Frontline health workers and everyday people in NSW who act F.A.S.T. are being celebrated this National Stroke Week.
National Stroke Week
Grief and the body
When facing a major loss of any kind, it’s important to remember that grief has physical as well as emotional and spiritual effects.
80 percent the magic number?
A new report from the Grattan Institute says Australia can end lockdowns and start to reopen its border once 80 percent of the population is vaccinated – and we may be able to get there by the end of the year.
Lockdowns and learning
With many people in NSW and elsewhere in Australia looking at the prospects of further COVID lockdowns, parents are facing the challenge of supporting their children’s learning at home while also trying to work.
The Enneagram of Liberation
“The great gift of the Enneagram is that it describes who you are not. It shows the veiling of pure, pristine consciousness by habits of egoic identification. When these habits of mind are exposed, there is a clear choice to end all false identification and realize your true nature. When there is a willingness to […]
Donate life week rolls out
This week, public buses across the Northern Rivers will be helping to promote ‘The Great Registration Race’ to increase organ and tissue donation.
Digital health solutions for heart disease
There will be new clinical trials to address Australia’s deadliest disease, following an agreement between local digital health company Cardihab and medical research organisation the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.
The price of lost sleep
A report released by the Sleep Health Foundation estimates around one in ten Australians have a sleep disorder that can substantially affect their well-being, safety and productivity.
Coffee cuts close to the bone?
New research from the University of South Australia suggests that excess caffeine is linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Needle free diabetes tests on the way
In a world-first, more than 460 million people living with diabetes are set to benefit from new saliva testing technology developed in Australia.
Muscle relaxants and lower back pain
Australian researchers have found that muscle relaxants are largely ineffective and potentially unsafe when treating low back pain, despite being widely prescribed.
Healthcare workers put pressure on AGL
Healthcare workers have lashed out at Australia’s biggest climate polluter AGL Energy after it set out details of a demerger in a recent investor presentation.
Genetic research hope for SIDS
A state of the art genetic biobank could hold the key to preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially saving the lives of hundreds of babies who die from the devastating condition each year.
The R number, and why it matters
An infectious diseases expert from Monash University explains what makes the delta variant of COVID-19 so challenging. It all comes down to R numbers.
Bone health matters
Osteoporosis is sometimes called the ‘silent disease’ because people usually don’t notice their bones becoming thinner and weaker until they break. As the disease progresses, even a slight bump or fall can cause a serious fracture.
Go dry in July to help fight cancer
The end of June is here, which means it’s time to ditch the booze for a month and tackle Dry July!
Taking workplace lung disease seriously
Safe Work Australia has recently launched a major occupational lung disease awareness campaign.
End in sight for HIV in Australia?
Australia can end HIV transmission within four short years, averting over 6,000 infections by 2030 and saving $1.4 billion in health costs, according to a costed plan presented to parliamentarians recently.
Australians unaware of pancreatic cancer risk
Pancreatic cancer is Australia’s third deadliest cancer, killing over 3,300 Australians a year, yet a new survey shows only one in ten Australians are aware of this.
How to survive a severe allergic reaction
World Allergy Week is all about raising awareness of anaphylaxis, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions that cause 2,400 hospital admissions and twenty deaths in Australia each year.
Empowering mums to manage mental wellbeing
Having a baby can be one of life’s most exciting and rewarding experiences, but for a new mother it can also be an emotional rollercoaster – sometimes you’re up, and other times you’re down.
New hope for dementia?
Dementia Australia has welcomed the announcement by the US Food and Drug Administration approving the first new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease for almost twenty years.
Kids Helpline data reveals alarming spikes in child abuse and self-harm
Kids Helpline has announced that duty of care interventions to protect children and young people were 99% higher nationally from 1st December 2020 – 31st May 2021 compared to the same period a year ago.
Migraine Awareness Month
Migraine Awareness Month happens in June each year, with over 35 countries conducting awareness activities and events. Although migraine is a very common condition, affecting almost five million Australians, there’s still a lot of misinformation and mystery about what it is, exactly.
Defeating diabetes with diet
A person in Australia is diagnosed with diabetes every five minutes, with many more going undiagnosed and suffering disastrous health consequences, but there is hope.
