Seven recent deaths in Auckland have sparked concerns about the use of synthetic cannabis, which is often prominent in the local workforce.  The Chief Coroner and NZ Police have issued a warning following at least seven recent deaths in Auckland that they say appears to be linked to the use of synthetic cannabis. Continue →

A new guidance report aimed at health and safety and HR professionals offers healthy tips for local cyclists. Continue →

Recent cyberattacks have shown that Kiwis’ health information is vulnerable and at risk, a global expert warns. Continue →

A Stanford University study has found Kiwis are amongst the most sedentary people in the world. Continue →

Tailgating is the leading cause of rear-end crashes with one in two drivers failing to keep a safe following distance, according to a Queensland report that holds valuable lessons for New Zealand drivers. Continue →

Heightened activity in the amygdala – a region of the brain involved in stress – is associated with a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Continue →

University of Sydney researchers have found that smartphone apps for treating back pain have questionable value as they are generally of poor quality, and have not been rigorously evaluated. Continue →

Chronic stress helps cancer spread through the body by affecting the lymphatic system – a network of vessels which transports fluid around the body – according to Australian-led research on mice. Continue →

Physical activity guidelines should focus on getting inactive people to do a little activity rather than strive for the entire population to meet the current target of 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, say experts Too much sitting has been shown to increase the risk of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Continue →

Get up and stand up for at least two hours daily during working hours, office workers advised Office workers should be on their feet for a minimum of two hours daily during working hours, recommends guidance designed to curb the health risks of too much cumulative sitting time, and published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Continue →

New research that shows that influenza kills about 500 New Zealanders each year highlights the importance of getting a flu vaccination to keep workplaces germ-free The risk of premature death is much higher for Māori, Pasifika, men and those living in relative poverty. Continue →

  A new Australian website will also help more than 200,000 New Zealand emphysema sufferers and their families Breatheagain.com.au  Continue →

A bright idea from Napier OnGas Senior Driver Nakia (Nick) Holland has won a national award for reducing health and safety risks at work The Workplace Best Initiative to Address a Health Risk Award was given to Vector’s OnGas business at the New Zealand Health and Safety awards. Continue →

Many Kiwis struggle to keep active and healthy when temperatures plummet, but a leading New Zealand exercise expert says gym membership numbers actually go up in winter Exercise NZ Chief Executive Richard Beddie says winter – which officially starts today – is no excuse to stop training or ease on fitness levels. Continue →

  The lives of rural New Zealanders are at risk every day because of poor connectivity and inequitable health services, a rural health leader claims Rural Health Alliance of Aotearoa New Zealand (RHAANZ) chair Dr Martin London says government needs to help remove barriers so rural people’s health be considered just as important as those who live in cities. Continue →

The wet of winter is coming and farmers should be planning annual leptospirosis boosters for herds to protect themselves and animals from contracting the disease, WorkSafe advises “Leptospirosis can be passed from animals to humans,” says WorkSafe Programme Manager Agriculture Al McCone. Continue →

A new caller location system for 111 mobile phone calls will improve public safety and help save lives, ministers claim “The new system will automatically provide emergency services with a probable location of a caller when they dial 111,” Police Minister Paula Bennett says. Continue →

‘Slip, slop, slap’ is synonymous with playing it safe in the sun whether at work or play, but new research tells a different story for those affected by rarer forms of melanoma The genetic study has found that melanomas on the hands and feet (known as acral) and internal surfaces (known as mucosal) are not linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation – in contrast to melanoma of the skin, which is strongly related to UV radiation. Continue →

First-of-its-kind, personalized glucose forecasting tool may make meal planning simpler for type 2 diabetes patients Researchers have developed a personalized algorithm that predicts the impact of particular foods on an individual’s blood sugar levels, according to a new study. Continue →