Ballina Information Blog

Do you like walking, want to keep or become fit while learning more about your local community and environment?
Then why not become a National Heart Foundation Walk Organiser and lead a group to good health in the Ballina Shire area? 
The ‘National Heart Foundation Walking Program’ is a free walking program that aims to encourage people [...]

The New South Wales Government needs to immediately guarantee adequate and appropriate funding to the North Coast Area Health Service, the Member for Ballina, Don Page said today.
“For a few years now we have known the North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) has not received its share of money, and now that has been further [...]

The North Coast Area Health Service last week issued a health alert, warning people, especially parents, to be on the look-out for the symptoms of whooping cough following a worrying increase in cases across the NSW North Coast.
Director of the North Coast Public Health, Paul Corben, said whooping cough can be unpleasant for people of [...]

Member for Ballina Don Page today urged the local community to have their say by voicing their concerns about the NSW health system to the Special Commission of Inquiry.
“I encourage anyone who has concerns about the treatment that they or their loved ones have received to make a submission to the Special Commission of Inquiry,” [...]

With the summer holiday season upon us, The Cancer Council NSW is aiming to dispel the myths around skin cancer. While most Australians are aware of the Slip, Slop, Slap message, there are still some common misconceptions regarding skin cancer out there.
“The Cancer Council NSW Helpline receives around 4000 calls each year related to skin [...]

By increasing the number of women having a Pap smear every two years, the Northern Rivers General Practice Network hopes to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the region.
“In up to 90% of cases, two-yearly Pap smears can prevent the most common form of cervical cancer,” said Dr Dan Ewald, spokesman for the division.
“Having [...]

A new mental health service for general practice patients has just opened in Lismore.
The Northern Rivers General Practice Network has established the service for eligible patients who have been referred by their GP. It is staffed by qualified mental health professionals.
“We are delighted to be able to contribute to the expansion of mental health services [...]

Member for Ballina Don Page has called on the State Labor Government to expedite the construction of the radiotherapy unit at Lismore Base Hospital. This comes on the back of the Federal Government’s announcement that it will kick in another $2 million on top of the $8 million they have already committed to the project.
Speaking [...]

A Southern Cross University health researcher is calling on pregnant women in the Mid North and North Coast regions to take part in a survey on physical activity.
Frances Doran, pictured, a lecturer in the Department of Nursing and Health Care Practices, is undertaking a research project to identify the barriers that prevent women from keeping [...]

Traditionally the approaching spring puts a welcome spring in the step, and relief from winter colds. But for Australia’s two million asthmatics, spring can be a time of continued risk of an asthmatic attack, according to the Northern Rivers General Practice Network.
“Apart from sunshine and flowers, spring brings with it some real risks for asthmatics. [...]