DVDHealth Pain DVD Update

Thank you to all who have been involved so far. We are very excited about the Pain DVD and look forward to its release next year. Stay tuned!!

In the meantime, if you want to see one of our finished projects got to DVDHealth to purchase a copy of our Osteoporosis Health Management DVD with interviews with specialists and patients with osteoporosis.

Or call us on +612 9262 3315 to order your copy 

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We have begun the exciting task of creating a new DVD for our series DVDHealth. Pain is our new topic, and we have started to make a full length DVD. We have a huge task ahead of us, and we are collaborating with some great organisations in order to do this.

It will help revolutionise the way we understand pain in the public space, and hopefully educate people on the needs of those who suffer from chronic pain.

Stay tuned for the release in January 2011. Not too far now!!

PPM

Bread Bakers - Salt Shakers? - Too much salt in Aussie Bread!!

Less than half of bread products in Australian supermarkets have acceptable salt levels, according to data released today by Sydney based, The George Institute for Global Health.


Read the full story here.

Baby boom slows, but more births to older mothers

A fall in the rate of women giving birth suggests the baby boom may have peaked, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).


The report, Australia’s mothers and babies 2008, shows there was a 0.6 percentage point fall in the overall rate of women aged 15 to 44 years giving birth, from 64.9 per 1,000 women in 2007 to 64.4 per 1,000 women in 2008. Of these, an estimated 3.2% of women who gave birth received assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment.


‘The proportion of older women giving birth has continued to rise over the past 18 years,’ said Associate Professor Elizabeth Sullivan, of the Institute’s National Perinatal Statistics Unit located at the University of New South Wales.


Source AIHW - November 2010


Read the full article here.

'Missing’ bacteria in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis patients identified

Scientists on the Norwich Research Park have identified some bacteria that are low in abundance in the gut of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients compared to healthy adults.

This finding could be relevant to preventing or managing these conditions to maintain health.

Using molecular profiling techniques Institute of Food Research scientists have identified significant abnormalities in the faecal bacteria of UC and IBS patients. Previous studies have shown a reduced microbial diversity associated with UC and IBS but have not identified which groups of bacteria are missing.

“A better understanding of which bacteria or bacterial populations are relevant to ulcerative colitis and IBS is important if microbial interventions are to be used in preventing or managing these conditions,” said Dr Arjan Narbad from the Institute of Food Research.

Read the full article here

Osteoporosis DVDHealth Snippet

This is an exert from our Osteoporosis DVD. If you wish to purchase a copy please go to our DVDHealth website or phone us on +612 9262 3315, a percentage of the profits go back to Osteoporosis Australia.

COPYRIGHT © PushPull Medical 2010

Thunderstorms cause Asthma 'Spike' in NSW

A ‘spike’ in asthma-related accident and emergency attendances has been recorded this week, linked to extensive thunderstorm activity across NSW.

NSW Emergency Departments recorded 126 visits on Tuesday that were assigned a diagnosis of asthma, compared with a usual count of 68.

NSW Health Director of Environmental Health Dr Wayne Smith said increases occurred at Bathurst, Liverpool, Auburn and Mt Druitt EDs, along with Wagga, Albury and Tamworth in the last week.

“These results are consistent with increases that often occur in regional NSW at this time of year, linked to thunderstorm activity combined with rye grass pollination,” Dr Smith said.

“People who are allergic to grass pollens and who get hay fever at this time of the year may be more prone to develop asthma symptoms associated with thunderstorms.”


Source: The NSW Health Department


Read the full story here.

Could gene α2δ3 change the way we experience pain?

Surprisingly, this gene is also linked to synaesthesia, a condition that leads to sensations of one kind being perceived as another. Words or numbers might be perceived as colours – the number 7 as the colour yellow – or colours could be heard as music.

Dr Greg Neely, a recently-appointed researcher at Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research, led the project with Professor Josef Penninger, while at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna. The research is published in the current issue of Cell.

Source: The Garvan Institute


Read the full article here

DVDHealth Pain DVD

We have begun the exciting task of creating a new DVD for our series DVDHealth. Pain is our new topic, and we have started to make a full length DVD. We have a huge task ahead of us, and we are collaborating with some great organisations in order to do this.

