ainscough, the ‘Wellness Warrior’, sparked headlines that she was ‘brave‘. Suffering from a rare, slowly growing cancer, she rejected a drastic, but potentially life-saving medical treatment. She embraced ‘alternative medicine’. Two other beautiful young women, Amanda Rootsey and Belle Gibson, were also praised for ‘bravely’ fighting cancer ‘naturally’. Is that…
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Plant extracts offer hope against diabetes and cancer
Diabetes is the fastest growing metabolic disease in the world. A new study has shown that traditional Aboriginal and Indian plant extracts could be used to manage the disease and may also have potential use in cancer treatment. Researchers from Swinburne University of Technology identified plant species that could potentially be applied in the management…
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The truth about herbal ‘medicines’
Herbal medicines have been defined as “an unknown dose of an ill-defined drug, of unknown effectiveness and unknown safety“. Now under the spotlight by regulators in the US, the UK, Canada and here in Australia, do they work, are they safe and do you even get what you pay for? More than 60% of Australians…
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A Missed Opportunity?
The recent BioCeuticals Symposium in Sydney was titled “Interrelated Drivers of Health and Disease” and was attended by 350 health practitioners. Speakers at this outstanding forum included Dr Mark Houston, the world’s leading Functional Cardiologist, Dr David Haase, renowned Integrative Neurologist, Dr Joseph Pizzorno, pioneering naturopath and advisor to the Clinton Administration White House Commission…
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Embrace and Plan for the Future of 3D Drug Printing
In 3D-printing, pharmacists have a tool that if understood and used appropriately, can elevate their ability to perform research and provide service levels not even previously envisaged. i2P often claims that “it lives in the future to reflect a pathway back to its present readers”. Believe me, this claim refers to the topics contained within…
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The Unmet Needs of Cancer
How can we understand and meet the unfulfilled needs of our patients who have been through cancer therapy? Recent research shows that many cancer patients face physical and mental challenges that impair their quality of life well beyond the five-year survival milestone. These problems and challenges can vary by the type of cancer and the…
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Wondrous Wiggly Worms!
Human evolution and parasitic infections have run hand-in-hand since antiquity. Humans can be hosts to nearly 300 species of parasitic worms. Some cause death, suffering and economic loss in both developing and developed nations and research is ongoing to develop vaccines for these infections. Can some worms offer health benefits? People become infected by consuming…
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Science teaches us that we must see to believe, but we must also believe in order to see!
The current ruling on homeopathy defies logical reasoning, bearing in mind that just 60 studies were taken into account of 1300 submitted Systematic reviews typically find a lack of definite positive evidence of efficacy, and recommend further research. 49% of systematic research reviews on conventional medicine reach similar “inclusive” conclusions, 96% recommend further research. (El…
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Print your own medicine – a $9 million 3D printing research and development hub opens in Melbourne
If I was back in my early 40’s, and including the energy levels I had back then, I would certainly not be wasting my time about the latest political “spin doctoring” from pharmacy organisations or government. It is so much a waste of time. I would be looking to harness the latest in scientific research and…