Managing asthma
Asthma is a common condition which affects 2.7 million Australians, or 11 per cent of the population. Alarmingly, 389 people died from asthma in 2018 and 38,792 Australians were hospitalised in 2017-18.
3,318 push-ups for mental health?
Lifeline has issued a challenge to Northern Rivers locals to push for better mental health, by participating in Australia’s largest fitness-based mental health initiative, The Push-Up Challenge.
Water safety strategy saving lives
Unintentional drowning deaths in Australia dropped by 28% in the twelve years to 2020, with the Australian Water Safety Strategy playing an important role in saving lives, according to a new study.
How to beat anxiety by thinking positive
Worried brains can reduce anxiety levels by learning to respond to everyday situations in a less threatening way, according to new research published by The University of Western Australia and the University of Virginia.
Health insurers hoarding cash?
Health insurance statistics released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) indicate private hospitals are continuing to recover from pandemic restrictions, while insurers are hoarding cash which hasn’t been needed for claims, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Overwhelmed by life?
Almost half the 1,000+ Australians recently surveyed said they felt overwhelmed by ‘life admin’ as personal and work pressures take hold, with 79% reporting struggling to keep up, to the point of needing help.
Pancreatic cancer breakthrough
Tackling the scar tissue that shields pancreatic tumours from effective drug access is a promising advance in a notoriously hard-to-treat cancer.
The importance of DadPlay
Australian fathers in rural, regional and remote areas, who are raising children aged three to five with challenging behaviour, will have a helping hand through a new mobile-phone-based service.
CSIRO tool to help combat junk food
Australia’s number one diet issue is in the sights of CSIRO, the national science agency. Their new Junk Food Analyser is here to help.
What to do about cold sores?
Cold sores are a common and annoying condition. They can recur repeatedly as the herpes virus ‘hides’ in the nerve cells, triggered by factors including cold weather, fever, illness, and fatigue.
Young people missing out on mental health advice
Despite the high rates of mental trauma in adolescents, fewer than half of those who need help visit a doctor or mental health professional for treatment, according to a new study led by Monash University.
Trees vital for human healing and health
Much more than green things that stand in the way, trees look beautiful, make half the air we breathe, and are vital for human physical and mental health.
Sport not all good news for health
More than 1,100 Australians died while playing sport over the last two decades, an average of more than one each week, according to new research from Edith Cowan University.
Childhood bullying and fighting: what’s the difference?
School bullying is a global phenomenon, with teachers often on the frontline of aggressive behaviour. New research highlights the role of early childhood teachers and the importance of correctly identifying and responding to bullying behaviours.
Are screens in schools bad for children’s eye health?
Modern schooling could be shortening vision, warns Australian behavioural optometrist Gary Rodney.
Underwear fighting ovarian cancer
The Ovarian Cancer Australia organisation has teamed up with Bonds, Bras N Things, Jockey and the team from Keep It Cleaner to help mark World Ovarian Cancer Day – 8th May 2021 – and help save lives and support women impacted by ovarian cancer.
Seventeen years staring at your phone?
A new study has found that Australians spend an average of 5.5 hours a day on their phones – but Gen Zers spend the most time on their mobiles, at 7.3 hours a day.
Flu vaccines still important say RACGP
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is reminding Australians that it’s still important to get their influenza vaccine this year.
Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Every day, 38 Australians are told they have Parkinson’s, but until recently it’s taken years for many people to get an accurate diagnosis. Now UNSW researchers have created a detection method which takes only five hours.
The gift of gratitude
Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what one has and a recognition of value independent of monetary worth. Spontaneously generated from within, gratitude is an affirmation of goodness and warmth, and can literally change our lives.
Fundraisers move 745,000 km to fight cancer in the March Charge
Last month, people across NSW clocked up 745,300 kms of walking, running, and moving under their own steam, all to raise funds for people affected by cancer.
Learn the FAST signs of stroke
Stroke is a time-critical medical emergency that needs urgent medical attention. On the Northern Rivers of NSW, the federal electorate of Page is ranked four out of Australia’s top ten hotspots for stroke prevalence, with 3,960 residents living with the effects of stroke.
