Modern schooling could be shortening vision, warns Australian behavioural optometrist Gary Rodney.
Are screens in schools bad for children’s eye health?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Life and death risks of gambling
Research from the UK has revealed high levels of gambling is associated with a 37% increase in mortality.
Big step forward for 3D bone printing
Australian scientists have successfully used a 3D printer to create new bone-like material containing living cells.
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.
Surviving heart attack
Heart Research Australia says people make two dangerous mistakes about heart attacks, and their new Heart Smart pocket guide can help.
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.
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.
More to myopia than blurred vision
The nearsightedness epidemic affecting the vision of millions of people worldwide is continuing to grow, and change lives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr Jon Veranese, Conscious Dental Solutions
- A truly holistic approach to the health of the mouth, teeth and gums reflected in the balance of body, mind and spirit.
- Whole health dental kinesiology integrating left and right brain consciousness with whole health and wellbeing.
- Dr Jon Dental Oral Health Products.
Coastal Cosmetic Doctors
- Holistic, friendly, and professional care by compassionate and empathic qualified medical doctors with deep knowledge of facial anatomy and function offering a range of anti-ageing and rejuvenation procedures.
- Medically trained in the management of chronic dermatological, musculoskeletal, hair loss and reproductive health conditions.
Dr Chandra Patel, FRACS, Plastic Surgeon
Dr Patel has over 35 years’ experience as a highly respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the Australian Hand Surgery Society and the Harold Kleinert Society for Hand Surgery, and is a regular participant in cosmetic and plastic surgery conferences in Australia and throughout the world.
Dr Alex Phoon, Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgeon
- Dr Alex Phoon is a qualified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon and a founding director of Sydney’s Park Clinic Plastic Surgery, a specialist surgical practice located in East Sydney.
- Covering the entire spectrum of procedures, from breast surgery (both cosmetic and reconstructive), abdominoplasty and muscle repair, to post weight loss surgery, and many more.
Brunswick Heads Pharmacy
‘Brunswick Heads Pharmacy’s mission is to to improve the quality of life of the community through expert health advice, support, and the curation of quality brands and products, in a highly individual manner.’
Ananda Clinics
Ananda Clinics is a medical practice in Byron Bay specialising in endocannabinoid medicine and integrative health.
Their approach takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle, and they emphasise the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient. They believe in facilitating the body’s innate healing response and using natural, minimally invasive treatments.
Mercato Medical Centre, Byron Bay
Providing the highest standard of patient care. Incorporating a holistic approach towards the promotion of good health, accurate diagnosis, effective management and prevention of disease. The team at Mercato don’t discriminate in the provision of excellent care and aim to treat all patients with due care and respect.
North Coast Dermatology, Byron Bay
A new specialist dermatology practice has set up in the Northern Rivers. Three dermatologists have created North Coast Dermatology, and are looking forward to providing access to expert care of all things skin, nails and hair, for patients across northern NSW.
Brunswick Heads Osteopathy
Relief from pain and recovery from injury. Brunswick Heads Osteopathy provides the benchmark for professionalism and excellence in osteopathic medicine and musculoskeletal care in the region, as well as offering a wide range of remedial massage services.
Graeme James, Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Supervisor
Graeme James supports people to make sense of their lives, worries, and relationships in an impartial, caring, non-judgemental way. As an integrative therapist, Graeme tailors his approach to your specific needs. Sessions aim to help: increase your awareness; recognise and address reoccurring patterns, problems and feelings, and; learn and grow so that you manage better rather than react to life’s inevitable difficulties.
Move to Nurture Pilates Studio, Lennox Head
- Learn new movement habits to reduce pain and get back to enjoying everyday.
- Change movement patterns that limit your vitality, find freedom in your own body.
‘Pilates with Brigid was a game changer for me. It was like someone lifted a brick off my back, and I still have that feeling!’ – Kate Curtin, Ballina
The Wellness Pod Chiropractic, Billinudgel
- A corrective chiropractic practice that offers holistic programs to help align your body and nervous system.
