Latest news with #HunterMedicalResearchInstitute
The Advertiser
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Fever pitch: increase in hospitalisations as influenza cases spike
Influenza cases have surged by 58 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. Virologist Nathan Bartlett said "there's been a clear upward rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in the community". "We're definitely seeing an uptick in fever and cough," he said. Professor Bartlett, of Hunter Medical Research Institute, said flu season began with a surge of cases in May. "It's now intensifying," he said. "It's partially linked to global flu trends. The H3N2 strain is the troublemaker. It mutates and reduces the effectiveness of immunity." Professor Bartlett, of the University of Newcastle, said "the US had a record flu season in their winter just gone". "A bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere does increase the risk for a bad flu season in Australia," he said. "There are a lot of factors that can determine that link, but it certainly is a predictor." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "influenza activity has increased and is now at a high level". "Influenza vaccinations are important at this time, especially for people who are at risk of severe disease," the report said. The report listed 487 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu and 294 COVID cases in Hunter New England for the week ending June 28. In the previous week, these numbers were 309 and 241, respectively. "COVID-19 is stable at a moderate level of activity. RSV activity is still high but may have peaked." The report said emergency department (ED) presentations and admissions for COVID-19 were stable. "The number of presentations for influenza-like illness has been increasing since May, and the number of admissions is now also increasing." ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, but decreasing in those aged under one. For children under five with bronchiolitis, 76 per cent of presentations and 83 per cent of admissions were for infants aged under one. Professor Bartlett said the latest variants of COVID "did not seem to be any more pathogenic or nasty than previous versions". "COVID can cause a nasty cold, but be more severe for certain people. It continues to evolve and circulate at pretty high levels." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829). A US study published in the Lancet in May said, "a growing body of evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can persist for months or years following COVID-19 in a subset of individuals". A "reservoir" of the virus was "potentially driving long-COVID symptoms". An Australian study, published in the British Medical Journal, said "COVID-19 vaccines might have protective and therapeutic effects on long COVID". "More robust comparative observational studies and trials are needed, however, to clearly determine the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing and treating long COVID." Influenza cases have surged by 58 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. Virologist Nathan Bartlett said "there's been a clear upward rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in the community". "We're definitely seeing an uptick in fever and cough," he said. Professor Bartlett, of Hunter Medical Research Institute, said flu season began with a surge of cases in May. "It's now intensifying," he said. "It's partially linked to global flu trends. The H3N2 strain is the troublemaker. It mutates and reduces the effectiveness of immunity." Professor Bartlett, of the University of Newcastle, said "the US had a record flu season in their winter just gone". "A bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere does increase the risk for a bad flu season in Australia," he said. "There are a lot of factors that can determine that link, but it certainly is a predictor." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "influenza activity has increased and is now at a high level". "Influenza vaccinations are important at this time, especially for people who are at risk of severe disease," the report said. The report listed 487 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu and 294 COVID cases in Hunter New England for the week ending June 28. In the previous week, these numbers were 309 and 241, respectively. "COVID-19 is stable at a moderate level of activity. RSV activity is still high but may have peaked." The report said emergency department (ED) presentations and admissions for COVID-19 were stable. "The number of presentations for influenza-like illness has been increasing since May, and the number of admissions is now also increasing." ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, but decreasing in those aged under one. For children under five with bronchiolitis, 76 per cent of presentations and 83 per cent of admissions were for infants aged under one. Professor Bartlett said the latest variants of COVID "did not seem to be any more pathogenic or nasty than previous versions". "COVID can cause a nasty cold, but be more severe for certain people. It continues to evolve and circulate at pretty high levels." