Healthy advice from your family doctor
Alcohol is the most widely used social drug in Australia. While most people don’t drink to excess, unfortunately two out of five Australians binge drink, with surveys showing this number may be increasing, and one in five of us drink at levels that cause long term health problems. As a result, thousands of Australians die
Talking with troubled teens The teenage years can be hard for many parents. Your child needs your help to eventually become a unique and independent adult, but it can be difficult to let go. While conflict is normal with your teenager during this process, you can still have a positive relationship. Teenagers need advice, support
Back home with unwanted passengers Wonderful memories and souvenirs may not be the only things you bring back home from an overseas holiday. Unfortunately, you may also return with an unwanted passenger – a virus or bacteria. Illness and disease associated with overseas travel are common. Up to one out of every three travellers report
Touch and massage are much more than just a feel-good way to be nice to people and pamper yourself. There is a body of research that shows they can achieve personal and health benefits. Touch can be provided in different ways, such as a hand placed on the shoulder, reassuring pat on the back or
Let’s put to rest some common myths about sleep. Myth (1) – Your brain is inactive during sleep. In fact, your brain is very busy. Among its activities is sorting and processing information on what happens each day, then consolidating it into your long term memory. This is essential for learning and memory. Myth (2)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is defined as symptoms that appear in the days leading up to the menstrual period (bleeding). With nine out of ten women experiencing symptoms, many accept PMS as a normal part of being female. This is unfortunate, because lifestyle changes and treatments are available that can help you reduce or manage your
While seafood is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it does also contain mercury – and too much mercury can damage the body’s nerves and immune system. This is a particular concern for the baby during pregnancy, infants and children up to the age of six. Mercury is found naturally in
Cholesterol and fat are both essential for good health. However, if the balance of specific types of cholesterol and fat isn’t right, they can also lead to illness and disease. Bad cholesterol Your body naturally produces cholesterol, particularly in the liver. The body then uses the cholesterol to: 1) build the outer walls of cells;
Summer in Australia – the beach, barbeques, outdoor picnics. Here are four myths about our most iconic season, useful no matter which country you spend the sunny days and long evenings in! Myth (1) – Wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim It’s claimed that more blood flows to your stomach after eating, not
Sugar is frequently blamed for the high obesity rates in Australia. Some even say it increases health risks in general. But the expert advice is that such claims are too simplistic and it’s acceptable to have limited sugar in your diet. Sugar claims There are different types of sugar, including: Lactose (dairy) Maltose (breads, beer)