It will help revolutionise the way we understand pain in the public space, and hopefully educate people on the needs of those who suffer from chronic pain.

Stay tuned for the release in January 2011. Not too far now!!

PPM

The Cost of Treating End-stage Kidney Disease to Rise Significantly over the next decade

The cost of treating end-stage kidney disease from 2009 to 2020 is estimated to be around $12 billion according to a new report launched today.

The report by Kidney Health Australia and the George Institute for Global Health1, „The Economic Impact of End-Stage Kidney Disease in Australia?, reveals the incidence of kidney disease is growing at a serious rate, projected to increase by more than 54% to 2020.

Read the full article here

Women and heart disease: cardiovascular profile of women in Australia

Fast facts


• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)—a highly preventable and treatable group of diseases—are a major threat to the health of Australian women. But there is a lack of awareness of this threat.


• More than one in three women who died in 2006 did so as a result of a cardiovascular disease. 


• Coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and other heart diseases (including heart failure) are the three leading causes of death among women. 


• About two million women (one in five) have cardiovascular disease. About 226,000 of these women have CHD, 168,000 have had a stroke and 176,000 have heart failure. 


• CHD and stroke are in the top 10 causes of poor health and disability among Australian women. 


• Most women (91%) have at least one modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and half of all women have two or three. 


• Most of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease are known, and many of them can be changed. For example, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity and high blood pressure can be modified and their burden reduced. 


• Many of these risk factors are already common among young females—from as young as 35–44 years, it is more common for females to be overweight or obese than to have a healthy weight; and one in five of those aged 20–29 years smoke daily. 


• CVDs are the second most expensive diseases in terms of health system expenditure on women, with $2,682.8 million spent treating CVD in women in Australia in 2004–05. 


Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Medical Observer Article on HelpDomain

Patients’ non-medical FAQs answered online

Shannon McKenzie   all articles by this author

GPs now have a new online resource to help them answer questions on some of the non-medical practicalities faced by patients with terminal and chronic conditions.

Established by PushPull Medical, the new website – helpdomain.com.au – draws on the knowledge of experts across a range of fields such as finance and law, and offers advice on the many issues and decisions that patients with serious health problems will face.

The website contains information on everything from superannuation and power of attorney, to financial planning and potential support groups. It also has video recordings of experts giving advice – including a GP – as well as recordings of real-life patients sharing their experiences.

GPs can refer patients to the website, or use it to better inform themselves of the issues so they are able to answer any patient questions more appropriately.

Over 15% of Australians affected by arthritis as population ages

More than 3.1 million Australians were estimated to be affected by arthritis in 2007–08, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

The report, A snapshot of arthritis in Australia 2010, found that the prevalence of arthritis increased from 13.6% in 2001 to 15.2% in 2007–08.

‘This increase can be largely attributed to Australia’s ageing population,’ said Dr Naila Rahman, of the AIHW’s National Centre for Monitoring Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions.

‘The rate of arthritis increases with age, especially after the age of 45, and is highest among those aged over 75 years. An older population means a higher prevalence of the disease.’

Read the full article here.

Health Calculator

They say these days that BMI (Body Mass Index) isn't the perfect way to work out if you are the right weight or not. I agree with this for some people, particularly those who carry a lot of muscle. Often they will be "overweight" according to the BMI. However, if you are a regular person like me, it seems to work quite well, but I don't even own a set of scales, so I'm just guessing now!

The Pedometer is very useful. I tend to walk at least 10,000 steps per day. That is normal for me, as I walk most places. How many steps do you take. Work it out below!

 

© PushPull Medical 2010

H1N1 Animation

Here is the H1N1 animation that our background came from. It makes this virus look pretty fascinating and beautiful.

© PushPull Medical 2010

Our new Blog Background!

The background you see here is an artists impression of the H1N1 virus. We created this using Lightwave, a 3D modelling and animation program. 3D allows you to explore worlds we wouldn't normally be able to see. I think that the possibilities for education and communication are endless, as these mediums are integrated into other interactive technologies making for an incredibly powerful format from which to learn!

