The impact of heat on mortality and morbidity in the Greater Metropolitan Sydney Region: a case crossover analysis.

Background: This study examined the association between unusually high temperature and daily mortality (1997-2007) and hospital admissions (1997-2010) in the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Region (GMR) to assist in the development of targeted health programs designed to minimise the public health impact of extreme heat.

Methods: Sydney GMR was categorized into five climate zones. Heat-events were defined as severe or extreme.

Knowledge and beliefs about alcohol consumption, longer-term health risks, and the link with cancer in a sample of Australian adults.

Aim: This study explores knowledge and beliefs about longer-term health risks related to alcohol consumption among Australian adults.

Methods: Data were drawn from the 2009 Cancer Institute NSW Lifestyle and Cancer Survey, a telephone survey of adults in NSW. Participants (n=1255) were asked about their alcohol consumption, knowledge of the Australian guidelines (revised in 2009), and personal perceptions and beliefs about longer-term health risks from alcohol consumption.

Validity and reliability of using photography for measuring knee range of motion: a methodological study.

Background: The clinimetric properties of knee goniometry are essential to appreciate in light of its extensive use in the orthopaedic and rehabilitative communities. Intra-observer reliability is thought to be satisfactory, but the validity and inter-rater reliability of knee goniometry often demonstrate unacceptable levels of variation. This study tests the validity and reliability of measuring knee range of motion using goniometry and photographic records.