News in brief: One in three teens are vaping; Air quality data on Google Maps; Medical registration becomes more expensive

30 Sep 2022

One in three teens are using vapes

Public health experts are calling for stronger  regulation of e-cigarette products after their research showed almost one-third of adolescents are using vapes.

A survey of 721 young people aged 14 to 17 years from NSW showed that 233 (32%) reported being an ever-vaper, of which more than half (54%) had never smoked prior to starting vaping.

Those who were-smokers were seven times more likely to be ever-vapers than those who had never smoked, and ever-vapers were 18 times more likely to be ever-smokers than those who had never vaped, according to findings from the University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW researchers, published in the Australian and NZ Journal of Public Health. (link here)

“Flavourings and taste” was rated as the most important characteristic of vapes for young people .

“Young people appear to be readily accessing nicotine vaping products, which are often disposable and flavoured, through both social and commercial channels. Stronger enforcement of federal and state policies designed to protect young people from vaping products is urgently needed,” they concluded.


Air quality data now included in Google Maps

Australians can now view local air quality conditions on Google Maps with a smartphone or desktop with Google now incorporating the data for Air Quality Index (AQI) or AQC (Air Quality Categories) as optional layers for its mapping app.

“Knowing the air quality of an area can help you avoid unusually hazy locations, or help you manage a medical condition adversely affected by poor air quality,” the company said in a blog update on the air quality option for both Android and iOS versions of Google Maps.

The air quality layer is based on trusted data provided by government agencies in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory, the company says. Health advice is provided from government authorities and includes precautionary information for sensitive and non-sensitive groups.

“To add the air quality layer to your map, simply tap on the layers button in the top right corner of your screen, then select Air Quality under Map details,” it advises.


Medical registration becomes more expensive

The Medical Board of Australia’s annual registration fee has lifted to $860, while doctors in NSW will have to pay $898 for the 2022-23 financial year.

Up from $835 in 2021-22, it’s the second 3% increase in as many years but has been set in line with inflation, according to the board.

However, other health professions including dentists and nurses have had their fees frozen, while the Chiropractic Board of Australia reduced its registration charge by 15%.

The registration renewal date for practitioners with general, specialist, or non-practising registration was 30 September

In NSW, all health professions are required to pay extra compared to other jurisdictions to cover the cost of the state’s dual regulation system.

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