- Specialising in facilitating physical changes in postural and spinal alignment. The focus is on correcting the root cause rather than chasing pain.
- Using X-ray, specialised tools and examination techniques to work out and help solve your problem.
Brunswick Holistic Dental Centre
- By adopting an holistic philosophy, Brunswick Holistic Dental Centre aims to always make a positive impact on your overall health.
- Using technology and bio-compatible materials they deliver thoughtful, considered, exceptional care.
- Through observation, education and preventive regimes, patients achieve their dental goals faster.
Casuarina Dental Family and Holistic Care
Casuarina Dental offers holistic treatments, understanding that the mouth is the gateway through which every organ is nourished and sustained, and that problems with your teeth and gums, as well as bacteria, toxins and chemicals present in the mouth, have the potential to affect other parts of the body, and vice versa.
National Dental Care, Byron Bay
National Dental Care is an Australia-wide network with 63 dental practices. They have one goal: to set the benchmark in providing the best available oral health services in the country.
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.
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.
Teachers, food and children’s health
A recent study by researchers at the University of Sydney and Macquarie University has shown the essential role teachers play in educating children about nutrition and healthy eating. Yet a narrow view of education undermines their ability to help.
Have we forgotten to protect our eyes?
The Australian Society of Opthalmologists argues that 2020 has been the year when we’ve lost sight of the importance of everybody’s eyes, and they want to do something about it.
Preventing COVID-19
Dr John Langford-Smith thinks it’s unfortunate that simple measures for preventing and limiting COVID-19 are not better publicised, as the downside is insignificant compared with potential benefit.
Dementia: a little support makes a lot of difference
Dementia affects close to half a million Australians and that number is set to double in the next 25 years, according to Dementia Australia.
Doctors call for more RNs in aged care
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia has urged the federal government to require all aged care facilities to have a registered nurse on every shift.
Autism and social interaction
The latest research suggests people with autism may not have as much difficulty imagining the thoughts of others as previously believed.
Telehealth here to stay, but more room for improvement
National Rural Health Alliance CEO Dr Gabrielle O’Kane discusses telehealth and its challenges going forward.
Bionic people?
Things have come a long way since The Six Million Dollar Man.
People with autoimmune diseases – don’t stop the meds
People with autoimmune diseases often take medicines that suppress their immune system, but there are reports some people have stopped taking their medication due to COVID fears.
#GettingThroughThisTogether
The National Mental Health Commission has announced #GettingThroughThisTogether, a national conversation to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as COVID-19 rolls on.
Ovarian Cancer National Action Plan
Ovarian Cancer Australia has launched its National Action Plan for Ovarian Cancer Research for 2020-2025.
SCU investigates new treatments for complex pain in war veterans
Southern Cross University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine is conducting the first comprehensive examination of integrative healthcare in military populations in Australia.
Australian oral health going backwards?
Dental Health Week kicks off today with some alarming statistics about what’s happening with the teeth of Australians.
Formula 1 attitude to dementia research
Dementia directly affects 50 million people around the world, and many more family members and loved ones. When British racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart’s wife Helen was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014, Sir Jackie created Race Against Dementia (RAD).
Finding new normal after stroke
Contrary to common belief, stroke isn’t just something that affects the elderly. Byron Bay’s David Roland is determined to make life after stroke easier for fellow stroke survivors of working age.
Vaping – not good, but better
Vaping is increasingly popular among the younger generations but is also being used by adult smokers as an ‘off-ramp’ away from smoking. With national drug survey results freshly out from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Australia’s smoking targets are far from being met.
Diabetes for Smarties
Diabetes for Smarties is a new book being launched by Driving Diabetes to help people with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes make informed health decisions, reduce the risk of preventable complications, and manage the condition.
