Professor Creswell Eastman AO is a world-renowned endocrinologist with a primary interest in Iodine Deficiency Disorders. He is the Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney School of Medicine and Consultant Emeritus to Westmead Hospital.
Professor Eastman recently spoke to Australian Health Journal about iodine deficiency in pregnancy preparation and the mother’s health during pregnancy. May is the time of the year for the Australian Thyroid Foundation’s (ATF) Thyroid Awareness Month and Professor Eastman spoke about why iodine deficiency has become an even greater risk in Australians in recent years. He stresses the importance of public health literacy and health care professionals (HCPs) having a better understanding of the disorders associated with iodine deficiency.
Recent research from The Lancet – March 2022 emphasises the consequences and risks of an inadequate amount of thyroid hormone at conception, during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.
‘Unnecessary risks to a pregnancy and the mother’s health during pregnancy and ongoing is something that can be avoided and prevented. Raising awareness and ensuring thyroid tests are ordered by GP’s, when couples are planning a family and when the pregnancy is confirmed are both essential.
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From University to Pharmacy Industry
The transition from full time academic study to industry can be both rewarding and challenging. Intern programs and an association for pharmacists, makes the transition easier.
The National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) represents students from 17 universities nationwide studying either an undergraduate or postgraduate program. The association advocates for Australian pharmacy students to ensure their future is prosperous and their status, rights and privileges are protected.
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Calls for National Social Prescribing Scheme
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) and Mental Health Australia are urging the government to implement a national social prescribing scheme to tackle Australia’s mental health and wellbeing crisis.
Mental ill health is a growing problem in Australia and has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2017, GPs across Australia have rated mental health as the most common presentation they see as part of the RACGP’s annual Health of the Nation survey. Approximately 20% of patients consult their GP for what are primarily social problems.
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Landmark brain shape study
For over a century, researchers have thought that the patterns of brain activity that define our experiences, hopes and dreams are determined by how different brain regions communicate with each other through a complex web of trillions of cellular connections.
Now, a Monash University Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health-led study has examined more than 10,000 different maps of human brain activity and found that the overall shape of a person’s brain exerts a far greater influence on how we think, feel and behave than its intricate neuronal connectivity.
