As we get older, we tend to accumulate medications that have been prescribed over the course of adulthood, often leading to polypharmacy (defined as taking five or more medications concurrently). Research in 2017 found that almost a million Australians over the age of...

Vaginismus is a sexual pain disorder that can have a profound impact on wellbeing and sense of self. It is due to the pelvic floor muscles spasming and can result in vaginal penetration being painful to impossible. It is reported to affect between one and seven per...

Mental health conditions have a significant impact and are common.  We also know that some mental health issues are associated with experiences from childhood such as maltreatment and abuse. Child maltreatment includes experiencing physical and sexual abuse and being...

Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough are covered by various combination vaccines in Australia. While part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, recommended coverage for adults becomes more complex, with varying schemes and rules governing who gets which...

According to the World Health Organisation, viral hepatitis infections claim the lives of 3,500 people each day worldwide. One of the lesser-known kinds is hepatitis E. Infection can occur after eating or drinking contaminated food or water in less developed...

Depression affects 1 in 7 people in Australia. Good nutrition, physical activity and having someone you can reach out to are all important when someone is depressed. How do these lifestyle interventions compare though, and which are the most important? A new study...

Bowel cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, claiming the lives of 5,350 Australians every year (103 a week).  That number is even more tragic because many of these deaths could have been prevented through early detection. The National Bowel Cancer...

It’s the in-vogue form of exercising, and now another study suggests it has benefits over and above the everyday activities of jogging, swimming or cycling. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is characterised by periods of intense physical exercise, interposed...

Australians have some of the highest rates of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. This results in a high incidence of skin cancer, including melanoma. Over the past four decades in particular, skin cancer rates have increased significantly, with two...

Multivitamins are commonly used in the belief that they prevent disease and maintain health. In fact, approximately 45% of Australians take vitamins, minerals or supplements and it’s estimated to be a $5 billion dollar industry. But in a new study, their use didn’t...

Low back pain is pervasive globally, affecting millions. And though it is usually self-limited, recurring symptoms are common, adding significantly to both personal disability and economic costs. Despite exercise being recommended for prevention, the effectiveness of...

Dementia is the leading cause of death for women (second overall for the population) according to Dementia Australia. There is a lack of knowledge and understanding in the community about dementia, and it can often be a stigmatised or neglected group. Even the 1.6...