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829). A US study published in the Lancet in May said, "a growing body of evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can persist for months or years following COVID-19 in a subset of individuals". A "reservoir" of the virus was "potentially driving long-COVID symptoms". An Australian study, published in the British Medical Journal, said "COVID-19 vaccines might have protective and therapeutic effects on long COVID". "More robust comparative observational studies and trials are needed, however, to clearly determine the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing and treating long COVID." Influenza cases have surged by 58 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. Virologist Nathan Bartlett said "there's been a clear upward rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in the community". "We're definitely seeing an uptick in fever and cough," he said. Professor Bartlett, of Hunter Medical Research Institute, said flu season began with a surge of cases in May. "It's now intensifying," he said. "It's partially linked to global flu trends. The H3N2 strain is the troublemaker. It mutates and reduces the effectiveness of immunity." Professor Bartlett, of the University of Newcastle, said "the US had a record flu season in their winter just gone". "A bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere does increase the risk for a bad flu season in Australia," he said. "There are a lot of factors that can determine that link, but it certainly is a predictor." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "influenza activity has increased and is now at a high level". "Influenza vaccinations are important at this time, especially for people who are at risk of severe disease," the report said. The report listed 487 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu and 294 COVID cases in Hunter New England for the week ending June 28. In the previous week, these numbers were 309 and 241, respectively. "COVID-19 is stable at a moderate level of activity. RSV activity is still high but may have peaked." The report said emergency department (ED) presentations and admissions for COVID-19 were stable. "The number of presentations for influenza-like illness has been increasing since May, and the number of admissions is now also increasing." ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, but decreasing in those aged under one. For children under five with bronchiolitis, 76 per cent of presentations and 83 per cent of admissions were for infants aged under one. Professor Bartlett said the latest variants of COVID "did not seem to be any more pathogenic or nasty than previous versions". "COVID can cause a nasty cold, but be more severe for certain people. It continues to evolve and circulate at pretty high levels." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829). A US study published in the Lancet in May said, "a growing body of evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can persist for months or years following COVID-19 in a subset of individuals". A "reservoir" of the virus was "potentially driving long-COVID symptoms". An Australian study, published in the British Medical Journal, said "COVID-19 vaccines might have protective and therapeutic effects on long COVID". "More robust comparative observational studies and trials are needed, however, to clearly determine the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing and treating long COVID." Influenza cases have surged by 58 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. Virologist Nathan Bartlett said "there's been a clear upward rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in the community". "We're definitely seeing an uptick in fever and cough," he said. Professor Bartlett, of Hunter Medical Research Institute, said flu season began with a surge of cases in May. "It's now intensifying," he said. "It's partially linked to global flu trends. The H3N2 strain is the troublemaker. It mutates and reduces the effectiveness of immunity." Professor Bartlett, of the University of Newcastle, said "the US had a record flu season in their winter just gone". "A bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere does increase the risk for a bad flu season in Australia," he said. "There are a lot of factors that can determine that link, but it certainly is a predictor." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "influenza activity has increased and is now at a high level". "Influenza vaccinations are important at this time, especially for people who are at risk of severe disease," the report said. The report listed 487 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu and 294 COVID cases in Hunter New England for the week ending June 28. In the previous week, these numbers were 309 and 241, respectively. "COVID-19 is stable at a moderate level of activity. RSV activity is still high but may have peaked." The report said emergency department (ED) presentations and admissions for COVID-19 were stable. "The number of presentations for influenza-like illness has been increasing since May, and the number of admissions is now also increasing." ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, but decreasing in those aged under one. For children under five with bronchiolitis, 76 per cent of presentations and 83 per cent of admissions were for infants aged under one. Professor Bartlett said the latest variants of COVID "did not seem to be any more pathogenic or nasty than previous versions". "COVID can cause a nasty cold, but be more severe for certain people. It continues to evolve and circulate at pretty high levels." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829). A US study published in the Lancet in May said, "a growing body of evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can persist for months or years following COVID-19 in a subset of individuals". A "reservoir" of the virus was "potentially driving long-COVID symptoms". An Australian study, published in the British Medical Journal, said "COVID-19 vaccines might have protective and therapeutic effects on long COVID". "More robust comparative observational studies and trials are needed, however, to clearly determine the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing and treating long COVID."
