Media Release
September 10 2009
Health Care: Truth or myth?
Two
South Australian health professionals will raise questions about
healthcare practices and dispel myths with expert research at a free
upcoming seminar at UniSA.
Nearly 200 people have already registered for the seminar which will be
held on Friday 25 September from 2pm to 4pm, in the Barbara Hanrahan
Building at UniSA’s
City West Campus.
Seminar organiser and
Successful Ageing coordinator
Libbi Langford said for many Australians, the number of new health
products on the market can be overwhelming. With the offer of quick
fixes, generic solutions, and an abundance of information on offer, many
people were making decisions without realising there may be adverse
affects, she said.
“As Australia’s population ages, the pressure on our healthcare system
increases, and more people are looking for simpler and cheaper
healthcare options,” Ms Langford said. “This UniSA seminar will explore
issues associated with the current trend to self medicate with little or
no professional advice.”
Guest speakers will include Michael Simpson, Optometrist with
Just
Spectacles and
Professor Allan Evans, Pro Vice Chancellor,
Health Sciences at UniSA.
Professor Evans will explore the increase of self-medication and the use
of over the counter medicines and remedies in his presentation 'Valuable
medicine or deceptive snake oil? Helping individuals assess the benefits
of the medicines they use'.
“How can a consumer know whether health claims are genuine and whether a
product will do all that it claims?” asks Prof Evans. “It is more
important than ever that consumers understand the level of evidence that
is required for a health claim to be made and understand that you cannot
always believe what you may hear about the benefits of supplements and
complementary medicines.”
Michael Simpson will provide a three part presentation on eye care. This
will include an update on the effects that smoking has on vision; the
benefits of having digital retinal check-ups; and the pros and cons of
ready-made spectacles.
“Our eyesight is largely taken for granted, but needs ongoing care just
like all other parts of our body,” he said. “At Just Spectacles we
believe in the power of education, and aim to share with our customers
the latest research findings”.
UniSA's free Successful Ageing seminar series for 2009 comprises special
presentations on topical issues relevant to our more senior alumni and
the community. The seminars, delivered by UniSA academic staff and
allied professionals, give access to the latest information on research
on a range of health and lifestyle issues. This latest seminar is being
sponsored by Just Spectacles.
For seminar bookings or more information please contact Libbi Langford,
Successful Ageing coordinator, UniSA, office (08) 8302 0964 email
libbi.langford@unisa.edu.au
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- Kelly Stone office (08) 8302 0963 mobile 0417 861 832 email kelly.stone@unisa.edu.au