The client/therapist relationship: being a true friend
It can be very upsetting when a friend responds to trauma in a way that’s unsupportive. It’s even worse when a professional advisor, therapist or practitioner offers you a similar prescription.
Don’t forget pet health in wild weather
With more stormy weather and possible flooding on the way in NSW, animal companions have their own special challenges and needs.
Remember to breathe
As life gets busier, many of us forget to give enough attention to the way we breathe.
Lost for words: treating the aftermath of a stroke
A Southern Cross University lecturer is breaking new ground in dealing with the little known condition called aphasia, or the inability to communicate with speech.
Make a plan for when (or if) you can’t
Australians are being challenged to think about their future medical care needs for National Advance Care Planning Week, which starts today.
Top ten child health concerns
Traditional health concerns for children have dropped to the bottom of the list for parents, with lifestyle factors including poor diet, lack of activity and screen time proving to be the biggest worries in 2021.
Nervous system support and stress
In modern-day western society, we are inundated with stressors. We’re so stressed that we don’t even recognise it as stress anymore, we just see it as our ‘normal’.
Last hurdle for Mind Medicine Australia?
Citing scientific and humanitarian grounds, Mind Medicine Australia is urging the Therapeutic Goods Administration to reverse its interim decision to block the legal availability of psilocybin and MDMA as controlled medicines.
Surfing: connecting mind, body and soul
Women hear a lot about the importance of fitness and movement, but there’s so much misleading and contradicting information out there, it’s confusing. Surfing can cut through all this and help directly, by connecting your mind, body and soul.
Unknown danger of gestational diabetes
Women who develop gestational diabetes are ten times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in later life, but only a third of these women realise they’re at high risk.
Too stressed to sleep properly?
New research reveals that Australians are stressing away quality sleep, with many people being kept up at night due to high stress levels.
Coeliac disease still going undiagnosed
Rising awareness of coeliac disease in the community is the result of a growing number of people being diagnosed with the disease, but pharmacists say many cases are still going undiagnosed in Australia.
Chess helps kids learn about risk
As the hit Netflix drama series The Queen’s Gambit continues to drive renewed interest in chess, new research has found that the ancient game reduces risk aversion in children.
Cardiac drug helps with breast cancer
A team of researchers from Monash University have discovered a cardiac drug can reduce breast cancer progression and mortality.
Q&A with Dr Jamie Rickcord from Ananda Clinics
The Northern Rivers of NSW is a region that’s long known the benefits of nature’s plants as medicine. Now, thanks to recent changes to the medicinal cannabis laws and progressive practices like Ananda, everyone can access these treatments in a modern, professional setting.
Happy childhood no guarantee for good mental health
While it’s well understood that a difficult childhood can increase the likelihood of mental illness, new research suggests that a happy and secure childhood doesn’t always protect a child from developing a mental illness in later life.
Sleep all-important for teens
As families settle back into a new school year, sleep experts are reminding parents about the importance of teenagers getting enough sleep, warning them that insufficient sleep can negatively affect the mental health of adolescents.
Participants needed for healthcare study
Southern Cross University researchers have announced a new study to better understand how parents choose healthcare interventions for their children.
How’s your digital health?
Safer Internet Day is this week, with the Australian Digital Health Agency urging Australians to talk about online safety and manage their personal information trails, known as digital footprints.
Setback for Mind Medicine Australia
Last week the Therapeutic Goods Administration announced its interim decision not to reschedule medical grade psilocybin and MDMA for medical use, but Mind Medicine Australia is going to contest the decision.
Life and death risks of gambling
Research from the UK has revealed high levels of gambling is associated with a 37% increase in mortality.
Low dose CBD in pharmacies
Low dose cannabidiol (CBD) has just been approved for over-the-counter sale in pharmacies across Australia, following a decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Can VR give insights into dementia?
As dementia numbers in Australia continue to skyrocket, researchers have developed a new virtual reality program to help carers walk in the shoes of those who live with the condition.
Big step forward for 3D bone printing
Australian scientists have successfully used a 3D printer to create new bone-like material containing living cells.
Health going up in smoke?
Tobacco smoking is widely known as the leading cause of preventable diseases and death in Australia, but almost 12% of adults still smoke daily. On average, these smokers puff more than twelve cigarettes per day.
