How do I know if I’m immune to measles?
Measles is dominating news headlines worldwide — with good reason. Australia has seen an unfortunate increase in cases of the highly infectious disease, while a measles emergency has been declared in New York. A measles epidemic in Madagascar has killed…
You could have Parkinson’s disease symptoms in your 30s or 40s and not know it
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Parkinson’s is only an older person’s disease. Many people with Parkinson’s, a progressive disease of the nervous system, are indeed at retirement age. So the world was shocked when Back to The Future actor Michael J. Fox revealed he was…
Private health insurance – what’s changing on April 1?
If you’re one of the 13.5 million Australians who have private health insurance, you should expect an increase in your premiums on April 1. Also, there are some key reforms planned, such as classifying private hospital cover into 4 easy-to-understand tiers….
5 things people with Down syndrome want you to know
Many years ago, if a child was born with Down syndrome, they weren’t expected to live very long or go to a normal school. They weren’t expected to have a career or get married. Thanks to advances in medicine and social…
How do you know if you’re having a migraine or a headache?
Headaches are, unfortunately, a part of life. They can be triggered by many things, from hot dogs and ice cream to swimming goggles. Nine out of 10 people have had a headache. While they are are less common, it’s estimated that…
‘Healthy’ juices might not be so good for your teeth
You probably know all about tooth decay and dental cavities — and that sugar feeds the bacteria that causes the decay. The effects of acid on teeth aren’t so well known. Not exactly the scary-looking acid that burns stuff in science-fiction movies, but the…
How to get the most out of your doctor’s appointment
Just like taxes and laundry, medical appointments are inevitable. Unless you’re a superhero, you’ll probably need to see a health professional now and again. It is fair to say that seeing the doctor — or a dentist, specialist, allied health…
5 heart health myths, busted
Heart disease is the leading underlying cause of death in Australia — and not just among the elderly. It’s also the leading cause of death for Australians aged 45 to 64. Knowing how to look after your heart is essential,…
How technology is helping people with dementia
You’ve probably heard older people joking about having a ‘senior’s moment’ or putting their car keys in the fridge. But dementia — a group of diseases that affect memory, thinking and behaviour — isn’t a joke and it isn’t a normal part…
Have a good day at work – every day
Back at work? If so, the memory of the Christmas break is probably fading fast. Eating breakfast when you feel like it and staying at the beach till sundown might be, once again, confined to the weekend. But you can…