Let us know what you think?? email: info@pushpullmedical.com.au

Here is the image below:

© PushPull Medical 2010

Cigarette smoke linked to ADHD, headaches and stuttering in children

Research to be presented at an international conference (Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health) in Sydney today (8 Oct) shows that children exposed to second-hand smoke have significantly higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), headaches and stuttering than those who are not exposed.

The US study asked about exposure to cigarette smoke at home among children aged four to 11 and adolescents aged 12 to 15, and also measured the cotinine levels in their blood (a measure of exposure to tobacco smoke). After controlling for socioeconomic factors and prenatal exposure, the study found children exposed to second-hand smoke had double the rate of ADHD (10.6% compared to 4.6%), almost double the rate of stuttering (6.3%% compared to 3.5%) and an increased rate of headaches (14.2% compared to 10.0%). Adolescents also had significantly higher rates of headaches (26.5% compared to 20.0%). 

Read the full article here.

Walking techniques interactive

For more interactive media go to DrsWaitingRoom

30 Minutes to Spare can Reduce our Risk of Chronic Disease

Activities such as walking to work, getting off a few stops early from public transport, or going for a walk during your lunch break can help prevent Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and cancer.


Read the full article here

Critically Low Blood Sugar Can Lead to Vascular Problems

A new study published by Sydney-based The George Institute for Global Health has found that people with type 2 diabetes who suffer episodes of critically low blood sugar levels (severe hypoglycemia) are at greater risk of suffering subsequent vascular problems such as a heart attack, stroke and kidney disease, as well as non-vascular problems such as cancer and respiratory conditions.

Read the full article here.

Osteoarthritis Knee Pressure Calculator

*Disclaimer: These Interactive Calculators are a guide only and should not be used alone. You should maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise for a healthy lifestyle, with the guidance of your Health Care Providers.

Alcopops Tax Has Worked

Alcopops Tax Has Worked

Victorian results from the 2008 Australian Secondary School Students Alcohol and Drug Survey (ASSAD) show that the closure of the alcopops tax loophole has worked.


Read the full article here

Researchers develop system for growing veggies on the moon

Researchers develop system for growing veggies on the moon: "Researchers at the University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) claim to have developed a system to grow vegetables for a proposed lunar base."

Memory Melodies

A fun memory game we created in Flash.  Have a go and post your score!  There will be a prize for the highest score  send a screen shot of the final score to info@pushpullmedical.com.au

A New Way Of Reversing Certain Cancers

Australian and American scientists have found a way of shrinking tumours in certain cancers – a finding that provides hope for new treatments. Read the full article here. For more Health News Stories head to: http://www.drswaitingroom.com.au/index.php/news/

Back Pain Trial to Test Paracetamol Power

Just a tiny fraction of people with back pain are receiving the right treatment according to Sydney-based The George Institute for Global Health.

Read the full article here

For more Health News Stories head to: http://www.drswaitingroom.com.au/index.php/news/

DVDHealth

DVDHealth is a condition specific series of DVD's created for patients who have recently been diagnosed with a potentially chronic condition. These programs present the facts and methods for management through high quality graphics, specialist presentations and interviews with patients. The DVDHealth series also uses highly visual 3D animated material to explain complex medical concepts, focussing on explaining and demonstrating the importance of good management practice. 

We aim to provide improved health literacy through an increased understanding of disease management techniques, increased awareness of treatment options, thus giving rise to the potential of better health outcomes, enhanced relationships with physicians, patients and support groups.

Access to complimentary resources which include online management downloads is also made available through DrsWaitingRoom.com.au

For more on DVDHealth or to purchase our DVD please go to the webpage

Multimedia creates endless possibilites

We use Lightwave to create our 3D animation. Here is another unique way Lightwave has been used to create stop-motion light animations using iPad... very exciting!

http://bit.ly/aLi1zF


Making Future Magic: iPad light painting from Dentsu London on Vimeo.

PushPullMedical works with a wide range of medical and health care personnel to bring innovative and unique health care solutions.