Rural Australia disadvantaged with COVID vaccine?
With the first COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia today, the National Rural Health Alliance is urging Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to ensure that vulnerable people in rural, regional and remote Australia are prioritised for vaccination.
Are shoes making you a fashion victim?
Comfortable shoes might not always be the best looking option, but they are the path to better health.
Insights into itching
Research from the USA indicates that allergans in the environment are often to blame for acute itching in people with eczema, but there’s new hope for a cure.
Surviving heart attack
Heart Research Australia says people make two dangerous mistakes about heart attacks, and their new Heart Smart pocket guide can help.
CSIRO weighs in with diet quiz
CSIRO has developed a free, personalised weight loss tool to help Australians combat motivation slumps in the new year and beyond.
Check your blood pressure for 2021
Stroke Foundation is urging Australians to make a healthy start to the year by getting a blood pressure check.
Eco-anxiety and what to do about it
Fears for the future of life on Earth are different to other forms of anxiety, and require a different response.
Caring for carers
There are now more than 2.5 million unpaid carers in Australia – many of whom don’t even realise they’re classified as carers.
Carrots and sticks
New Year is the traditional time to change your life by giving something up or starting something new, so what works and what doesn’t?
More to myopia than blurred vision
The nearsightedness epidemic affecting the vision of millions of people worldwide is continuing to grow, and change lives.
Chimneying with Santa?
Loving relationships of the romantic kind are pretty important for human well-being and survival, but 2020 brought a whole new set of words, and challenges, to the ancient art of romance.
Health risks of contaminated floodwater
After the recent storm events, the North Coast Public Health Unit is urging residents and visitors to keep away from floodwater to avoid illness or infection.
How motherhood changes the brain
Recent studies at Monash University are beginning to understand the long-term impacts of ‘baby-brain’ and how the hormonal changes that take place in a mother’s brain can benefit women later in life.
The dark side of fun in the sun
According to new research from Southern Cross University, surfers, swimmers and stand-up paddle boarders get melanoma at six times the rate of the general population.
Ending loneliness together
A new organisation was recently launched to take on the national loneliness epidemic, by bringing people together.
When hoarding becomes a health problem
Hoarding is a recognised mental health condition and should be treated as such – without stigma – according to UNSW clinical psychologist Professor Jessica Grisham.
Thunderstorm asthma season warning
Thunderstorm season is hitting hard and fast across Australia and warnings are out for the high risk of asthma attacks.
Mind Medicine Australia pushes forward with new partner
As Mind Medicine Australia awaits the results of a rescheduling application before the Therapeutic Goods Administration to allow psychedelic medications to be used more widely in clinical therapy, the charity organisation has announced a new partnership with the company Emyria.
Focus on health for International Men’s Day in 2020
Launched in 1999, and now celebrated in more than 80 countries worldwide, thousands of men are alive today because of International Men’s Day, according to organisers.
Food poisoning – it’s in your hands
It’s Food Safety Week, and Ballina Shire Council is urging everyone to take food poisoning seriously.
How oral health affects your overall health
When you consider the importance of your oral health, you might think this is mainly about avoiding conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease. But taking good care of your teeth and gums can also help to improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Are we eating our way into blindness?
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists says too much sugar consumption means many Australians are literally eating themselves blind.
North Coast Cancer Institute marks a decade of care
Lismore’s North Coast Cancer Institute is marking ten years of operation in 2020, providing residents of Northern NSW with state-of-the-art cancer care.
Important to take medicines properly
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia say that taking medicines properly is essential if you want to get the most out of them.
Self-care and health policy
Australians will achieve better health outcomes when self-care is a priority of the healthcare system and federal government policy, says the Director of the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine at SCU, Jon Wardle.
Mothers thrive working from home?
Working from home brings its own special challenges, but a recent study of public servants has shown women in particular see themselves as winners from more flexibility about work locations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blue Knot Day
Blue Knot Foundation, the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma, is a non-profit organisation focused on helping the estimated one in four Australian adults who are survivors of childhood trauma.
STELLAR Awards launched to recognise outstanding health workers
The Northern NSW Local Health District has launched a new award program to recognise dedicated nursing and midwifery staff across the health service.