If you are one of the 300,000 Australians who earn their living from the land, you’ll know how difficult and uncertain farming can be. There are health and safety issues, such as working long hours in the sun, or with animals, chemicals and farm machinery. And a drought or severe flooding can affect a farming … Read more
Most people have something to say when it comes to health. From conversations at barbecues to chats with co-workers to social media, people always find ways to share their views about health, wellbeing and medicine (and more). Sometimes it’s useful; sometimes it’s simply about having a vent. But there are also ways you can voice … Read more
Every day in Australia, 9 infants or children die suddenly and unexpectedly. The aim of Red Nose Day (Friday June 29) is to reduce this number to zero. By hosting an event, creating a fundraising page, volunteering or buying merchandise, you can raise money to help make this happen. Since last year’s Red Nose Day, … Read more
Pets can be loyal, lovable — and they can be good for your health. That’s why office-based workers everywhere will be bringing their canine friends in with them this International Take Your Dog to Work Day, Friday June 22. It’s also becoming an increasingly popular thing to do, year-round. Dogs are good for you Pet … Read more
It’s often the butt of jokes but incontinence is not just a normal part of ageing or motherhood — and it doesn’t go away on its own. It’s incredibly common, affecting more than 5 million Australians — women, men and children. Fewer than 1 in 3 people actually seek help for incontinence. These are just some of … Read more
If you’re getting RSI (repetitive strain injury) from tapping health topics into your smartphone, you’re in good company. Almost 4 in 5 Australians turn to the internet for information on medicines, according to research by NPS Medicinewise. Three in 5 Aussies will look up symptoms or health conditions before seeing a doctor – or even instead … Read more
Like stonewashed jeans and the royal family, butter is back in fashion. Many people love that it’s ‘all natural’, containing just cream, milk and sometimes salt. But all natural doesn’t always mean healthy, especially if a food is consumed with abandon. Here are the facts about butter, table spreads and other, natural alternatives — so … Read more
Caroline battled heavy periods for more than 25 years. At times she would have to sleep with a towel underneath her and there were days when she couldn’t leave the house. It was going for her black belt in Taekwondo, in her 40s, that finally motivated Caroline to see a doctor. Taekwondo requires a white … Read more
Most people know that physical activity cuts the risk of heart disease and diabetes, helps maintain weight and boosts happiness. What’s less known, however, is its surprising role in the care of people with cancer and other chronic health conditions. Here are 3 ways physical activity is literally life-changing, according to science. Exercise helps with … Read more
Prescription medicines are responsible for more than 2 out of 3 accidental drug-related deaths, making them a bigger killer than illicit drugs such as heroin or ice. In Victoria alone, more people die from prescription medication overdose than from road accidents. Some cases are due to accidental overdose or misuse stemming from dependence (addiction). Dependence on pharmaceutical medicines can happen … Read more