News & Things

This page is where I place the intangeable 'things'. Just stuff that makes a positive difference in my day-to-day, in Queensland, Australia. A constant work in progress, so to speak - as I journey along with you...please keep watching this space!



Concern about the overuse of over-the-counter pain medications - What's your
experience?
There have recently been a number of news stories about the dangers of overusing painkillers
that contain codeine and/or ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory).
Last week, there were reports about the potential for long-term use of codeine to increase how
much pain people feel. Read more...
This week there have been reports that the misuse of a popular painkiller resulted in a number
of deaths in Victoria. Read more...
We're interested in hearing what people with chronic pain think about this issue, and the
way it is portrayed in the media. There's already been a bit of dicussion about this on our
Facebook page. If this issue is important to you, please email us at:
national.office@chronicpainaustralia.org.au or write to us at: Chronic Pain Australia National Office, 8 Melville St, Parramatta, NSW 2150. Or you can join the conversation on Facebook!

New study aims to ease chronic pain

Tracking which treatments actually work for the one in five children and adults who suffer from
chronic pain is the focus of a new study that hopes to improve the understanding of how we deal
with pain in Australia and New Zealand. Read more...


Lyrica to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme | Media Release
"Around 270,000 Australians will benefit from a medicine used to treat chronic nerve pain, which
will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)."  Read more...

Chronic Pain Australia has been told by the Health Minister's office that it is anticipated Lyrica

will be listed on the PBS from 1 March 2013, subject to final arrangements being made by the 
supplier of the medicine.




The painful truth of shingles revealed in a new Australian survey
“This survey helps shine a spotlight on a significant source of ongoing pain for many older Australians,” said Dr Coralie Wales, President, Chronic Pain Australia. “Many people think of shingles as just an unpleasant rash – like an adult version of chicken pox. The truth is, chronic pain from shingles is common and debilitating, particularly amongst those in their sixties, seventies and older, yet it is not well-known by the general public.”  Read more...



This video shows a new European designed page turner...







NDIS : 

The latest update from "John Della Bosca" ; and everyone at the Every Australian Counts team...(read-on);
It has been a momentous few weeks in the campaign for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
At the end of April, we rallied around Australia in our thousands. We held our breath one week later when the Federal government allocated $1 billion in the May Budget to kick off the first stage of the NDIS.
The money, allocated over four years, includes the establishment of four ‘launch sites' covering 10,000 people from mid-2013, rising to 20,000 by mid-2014.
But the NDIS is not locked in, not yet. Will you ask five friends to join the campaign to help keep the pressure on?Federal funding doesn't extend beyond 2014. The Federal Government is not able to commit beyond the initial four launch sites until negotiations conclude with the States and Territories, and they've raised concerns about how they will fund their share.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott recently re-affirmed the Coalition's commitment to the NDIS as recommended by the Productivity Commission in a letter to disability organisations and advocacy groups. But the Opposition has also pointed out that the $1 billion is well below the funding recommended by the Productivity Commission.
The NDIS is still very much in its infancy. We need to keep campaigning so it is not get derailed by politicking, particularly as we inch closer to a Federal election. 
Help lock in the NDIS for good. Ask five friends to join the campaign.
We need certainty that the NDIS will become a reality, so people get the support they need when they need it. We want all our politicians to support the NDIS and make the commitment to see it through.
As a matter of urgency, we want to see:







  • The announcement of the locations of the four launch sites





  • A detailed long term funding plan for the NDIS beyond 2014





  • The creation of the independent National Disability Insurance Agency, and





  • Legislation to enshrine the NDIS guaranteed, for good.
    We want to demonstrate momentum continues to build for the NDIS, so ask your friends to join the campaign today. Remember, our target is 200,000 by the end of the year.
    Thank you for your support.
    John Della Bosca
    and the Every Australian Counts Campaign Team

    www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au
    P.S. We’ll be updating you soon on more campaign actions you can take this year to support the NDIS. In the meantime, ask a friend or five to join the campaign and show momentum is building, and that we won’t give up. Download a signup sheet and ask your friends, work colleagues and family members to support the NDIS today. 




  • Websites:
    QLD cabbies will be given a cash incentive to pick up wheelchair-bound passengers'. The$6.50 a ride subsidy brings QLD into line with other states but will have no effect on cab fares for the customer. 
    http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-cabbies-to-get-subsidy-for-wheelchair-passengers/story-e6freoof-1226267786055

    1 comment:

    1. I look forward to your great news! Best wishes in your recovery!

      ReplyDelete