Modern schooling could be shortening vision, warns Australian behavioural optometrist Gary Rodney.
Are screens in schools bad for children’s eye health?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Boating is good for you
Boaties all swear there’s nothing better than being in a boat. Now there’s some evidence they might be right.
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.
Ovarian Cancer National Action Plan
Ovarian Cancer Australia has launched its National Action Plan for Ovarian Cancer Research for 2020-2025.
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.
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.
Keeping the world open for elders living with dementia
Elders around the world have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19. For those living with dementia, the new restrictions have made things even more difficult. Dementia Australia has launched a new campaign urging Australians to keep the world open for people living with dementia, not just during the pandemic, but every day.
The rise and rise of yoga
Yoga is continuing to rise in popularity in Australia and around the world. Research from Roy Morgan shows that the popularity of yoga has doubled since 2008, with over two million Australians participating.
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.
Help others to heal yourself
St Francis of Assisi once said ‘for it is in the giving that we receive.’ But you don’t need sandals and a lot of pets to find out if that’s true. According to scientific research, helping others doesn’t just feel good, it has measurable health benefits.
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.
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?
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.
Here comes the sun
With the big upsurge in home cooking lately, and with lots of us having more time than usual, slow food is enjoying a resurgence. One of the most exciting (and environmentally sound) forms of this is solar cooking. As well as tasting incredible, solar cooking is great for your health.
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.
Manuka honey and its future
Honey has been used as a remedy for many ailments across history and has now found its way into people’s pantries across the world, for very different reasons.
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.
Dark chocolate – healthy or hoax?
So, with Easter just around the corner, I thought it would be very apt to talk about an ancient food that needs no introduction. Dark chocolate.
Virtual healing: Belle McPhee
One of the ironies of the current situation is that as the pandemic tightens its grip, many people are finding it harder to get the health care they need. Most alternative health practitioners in Australia are no longer able to see patients in person due to new restrictions. Luckily there are a number of people in our region who are ready and willing to bridge this gap using digital communications technology.
Talking about turmeric
Famed for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this vibrantly coloured botanical has held its spot on the health podium for a long while. Turmeric is a spice I’m sure you’ve heard of and if not, maybe you’ve noticed lattes, gelato and smoothies with a sunset-orange hue. Well, that’s turmeric
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.
Is juice healthy?
Lachlan Cornell Juice has been a staple household item for years, however when the truth about sugar revealed itself, juice dropped in popularity. With the health-focused lifestyle that followed, people wanted to find a way to incorporate juice back into their diets without the added sugar. Enter, freshly squeezed, cold-pressed or home blended juices. Now, […]
The secret about superfoods
Lachlan Cornell Superfoods are an unofficial category of foods that are thought to be nutritionally dense and superior to other foods. Blueberries, salmon, kale and açai are four of the most popular foods to gain the honour of being considered a superfood. Due to the unofficial status, there are no specific criteria that a food […]
Learning about complete sensory deprivation
Lachlan Cornell A sensory deprivation tank also called an isolation tank or flotation tank is used for restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST). It is a dark, soundproof tank that is filled with a foot or less of saltwater. The water in a sensory deprivation tank is heated to skin temperature and nearly saturated with Epsom […]
Recognising chronic kidney disease
Lachlan Cornell Most us know we should live a healthy lifestyle – exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, get enough rest, be social and so on. However, sometimes we don’t grasp just how important all these things are. This is especially true when talking about silent diseases such as chronic kidney disease. Known as a […]
Nanotech to the rescue
Lachlan Cornell In 2013, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) published an article highlighting the potential benefits nanotechnology could have on people with diabetes. You can view that article here. The idea was that the nanoparticles inside the body would be able to detect glucose levels and respond by releasing the appropriate amount of insulin. This […]
How we can learn from the Finnish sauna culture
Lachlan Cornell Sauna use and heat therapy have been around for hundreds of years. Yet modern science is only beginning to scratch the surface of its potential. A couple of years ago, Dr Rhonda Patrick published an article stating that sauna use could be linked to longevity. Not long after this was published the University […]
Linking poor diet to major health issues
Lachlan Cornell The Australia Bureau of Statistics, released a report in December last year, stating that more than two-thirds of Australians are now overweight or obese. In light of this, NobleOak surveyed 1000 Australian adults to gauge eating habits and nutrition awareness. The research reveals that people spend 32% of their weekly food budget on […]
To coffee or not to coffee?
Lachlan Cornell There is a constant barrage of opposing studies and articles, duelling each other over whether coffee is good for us or not. It seems that the result is often the same. These articles are merely a point of reference for friendly arguments between coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers. A couple of words stand […]
The history of tea
Lachlan Cornell During a long day spent roaming the forest, searching for edible plants and crops, a weary farmer poisoned himself 72 times. But before the poisons could end his life, a leaf drifted into his mouth. He chewed on it and it revived him. And this how we discovered tea – or so the […]
Stroke awareness month
Lachlan Cornell There is one stroke every nine minutes in Australia and more than 475, 000 Australians are living with the impact of stroke. The number in the US is close to 800, 000. A common misconception is that strokes just happen to elderly people but strokes can happen to anyone at any age – […]
Fighting hay fever
Lachlan Cornell Hay fever is one of the most underrated annoyances. And now spring is here, hay fever is right around the corner. And around 3 million of us Aussies are about to get hit by it. However, there is no need to jump straight for the nasal sprays and anti-hay fever tablets. There are […]
The calming powers of fire
Lachlan Cornell Fire was first controlled by humans somewhere between 250, 000 and 1.5 million years ago (depending on what evidence you find definitive). Since then its uses have included everything from cooking to fighting, warmth to relaxation. It has always been an integral part of human life however its calming properties are becoming increasingly […]
Medicinal mushrooms in modern science
Lachlan Cornell Mushrooms are powerful and diverse and remain an enigma to many in the medical field. The deep cultural significance of their use along with their ability to heal is quickly changing this ignorance into further exploration of their use within modern science. Perhaps the time lag for modern science to start exploring mushrooms […]
Is health the main motivation for weight loss?
