In today’s talking points: Anti-smoking shock ads should be used to curb obesity-AMA, American, Chinese scientists find potential treatment for asthma, China to establish centres for critical childbirth
Anti-smoking shock ads should be used to curb obesity-AMA
Australia’s peak medical lobby group, the Australia Medical Association, has called for anti-smoking shock ads to be used in order to fight the public health issue of obesity. President Dr Michael Gannon argues, “We know that in the older days, smoking and showing the diseases that occur from smoking, seem to have a major impact. They want to do the same for sugar and for diabetes.” Unarguably Australia is going through an obesity crisis with 60% of the population overweight, around the same number of 12-year-olds showing pre-diabetes, and obesity now causing more early deaths than tobacco. The AMA has also called for a national sugar tax, controlled junk-food advertising and increased nutritional literacy amongst youth.
Read More: 9News
American, Chinese scientists find potential treatment for asthma
A study published in the Science Translational Magazine, which was undertaken two leading immunologists in America and China, has identified a drug with the capacity to act as a relief mechanism against asthma. The treatment – a drug named TSG12 – was held to be more effective than current methods, including inhalers used by almost all people with asthma. While not a cure, the drug nonetheless provides a feasible alternative to patients.
Read More: Xinhua
China to establish centres for critical childbirth
Centers for expectant mothers will be rolled out across China this year, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission. At least 30 obstetric beds are required in each center at a county level, with a minimum capacity of 2,000 per annum. The program is aimed at boosting maternal health, and delivery management mechanisms. This issue stemmed from delayed marriage and pregnancy rates nationwide because of a surge in second childbirths through adjustments to the national health policy.
Read More: Xinhua