New notifications of HIV (the Human Immunodeficiency Virus) have — overall — stabilised in recent years. But HIV diagnoses have also increased in some population groups. Australia has made great progress in HIV prevention within the gay community. For example, HIV diagnoses in gay and bisexual men in NSW in the first half of 2017 decreased by 31%. HIV … Read more
Most parents of newborn babies have heard that ‘breast is best’. But although 96% of children are breastfed soon after birth, only 15% of mums are still breastfeeding exclusively 5 months later. So, what’s preventing some parents from continuing to breastfeed, and how can they persist with longer-term breastfeeding, if that’s their wish? What the research … Read more
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