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Apr 29 10

Seasonal flu vaccine not for under 5′s

by Ian Breakspear

The ABC is reporting that the Australian Medical Association of Queensland (AMAQ) is suspending use of the seasonal influenza vaccine in children under 5 years, after the large number of adverse reactions in children, including one death, suspected to be linked to the vaccine.

Apparently the president of the AMAQ went on to say …

“You really have to be in the at-risk groups that really warrant a vaccine – remember that,”

Let’s hope this gets sorted out soon.

Apr 28 10

Study: Depressed people eat more Chocolate

by Ian Breakspear

The ABC is reporting on a study just published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, which seems to show that depressed people eat more chocolate. This is interesting due to the much discussed – but often poorly studied – link between mood and chocolate. However more detailed conclusions are not yet possible from this study.

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Apr 27 10

Australian Children Sick after Flu Vaccination

by Ian Breakspear

The ABC is reporting that more than 250 children in Western Australia have become ill after influenza vaccinations. All these children are under 5 years of age and have suffered – to varying degrees of severity – such adverse reactions (AR’s) as fever, vomiting and convulsions. The cause appears to be unknown at this time, and they don’t seem to be sure of the case frequency in other States and Territories.

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Apr 24 10

The downfall of Green & Black’s Chocolate

by Ian Breakspear

I recently heard from a friend that Green & Black’s chocolate, once a company offering fine quality milk and dark chocolate, has started putting milk products in all of its range, even its dark chocolate. Today I had a look at the range on the shelf of a local store and sure enough, even their dark 85% block had milk products listed as ingredients.

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Apr 21 10

Honours Student Receives University Medal

by Ian Breakspear
Angelo Digiglio (left) and myself

An extra highlight at today’s UWS Graduation was to see Angelo Digiglio graduate with First Class Honours and the University Medal. I was fortunate enough to be one of Angelo’s supervisors and to formulate the research topic. Angelo’s thesis, entitled Comparison of Phytochemical Profile of Panax quinquefolius from Australia & North America, was a fantastic piece of work, well deserving of First Class Honours and the even higher distinction of the University Medal.

Congratulations Angelo (pictured left holding his medal) !