The Advertiser
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'While I draw breath, I will fight': how Carrington Bowlo keeps Jaci alive
At age 60, Jaci Lappin was given six to 18 months to live. That was six years ago. Ms Lappin, Carrington Bowling Club's CEO, was first diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago. She said the love of her job had kept her going. "I have a positive attitude and feel a lot of support from the club's members and staff," she said. She had a mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy, but later developed a heart condition due to cardiotoxicity from the chemo. "I didn't even know there was such a thing to be quite honest." She was rushed to hospital after suffering an acute cardiomyopathy attack. "I went into heart and kidney failure. Both were a direct result of all the chemo," she said. "I am certainly not suggesting people shouldn't have chemo. The reality is I wouldn't be alive now if I hadn't had the chemo." Ms Lappin shared her story to support Hunter Medical Research Institute's appeal for donations before the financial year's end. She was treated by HMRI professors Aaron Sverdlov and Doan Ngo. They lead a team at HMRI that is developing a drug combination that treats cancer and protects the heart. In preclinical models, the drugs improved toxicity to the heart. Professor Sverdlov published research in 2023, which found cancer survivors had "an eight-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease". The research shows one in three Australians living with cancer will develop cardiovascular disease due to the cardiotoxicity of treatments and other risk factors. "Most cancer patients are unaware of the potential heart risks associated with treatment," Professor Sverdlov said in February. "Many do not receive the care needed to prevent heart disease." Ms Lappin said her heart condition was now "under control with medication prescribed by Professor Sverdlov". She also had a cardiac ablation procedure, as her heart had been experiencing atrial fibrillation - an irregular heartbeat. "Now my heart is tracking nicely and they're monitoring my kidney function." When she first got the job at the bowling club, it was "badly in debt". She discovered this around the same time she was diagnosed with cancer. "When I came in we had 200 members. We've now got 7500," she said. "We've now had 11 years of profit in a row. We've tried to make it a venue that's all about community, diversity and inclusivity. "I just feel nestled and loved by my tribe. Nothing will stop me from fighting for them." This month, Ms Lappin learned her cancer had returned. "When they did an X-ray, they found two broken ribs," she said. The cancer in her bones has started to move, so she will soon start more radiation treatment. "We're about to have another dance," she said, adding that "a dash of humour is the only way to approach it". "I've changed to a different type of medication that hopefully won't turn me into Godzilla. "I've been in this position before and managed to wangle my way around it." She plans to "keep beating it". "While I draw breath, I will fight for me and this club." Visit At age 60, Jaci Lappin was given six to 18 months to live. That was six years ago. Ms Lappin, Carrington Bowling Club's CEO, was first diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago. She said the love of her job had kept her going. "I have a positive attitude and feel a lot of support from the club's members and staff," she said. She had a mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy, but later developed a heart condition due to cardiotoxicity from the chemo. "I didn't even know there was such a thing to be quite honest." She was rushed to hospital after suffering an acute cardiomyopathy attack. "I went into heart and kidney failure. Both were a direct result of all the chemo," she said. "I am certainly not suggesting people shouldn't have chemo. The reality is I wouldn't be alive now if I hadn't had the chemo." Ms Lappin shared her story to support Hunter Medical Research Institute's appeal for donations before the financial year's end. She was treated by HMRI professors Aaron Sverdlov and Doan Ngo. They lead a team at HMRI that is developing a drug combination that treats cancer and protects the heart. In preclinical models, the drugs improved toxicity to the heart. Professor Sverdlov published research in 2023, which found cancer survivors had "an eight-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease". The research shows one in three Australians living with cancer will develop cardiovascular disease due to the cardiotoxicity of treatments and other risk factors. "Most cancer patients are unaware of the potential heart risks associated with treatment," Professor Sverdlov said in February. "Many do not receive the care needed to prevent heart disease." Ms Lappin said her heart condition was now "under control with medication prescribed by Professor Sverdlov". She also had a cardiac ablation procedure, as her heart had been experiencing atrial fibrillation - an irregular heartbeat. "Now my heart is tracking nicely and they're monitoring my kidney function." When she first got the job at the bowling club, it was "badly in debt". She discovered this around the same time she was diagnosed with cancer. "When I came in we had 200 members. We've now got 7500," she said. "We've now had 11 years of profit in a row. We've tried to make it a venue that's all about community, diversity and inclusivity. "I just feel nestled and loved by my tribe. Nothing will stop me from fighting for them." This month, Ms Lappin learned her cancer had returned. "When they did an X-ray, they found two broken ribs," she said. The cancer in her bones has started to move, so she will soon start more radiation treatment. "We're about to have another dance," she said, adding that "a dash of humour is the only way to approach it". "I've changed to a different type of medication that hopefully won't turn me into Godzilla. "I've been in this position before and managed to wangle my way around it." She plans to "keep beating it". "While I draw breath, I will fight for me and this club." Visit At age 60, Jaci Lappin was given six to 18 months to live. That was six years ago. Ms Lappin, Carrington Bowling Club's CEO, was first diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago. She said the love of her job had kept her going. "I have a positive attitude and feel a lot of support from the club's members and staff," she said. She had a mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy, but later developed a heart condition due to cardiotoxicity from the chemo. "I didn't even know there was such a thing to be quite honest." She was rushed to hospital after suffering an acute cardiomyopathy attack. "I went into heart and kidney failure. Both were a direct result of all the chemo," she said. "I am certainly not suggesting people shouldn't have chemo. The reality is I wouldn't be alive now if I hadn't had the chemo." Ms Lappin shared her story to support Hunter Medical Research Institute's appeal for donations before the financial year's end. She was treated by HMRI professors Aaron Sverdlov and Doan Ngo. They lead a team at HMRI that is developing a drug combination that treats cancer and protects the heart. In preclinical models, the drugs improved toxicity to the heart. Professor Sverdlov published research in 2023, which found cancer survivors had "an eight-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease". The research shows one in three Australians living with cancer will develop cardiovascular disease due to the cardiotoxicity of treatments and other risk factors. "Most cancer patients are unaware of the potential heart risks associated with treatment," Professor Sverdlov said in February. "Many do not receive the care needed to prevent heart disease." Ms Lappin said her heart condition was now "under control with medication prescribed by Professor Sverdlov". She also had a cardiac ablation procedure, as her heart had been experiencing atrial fibrillation - an irregular heartbeat. "Now my heart is tracking nicely and they're monitoring my kidney function." When she first got the job at the bowling club, it was "badly in debt". She discovered this around the same time she was diagnosed with cancer. "When I came in we had 200 members. We've now got 7500," she said. "We've now had 11 years of profit in a row. We've tried to make it a venue that's all about community, diversity and inclusivity. "I just feel nestled and loved by my tribe. Nothing will stop me from fighting for them." This month, Ms Lappin learned her cancer had returned. "When they did an X-ray, they found two broken ribs," she said. The cancer in her bones has started to move, so she will soon start more radiation treatment. "We're about to have another dance," she said, adding that "a dash of humour is the only way to approach it". "I've changed to a different type of medication that hopefully won't turn me into Godzilla. "I've been in this position before and managed to wangle my way around it." She plans to "keep beating it". "While I draw breath, I will fight for me and this club." Visit At age 60, Jaci Lappin was given six to 18 months to live. That was six years ago. Ms Lappin, Carrington Bowling Club's CEO, was first diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago. She said the love of her job had kept her going. "I have a positive attitude and feel a lot of support from the club's members and staff," she said. She had a mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy, but later developed a heart condition due to cardiotoxicity from the chemo. "I didn't even know there was such a thing to be quite honest." She was rushed to hospital after suffering an acute cardiomyopathy attack. "I went into heart and kidney failure. Both were a direct result of all the chemo," she said. "I am certainly not suggesting people shouldn't have chemo. The reality is I wouldn't be alive now if I hadn't had the chemo." Ms Lappin shared her story to support Hunter Medical Research Institute's appeal for donations