Spiders scare me, but I also find them fascinating – and they help with my art

Oct 20, 2018 15:57 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health

Eight schools in London have closed this month because of an infestation of spiders. The schools reported that they were concerned for the childrens well-being so they sent their pupils home in one case for a whole month....

Do some people really want to get HIV? I spoke 'bug chasers' around the world to find out

Oct 20, 2018 15:29 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health

Why would anybody want to get infected with HIV? That is what most people ask when they first hear about bug chasing. In fact, a number of gay men, at least online, appear to clamour for HIV. They are known as bug chasers...

What's needed to do a better job of pre-empting disease outbreaks

Oct 20, 2018 15:28 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health

The concept of One Health is deceptively simple: its the recognition that human, animal and environmental health are all inherently linked. Put into practice, it means approaching global health issues such as disease...

Pesticides and suicide prevention – why research needs to be put into practice

Oct 20, 2018 15:26 pm UTC| Insights & Views Health

As many as 800,000 people around the world die every year by suicide, with 76% of these deaths in low and middle income countries like India and China. Between 110,000 and 168,000 people die from self-poisoning using...

Please don't dismiss the PC inquiry into mental health as 'just another inquiry'

Oct 20, 2018 06:05 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

While chairing the National Mental Health Commission I pushed hard for an all-encompassing review of mental health, and I have welcomed the recent announcement that the Productivity Commission will conduct one. But Ive...

From peaceful coexistence to potential peril: the bacteria that live in and on us

Oct 20, 2018 06:04 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

Bacteria are everywhere, including in and on our bodies. There are estimated to be as many bacteria in a human body as there are human cells. Much like Pig Pen in the comic strip Peanuts, we actually carry around a...

The surprising secret to successful psychotherapy

Oct 20, 2018 05:56 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

As a clinical psychologist and educator, I am often asked to recommend a psychotherapist for people in need. These requests come with a sense of urgency to find the best possible therapist. Many people are at a loss over...