Lachlan Cornell Two-thirds of the adult Australian population are overweight or obese. Weight loss is a topic that covers two areas of health that are equally important. Firstly the obvious, physical health. “Obesity is a major contributor to many chronic diseases and symptoms – around four out of five people who reported conditions such as […]
Sea snail compound reduces cancer risk
The remarkable ability of a small Australian sea snail to produce a colourful purple compound to protect its eggs is proving even more remarkable for its potential in a new anti-cancer pharmaceutical. Researchers at Flinders University, Southern Cross University and Monash University in Australia have isolated one compound in the gland secretions from the Australian […]
A simple guide to obtaining great health
With so much info out there surrounding the topic of health, it is important not to feel overwhelmed by it all. Explore what feels good for you and what you’re morally aligned with. Everybody is different, so what works for one, doesn’t necessarily work for the other. As a simple rule of thumb, health can […]
Talking about detox
Lachlan Cornell For thousands of years, human beings have been trying to rid their bodies of perceived toxins. Native Americans have long used various forms of ritual cleansing and purification, such as the sauna-like sweat lodge. Harvard Harvard Health says ‘Today’s renewed interest in self-administered detoxification reflects concern about a variety of things, such as […]
What is gut health?
Lachlan Cornell The gut microbiome has been gaining attention in both the medical and food industries over the past fifteen years. Due to this increased awareness around the importance of gut health, you may indeed already have an idea of which foods are settling your tummy. And that’s great. But what really is gut health […]
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Lachlan Cornell Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sometimes known as Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), is a stem of holistic medicine that originated in China over 3500 years ago. TCM encapsulates the modalities of herbal medicine, acupuncture, gua sha, cupping therapy and massage. In more recent times, TCM has started to include selected parts of Western medicine […]
What is Attunement Therapy?
Lachlan Cornell Attunement Therapy is a modern healing modality founded on some of the most ancient biological principles relevant to human physical and emotional health. It’s been developed over 14 years by Tristan Bray right here in the Byron Shire! ‘Evolution has wired us to be physically connected with other people on a regular basis […]
Whats new in deep vein thrombosis?
We are all familiar with those Anti-DVT flight socks but for those with high risk of DVT, more drastic measures have to be taken. Often these measures have been unaccessible to those at moderate risk, however, the emergence of new blood thinners has made this treatment more assessable, not to mention considerably safer. Deep Vein […]
How to manage multiple medicines
If you take multiple medicines you likely understand the feeling of ‘what is the red pill for again?’, ‘how many of the blue pill do I take?’. It can be overwhelming and straight-up dangerous. The same goes for supplements. There are more people now than ever taking multiple medicines as well as dietary and health […]
Balance is the key to a healthy diet
Eve Jeffery A dietitian’s job description is far and beyond helping people lose weight. In the course of a career a dietitian might work with patients who have burns, cancer, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, people who are injured in accidents, those with gastrointestinal disorders, cystic fibrosis, allergies, intolerances, people in aged care, […]
Sleep quality is just as important as quantity
With so many wellness trends constantly emerging, sleep often gets overlooked as an integral part of our heath. We all sleep and yet there are a plethora of us that aren’t getting quality sleep. So much so that the major political parties have now agreed, after years of lobbying from the Sleep Health Foundation and […]
What is Holistic Dental?
When it comes to dentistry, choosing a traditional approach or a holistic one can be confusing. Sometimes called biocompatible dentistry, holistic practises offer an alternative to traditional dentistry methods. Although both traditional and holistic methods focus on the link between oral health and our overall wellbeing, holistic dental takes a more overall approach. What should […]
Secrets to a long life from centenarians
Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years. -Japanese proverb To gain an insight into the secrets behind a long life, we need to look inside the lives of those who have lived the longest and continue to remain youthful in their health and active in their contribution to their community. […]
Everything you need to know about cold showers
Cold showers have been a hot topic since Wim Hof hit the scene; running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle in bare feet and climbing mount Kilimanjaro in his shorts. Training your mind can be a powerful thing to overcome many obstacles in life and cold showers are a small thing you can do […]
Natural Flu Defence
Winter gets a bad rap, it’s the season where people tend to pick up bad habits and fall victim to the common cold or flu. Whether you’re into flu vaccinations or not, there are plenty of other ways to gain immunity this winter. There are four major immunity herbs that work in varying ways to […]
Beauty Ideals: What are you focusing on?
When diet and fitness are taken to the extremes you will often find they achieve the opposite effect from what they were intended. If your ‘wellness routine’ – AKA the habits you have adopted to make your life better, start to cause you stress and anxiety, they need to stop. This is called the performative […]
10 Tips to Stay Healthy This Winter
True health is a balance of mind, body and spirit. Ancient wisdom and modern science offer us a wealth of ways to support our holistic well being. It’s this balance that keeps us mentally, emotionally and physically healthy, allowing us to be the best version of ourselves. Try a few or all of these ideas […]