Pedalling back to health
Cycling has spectacular health benefits. It can protect you from stroke, heart disease, depression, diabetes and obesity. Unlike some forms of exercise, it’s also fun and useful, as it can get you and your stuff from A to B.
New treatment plan may increase cardiac survival and reduce stroke risk
Treatment effectiveness, health care costs and quality of life outcomes for the two to four per cent of Australians with the heart condition Atrial Fibrillation (AF), could be markedly improved under a new research project now underway in western Sydney.
Brain complications with COVID-19
Latest research out of the UK suggests that COVID-19 can have some alarming effects on the human brain, in addition to its better known symptoms.
The true extent of bushfire smoke on our health
Still a hazy topic, the effect of bushfire smoke on our health hasn’t been totally uncovered. Although, most of us would instinctively avoid inhaling bushfire smoke, getting to know the long-term and ongoing effects of it will aid firefighters and bushfire-prone communities alike.
Thick skin no defence from skin cancer
As Men’s Health Week draws to a close, it’s not too late for a reminder that men over the age of 40 are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed and 2.5 times more likely to die of melanoma than women of a similar age.
Negative thinking and Alzheimer’s risk
New research out of the UK suggests that persistently engaging in negative thinking patterns may raise the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Giant leap for wound healing
A revolutionary wound-healing technology developed by Australian scientists, led by Southern Cross University’s Dr Rosemary Craig, is attracting attention in an international competition run by NASA.
The fight against oral cancer
Last Sunday, the 31st May was World No Tobacco Day. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is using the growing awareness of this day to set the record straight about the risks of oral cancer.
Open letter – put your health first
23 health organisations have collectively put pen to paper and written an open letter to the people of Australia, urging preventative action to prevent a second wave of health problems after successfully flattening the COVID-19 curve.
How co-parenting alters brain functions
A study led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) researchers has revealed how the physical presence of spouses who are co-parenting can alter each other’s brain activity.
Rheumatoid arthritis website launched
Rheumatoid arthritis is a big problem in Australia, affecting about 458,000 people. It’s an auto-immune disease that causes pain and swelling of the joints, and can strike at any age. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital. Now Arthritis Australia has designed a new, free website to help people living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Rise of the superbugs
As the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs threatens public health around the world, a new CSIRO study has revealed frighteningly low levels of community knowledge in the Australian public about antibiotics.
Flu season and COVID-19
The Government has a 3-step plan in place to ease restrictions over the coming months but have they taken into account the unknown affect COVID-19 will have during our flu season?
You got this mate
A new website has just launched to help rural men reach their best possible mental health. ‘You Got This Mate’ provides tips, information and personal stories from rural men about their struggles with mental health and what they do to keep well.
Tune in to music therapy
Music is weird stuff – invisible vibrations in the air that can make us laugh, cry, or dance. In the right hands, music can also heal. Music therapy combines evidence-based techniques to achieve clinical goals, improve lives and increase social and community participation.
Overcoming dental apprehension
For some, a trip to the dentist is like a fork in the eye – it won’t kill you but you’d rather not. Although, the fact of the matter is your oral health is a gateway to all other facets of your health.
A.I. health
Artificial intelligence isn’t just about machines beating humans at games like chess and go, and destroying the world in dystopian Terminator-style nightmares. AI is also making great strides in health care.
Move it!
Do you know your GP can prescribe exercise, and not just pills? Research and common sense suggests that getting more active is one of the most important things you can do for your health, especially if you’ve had one too many visits from the Easter Bunny.
Can you trust Dr Google?
As the health system comes under increasing strain with COVID-19, it’s getting harder to see a doctor face to face. Checkups and pathology test numbers are down. Internet searches are up.
What we can learn from other countries during COVID-19
A looming pandemic has been on the edge of global consciousness since Bill Gates delivered his chilling TED Talk back in 2015, showing how the world is not prepared for the next pandemic.
Towel Challenge for Stroke Foundation
The Stroke Foundation is well on the way to its $77,000 goal with over $40,000 raised so far in the Towel Challenge.
