This week's top health stories

Vet speaks out after Hendra ordeal

AM - 22/11/2008
The Brisbane horse vet at the centre of the deadly Hendra virus outbreak in June this year has spoken in depth for the first time about the terrible toll the disease took on his life, his staff, and his business. Dr David Lovell says the disease which killed one of his colleagues and has left him facing a host of legal problems.

Lose weight, rediscover your mojo

Science Online - 21/11/2008
A man's secret to maintaining a healthy sex life well into old age could be as simple as shedding a few kilograms, says an Australian obesity expert.

Drug company sponsorships raise conflict concerns

The World Today - 20/11/2008
There are calls to stop drug companies from sponsoring awards for health journalists. A lecturer from the University of Newcastle, Ray Moynihan argues the drug companies use awards as a subtle marketing tool to encourage positive coverage of their products by journalists.

Dry skin gets the indigo treatment

Science Online - 20/11/2008
A dose of the blues may help persistent sufferers of psoriasis, according to a team of Taiwanese researchers.

Researchers discover viral link to MS

AM - 20/11/2008
Researchers at the University of Queensland may have found a link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the development of multiple sclerosis. Ninety per cent of people carry EBV virus, but this study shows that those with MS may be unable to control the level of EBV in their brains.

Brisbane pushes ahead with water recycling plan

7.30 Report - 19/11/2008
Questions are being raised as to why the Queensland Government is pushing ahead with a contentious multi-billion dollar water recycling scheme, despite a reasonably wet year in the states south-east.

Players' union protests Cousins' playing conditions

AM - 19/11/2008
Ben Cousins return to the football field may have hit an unexpected hurdle with the AFL Players' Association saying the special conditions afforded to the recovering drug addict are onerous and inconsistent with the AFL's own policy on illicit drugs.

Roxon considers after-hours Medicare reform

AM - 19/11/2008
The Federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, is concerned about reports that some doctors may be rorting Medicare's higher rebates for after hours and weekend medical care. And the Minister tells AM there is a case for reforming the after-hours Medicare benefits provided to doctors.

Nestle health kick doesn't go far enough: Senator Brown

AM - 19/11/2008
As part of push to improve its image on the nutritional front, the global food giant, Nestle, says it will reduce the sugar content in some of its top sellers. And it says if its product recipes can't be changed to meet tough new nutritional guidelines, Nestle won't advertise the products to Australian children.

Gardasil for boys and girls

PM - 18/11/2008
For the first time, clinical trials have found that Gardasil, the vaccine for the human papillomavirus, is effective for boys and men. The results showed the vaccination prevented papillomavirus-related genital warts in 90 per cent of the men in the study.