before the financial year's end. She was treated by HMRI professors Aaron Sverdlov and Doan Ngo. They lead a team at HMRI that is developing a drug combination that treats cancer and protects the heart. In preclinical models, the drugs improved toxicity to the heart. Professor Sverdlov published research in 2023, which found cancer survivors had "an eight-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease". The research shows one in three Australians living with cancer will develop cardiovascular disease due to the cardiotoxicity of treatments and other risk factors. "Most cancer patients are unaware of the potential heart risks associated with treatment," Professor Sverdlov said in February. "Many do not receive the care needed to prevent heart disease." Ms Lappin said her heart condition was now "under control with medication prescribed by Professor Sverdlov". She also had a cardiac ablation procedure, as her heart had been experiencing atrial fibrillation - an irregular heartbeat. "Now my heart is tracking nicely and they're monitoring my kidney function." When she first got the job at the bowling club, it was "badly in debt". She discovered this around the same time she was diagnosed with cancer. "When I came in we had 200 members. We've now got 7500," she said. "We've now had 11 years of profit in a row. We've tried to make it a venue that's all about community, diversity and inclusivity. "I just feel nestled and loved by my tribe. Nothing will stop me from fighting for them." This month, Ms Lappin learned her cancer had returned. "When they did an X-ray, they found two broken ribs," she said. The cancer in her bones has started to move, so she will soon start more radiation treatment. "We're about to have another dance," she said, adding that "a dash of humour is the only way to approach it". "I've changed to a different type of medication that hopefully won't turn me into Godzilla. "I've been in this position before and managed to wangle my way around it." She plans to "keep beating it". "While I draw breath, I will fight for me and this club." Visit
Man of Many
17-06-2025
- Health
- Man of Many
Walk It Off? The New Therapy Trial Getting Aussie Men Talking
By Nick Hall - News Published: 17 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 7 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. We've heard the statistics, we know the consequences, and yet the depression epidemic crippling Australian men remains as consistent as ever. New data from the University of Newcastle has revealed that while depression remains one of the country's leading causes of disease burden, less than 40 per cent of those experiencing mental health issues seek help. Even more concerning, nearly half of those who do attend therapy drop out prematurely, often after just one session. For many Australian men, the road to recovery is often paved with silence, but a new initiative is aiming to tackle the issue head-on. Studies show that traditional therapy approaches fall short for many men | Image: Cindy Bartillon The Walk and Talk Revolution Unveiled as part of a broader Men's Health Week initiative, the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is encouraging men to step outside of their comfort zones and into the great outdoors. Led by Associate Professor, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Dr Myles Young, the new 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical trial is reimaging how therapy is delivered, swapping the leather couch and doctor's surgery for a more pristine and inviting environment. The idea is simple: by shifting the sessions outdoors and to a more relaxed setting, men will feel more comfortable, open and free to speak up. 'We are really excited about this study. At its core, we are hoping to answer a simple question: does changing the setting of therapy have an impact on how engaging and effective it is for men?' Dr Myles Young says. 'There are some potential added benefits of engaging in therapy outdoors, including the chance to be physically active and get exposed to nature. Some men may also like the shoulder-to-shoulder nature of the conversations.' The innovative approach is designed to tackle what Dr Young believes is a significant mental barrier for young men: the rigidity of conventional therapy. Just as the causes of depression are complex and unique to each person, often the result of biological, psychological and social factors, so too should the therapy be tailored to an individual's needs. In an extensive study of almost 2,000 Australian men who had attended therapy, the most common reasons for dropping out were a lack of connection with the therapist, followed by a sense that attending therapy just 'didn't feel right'. 'Some men drop out because they feel therapy isn't relevant to them, too formal, or overly focused on emotions in ways that can feel confronting or uncomfortable,' Dr Young says. 