They provide patients and healthcare professionals with a wide range of dynamic multi media tools which allow the understanding of complex medical and health concepts to come alive. These advanced learning tools convey vital information, provide patient support systems and offer sensible solutions to common health and care problems.

Have a look at our image library: www.pushpullmedical.com.au/PPM_ImageLibrary.html

Customised Media

PPM provides a customised production service to health associations, media groups and pharmaceutical companies. Content is produced internally through medical writers, multi media designers and animators before going through a process of medical approval ready for publishing. PPM has an extensive library of video footage, food image database, anatomy in 2D and 3D, research and interactive management systems.

For more information please visit: www.pushpullmedical.com.au/PPM_CustomisedMedia.html

Our Work

We create everything in-house. Our 3D, video, sound and interactive designs are all created here in Clarence St Sydney. We pride ourselves on the quality of our media. Please have a look at some of our work here: www.pushpullmedical.com.au/PPM_OurWork.html

And contact us on: info@pushpullmedical.com.au for more information

DrsToolBox™ is an initiative created in consultation with doctors. It provides healthcare professionals with access to fully interactive 3D images and animations in an exciting to use interface to assist them to better communicate to patients in the consultation process. 

For more information please visit DrsToolBox.com.au

DrsWaitingRoom has a dedicated health news section

DrsWaitingRoom has a news section regularly updated with local and international health news. Check it out here: DWR News

Time to register for "Walk for Pain"

WALK FOR CHRONIC PAIN

This year's Walk for Chronic Pain will be held at Iron Cove in Sydney, and will follow "The Bay Run" which is a very popular walking track. The walk will take place from Monday the 18th October to Friday the 22nd October.

The circuit is approximately 7kms and will be walked by teams taking part to a total of 150km. 

Register for this event - download a registration form here.

Walkers should take certain precautions when taking part in this event. There will be an ongoing traffic hazard and each individual must take responsibility for his or her safety. Adequate protection against the sun should be taken, including hats, sunglasses and keeping skin covered. Wet weather gear is advised. Good, solid walking shoes should be worn, and teams should bring adequate water for the event (2L per person per day is recommended).

For more information check out Chronic Pain Australia's website: www.chronicpainaustralia.com

HelpDomain - We're Here to Help!

HelpDomain is a website designed to provide a hub of information for families of people, and for people who are suffering a significant health issue. There are hundreds of links to informative websites, plus information about issues which need to be dealt with during a health crisis.

DrsWaitingRoom our online health information portal

DrsWaitingRoom.com.au is a series of online portals, linking health care professionals and patients with high-quality, interactive educational material and tools for managing chronic disease.

If you notice the top section where our beautiful animation of the synapse is, there is a button called 'click for dashboard'. The dashboard has interviews with real patients telling their own stories, and a section on nutrition, complete with a nutrition value cart to help you calculate your daily intake, as well as important links.


DrsWaitingRoom has been a project for us to try to give back a comprehensive resource for the public. We have done this ourselves, with medical guidance, and we would love help from others. If you have any suggestions to conditions you would like to see in DrsWaitingRoom please email: info@pushpullmedical.com.au

DVDHealth Osteoporosis Health Management DVD

We produced our Osteoporosis DVD with proceeds going back into Osteoporosis Australia. 

This particular project was fully self funded and required a massive amount of time and energy from everyone involved. We thoroughly enjoyed creating this video and hope that it helps people at risk of developing Osteoporosis, and those who already have it. If you know anyone interested in purchasing a copy, send them to our website here:

DVDHealth

Or just phone us on +612 9262 3315

Here is a snippet from the video:

Our Brands

We have multiple facets to PushPull Medical:

Drs WaitingRoom

DVDHealth

Drs ToolBox

HelpDomain

They are all independent brands, that can interlink to form a powerful education platform.

Our 3D animation

We create all our media in house.

This synaptic cleft is part of our visualisation of pain.

PushPull Medical is now blogging!!

We are a small medical multimedia production company who thrive on creating new and exciting media to educate everyone about hard to communicate medical and medical related concepts.

Follow us on twitter and view our website.

If you need more information, please contact us on info@pushpullmedical.com.au