Healthy advice from your family doctor
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. It occurs due to partial or complete blockage of their airway while sleeping. Someone with OSA may stop breathing for anywhere between a few seconds and 90 seconds at a time. These episodes (known as apnoeas) can occur up to hundreds
Most of us enjoy spending time around water in the summer months, from heading to the beach to relaxing at home around the pool. But whether at home, visiting friends or family, or on holidays, it’s always important to keep safety in mind when near water, particularly for young children. According to Water Safety Australia,
There’s increasing evidence about the importance of gut health for our overall health and wellbeing. After all, it’s not much help eating the perfect healthy diet if we are not digesting our food properly. What’s more, digestive problems can make us feel unwell and in some people can impact their day-to-day activities and quality of
Whether due to limited healthy food choices, lack of kitchen facilities or the temptation of energy-dense foods and all-you-can-eat offerings, maintaining healthy eating habits can be more challenging when travelling. However, with some forethought and planning, it is possible to enjoy your holiday without your healthy eating habits falling by the wayside. Here are a
Regular physical activity and limiting sedentary time is important for the health and development of children of all ages. Encouraging kids to be active each day helps to build good habits that will stay with them throughout life. Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines recommend the following for children and young people of different
Myth What the research says Raw vegetables are healthier than cooked. While some vegetables are more nutritious eaten raw , there is also evidence that we absorb certain important antioxidants (such as the beta-carotene in carrots and the lycopene in tomatoes) better when these foods are cooked particularly along with some healthy fat, such as
Gout is a painful inflammation of the joints. An attack of gout usually comes on very quickly and the joint becomes red, swollen and very painful. Gout most commonly affects the big toe but can occur in other joints including the hands, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. Gout is caused by a build-up of uric
Tooth decay is on the rise in Australia, particularly among children. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 42% of children aged 5-10 years have experienced tooth decay in their primary (‘baby’) teeth. Yet a recent National Child Health Poll conducted by the Royal Children’s Hospital found that almost one in three
Short-sightedness is currently the most common global eyesight disorder. It affects both children and adults. Researchers have determined that there are more than 1.45 billion myopic people in the world today and that the number of people who suffer from myopia is increasing. Here in Australia, myopia is proving to be a growing problem. Research
Dementia isn’t one specific disease, but instead a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. This can interfere with the person’s social and working life. According to Dementia Australia, dementia is now the second leading cause of death among Australians.