NEW TREATMENT FOR IMPOTENCE.

Australia is the first country in the world to launch the latest drug for impotence, tadalafil - good news for the 1 in 3 Aussie men with this condition.What is impotence? Impotence (or Erectile Dysfunction) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory intercourse. Contrary to popular belief, the condition is physical in most cases, not psychological. The most common cause is reduced blood flow to the penis due to blocked arteries. The risk of impotence increases with advancing age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.Impotence can have serious effects on a man's quality of life and relationships, and can lead to depression and low self-esteem. Most men with impotence do not seek treatment, yet effective care is
available.Tadalafil - long acting & effectiveTadalafil increases blood flow into the penis, and is effective in up to 81 % of cases. Its main advantage is that it lasts up to 36 hours, allowing greater spontaneity in lovemaking as couples can choose when to have sex. However, erections only occur when the man is sexually aroused.

Tadalafil works quickly, within 16-30 minutes, and can be taken with food or alcohol. It is safe and well tolerated but may cause headache, dyspepsia or back pain.Tadalafil should not be used by men taking 'nitrates' for angina, or amyl nitrite ('poppers'). It should also be avoided in men with unstable or severe heart disease.

Other treatments available.Another effective tablet, sildenafil, has been available in Australia since 1998. It takes about 60 minutes to work and lasts up to 4 hours. Self-injection of medication into the penis is another option for men not responding to tablets. Vacuum devices, which draw blood into the penis where it is trapped, are also useful. Surgical implants are available when other treatments fail.Please speak to your doctor or contact Impotence Australia, 1800 800 614 or visit www.impotenceaustralia.com.au.

IS YOUR CHILD FULLY VACCINATED?

We can't protect our children from everything. However, immunisation is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease and saves about 3 million lives each year throughout the world. Your young child should have received immunisations at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18 months with the last vaccination due at 4 years. Each child's immunisation record is now kept on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. If you are unsure if your child is up-to-date, you can ring 1800 653 809 to check the details. The latest immunisation myths

The anti-vaccination lobby has once again been busy spreading misinformation. Reports from the UK raised fears that measles-mumps-rubella vaccination causes bowel diseases and autism. However, careful scientific evaluation has found no link between the two.Recently, reports from France suggested that hepatitis B shots may cause multiple sclerosis. Once again, further review found that there was no connection. There is also no proof homeopathic 'vaccines' work and they are not recommended. Even the Medical Association forHomeopathy advises standard vaccinations.New vaccinesOver the last few years, new vaccines have been developed for chicken pox, hepatitis A and pneumococcal infection (which can cause pneumonia and meningitis). These are not provided in the routine schedule.The government recently announced it will provide free meningococcal immunisation to all Australian children 12 months of age and 15 years of age. This campaign will commence in early 2003.For more information, speak to your doctor or visit the Immunise Australia website,http://immunise.health.gov.au.