'Others may struggle to see the immediate, practical benefits, or may feel shame for needing help. Therapeutic approaches that don't align with men's communication style or preferences can also lead to disengagement.' Associate Professor Dr Myles Young from Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle (R) | Image: University of Newcastle Addressing the Hurdles For many Australian men, mental health challenges remain a closely guarded secret. Issues surrounding public image and traditional ideals represent a significant barrier to entry, preventing a vast number of depression sufferers from seeking help. 'Many men value independence, problem-solving, and resilience, which are great strengths in most circumstances. However, these same qualities can also make it harder to reach out for support,' Dr Young says. 'Rather than a lack of willingness, it's often that men have been conditioned to believe they should 'push through' on their own. Reframing help-seeking as a courageous, proactive step can help, as it aligns with the values men often hold.' 'Traditional masculine norms like emotional stoicism, self-reliance, and the need to appear strong often discourage men from acknowledging distress or seeking help,' he continues. 'These norms can contribute to feelings of shame or failure when men face mental health struggles, making them less likely to engage with therapy.' Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle launch 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical study | Image: Lala Azizli The Road to Long-Lasting Mental Health The positive news is that things are changing. Dr Young reveals that a growing awareness amongst Australian men that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather of strength, is spreading rapidly, buoyed by the spate of open discussions from celebrities, athletes and high-profile media personalities. As the mental health expert explains, the shift in sentiment is helping to create more avenues for treatment; however, there is still work to be done. 'It's great to see more male public figures openly discussing their mental health challenges. It's even more powerful to see everyday men start to have these conversations with each other,' he says. 'While men are still less likely than women to seek help for their mental health, the gap is closing over time. There is still a way to go, but there has been great progress in recent years.' 'As a society, we can continue to actively challenge social norms that suggest men should be tough, self-reliant, and emotionally restrained. By creating environments that normalise help-seeking and position it as a sign of strength and responsibility, we can shift the narrative around what it means to be a man.' Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle launch 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical study | Image: Lumeeo Chasseur Immobilier Men's Therapy Study While formal therapy settings clash with society's traditional expectations of masculinity, the 'Walk-and-Talk' method creates shared ownership of the space in which therapy takes place, and it's not the only initiative challenging the industry standards. As Dr Young reveals, a series of projects are being rolled out across the globe in a combined effort to make therapy more engaging for men. The Australian Government's recent announcement of an additional $32 million in funding is one key step in supporting men's health and breaking the stigma around seeking support. Projects such as Movember's 'Men in Mind' program are specifically designed to equip mental health professionals with the skills and strategies needed to effectively engage, support, and retain male clients in therapy. According to Dr Young, the key to making therapy more accessible and inviting is understanding how mental challenges arise and impact everyday Australians. 'Research has an important role to play as it can help us understand the specific barriers men face, the types of language and strategies that resonate with them, and which therapeutic styles improve engagement and retention,' he says. 'By continuing to build this evidence base, we can design services that are not only more appealing but also more effective in supporting men over the long term.' 'There are many paths to good mental health. Therapy can be incredibly helpful, but it's not necessarily the right fit for everyone at every stage of their life. If someone is going through a tough time, a great first step is to have a conversation with a general practitioner, who can provide guidance and help explore the options that might work best for them.' The 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical study, which is a collaboration between Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, is set to kick off in the coming months. Tackling the depression epidemic with a fresh new look, the revised therapy approach has the potential to lead to improved engagement and clinical outcomes. For a group most at risk of falling out of therapy and through the cracks, the informal method could prove to be a lifesaver. Right now, the HMRI is calling for male participants to help shape the future of mental health treatment, one step at a time.