Pets and human health
There have been lots of photobombing opportunities for pets recently, with many more humans working from home and virtual meetings being interrupted by all sorts of happy animals with no respect for social distancing. Furry friends have a big upside though – a growing body of research suggests that getting a pet is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Mythbusting COVID-19
Don’t panic! Now that we’re all spending an unhealthy amount of time on the internet, it’s easy to get swept up in strange human crowd behaviours even while we’re self-isolating. What to believe? Who to trust? Is that thing everyone’s sending around actually true?
What’s closed and what’s open?
You need more than 24 hours a day to keep up with all the COVID-19 updates at the moment. Here’s another one. Hopefully it won’t be superceded by the time you get to the bottom!
Consultations from afar
At this fascinating and unfamiliar time in our lives, access to health professionals and their services could not be more important. But with the new social-distancing guidelines, many people in self-isolation and many who have lost the financial means to utilise these services, the traditional in-person consultation is not as effective during this time.
COVID-19 update
Northern Rivers communities are doing their best to adapt to daily changes and warnings from state and federal governments as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Are you an Iron Person?
Having not enough iron in your system (anaemia) is a common problem, especially for women, but some people have the opposite problem. Haemochromatosis is an inherited condition that affects one in 200 Australians. It leads people to retain too much iron in the bloodstream.
Virtual healing: Graeme James
The COVID-19 lockdown is gradually being wound back, but it’s clear that the fallout from the pandemic will continue to affect the mental health of many of us for quite a while. Fortunately, help is available here in the Northern Rivers (and anywhere in the world, virtually) in the form of Graeme James.
You can’t rely on the health rating system
We should all be familiar with the health star rating system (out of 5) that we see on some of our staple groceries each week. What you might not be a failure with is that it is outdated and can’t be relied upon; especially if this is the only measure you look at when deciding if a product is healthy or not.
If the rain is making you SAD – let there be light!
The onset of rain after a long dry spell is always a welcome relief, and though no-one wants to complain about life-giving water, extended cloudy periods can cause health issues.
Overuse of cold and flu tablets leads to health risk
Over the last decade, general medication use has only slightly increased however, the use of antihistamines alongside allergy and cold-and-flu drugs has risen by 3 million (tablets per year).
Australia’s obesity epidemic
You would be forgiven not knowing Australia has an obesity problem, given the area we live in. But through all the açai bowls, soy lattes and vegan delicacies, there is a real problem. It is said that our obesity epidemic is so dire that is undermining expert attempt to reduce cardiovascular disease.
What’s new in peanut allergy?
The University of South Australia has developed a radically novel vaccination that’s poised to cure a potentially life-threatening condition – peanut allergies could become a thing of the past.
The medical cannabis debate
Research into the safety and efficacy of cannabis for medical use has traditionally been very difficult. This difficulty has been exacerbated by the factors that made the drug illegal in the first place. Today, thousands of Australians are using medical cannabis to treat chronic pain and anorexia. Advocates of medical cannabis use say the drug […]
Dealing with anxiety
Lachlan Cornell Anxiety is very common, especially among younger people. Often people who experience anxiety are reluctant to seek support because they brush it off as nothing serious or don’t believe there is an issue. A survey of 1449 people, conducted by Beyond Blue, found that two out of five people who checked their symptoms […]
Overcoming addiction
Addiction is generally defined as a behavioural pattern that involves a person who compulsively engages in drug-taking, gambling, drinking or gaming (amongst other outlets). Even when destructive side effects kick in and people feel like they’re losing control, addicts usually can’t stop doing the thing they’re addicted to without help and support. These people often […]
Hiking and mental health
Lachlan Cornell There’s now a growing body of research showing that group walks in nature have remarkable mental health benefits including easing depression, combating stress and boosting mental well-being. For some sufferers of depression, medication is still required to get them out of bed. But once up, a hike with friends can be the best medicine to […]