With our demanding, stressful lives, many people are turning to vitamin supplements in an effort to maintain health — but are they really doing us any good? Karen Inge reports. The supplement industry is growing at a phenomenal rate in Australia. No longer the sole realm of the health food store, naturopath clinic or pharmacy, […]

Subjected to incalculable child abuse, Kim Noble’s young mind shattered into multiple personalities when she was just three years old. In an exclusive extract from her autobiography, this extraordinarily brave woman explains how she survived, became a mother and what it feels like to live a life literally in pieces. Kim Noble was born on […]

Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia or those at risk of developing the condition will be encouraged to learn that a study published by the British Medical Journal has suggested particular dietary supplements can significantly reduce their risk of having the abnormally high blood pressure and other symptoms which can lead to premature birth. A team of […]

According to a study by researchers from Melbourne’s Swinburne University, published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, a family history of ‘pink disease’ is a strong risk factor for developing autism. Never heard of pink disease? Its official name is infantile acrodynia, and it was a form of mercury poisoning that was quite […]

Fad diets and crazy exercise regimes promise to help you slim down quickly but weight loss doesn’t have to be so difficult. You can achieve longer-lasting results by making a few simple lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to help you get started on the right track. Learn about your health: Identify why you want […]

Have you ever wondered why ice cream gives you a headache? Or we 'kiss it better'? It seems there are perfectly sane solutions to some of life's little health mysteries.

Have you ever wondered why ice cream gives you a headache? Or we ‘kiss it better’? It seems there are perfectly sane solutions to some of life’s little health mysteries. People die of a broken heart: The heart doesn’t break, but loss definitely causes stress, depression, and decreased immunity, with studies showing an increased sudden […]

I drive quite a distance to work and because of this I have to fill up my car’s small petrol tank a couple of times a week. I try to plan my days so that I’m filling up when petrol’s cheapest, but my reason for filling up is always the same: if I don’t my […]

Weights and treadmills won’t be every octogenarian’s cup of tea, but Liz Deegan’s 83-year-old mother has found a new lease of life working out at the gym. It’s not often my mother surprises me. We talk most days and I like to think we’re pretty close. She knows what I’m doing, what I’m feeling, what […]

Doctors say it could be as deadly as nicotine – but Australians are still overdosing on salt without even realising it. Last night, A Current Affair revealed the alarming amount of salt in food items we eat every day. Here are some tips for reducing the amount of salt you eat every day: Read the […]

Can we take steps to live longer? Are there ways to reduce the risk of chronic disease and add years to our lives? New research suggests we can and it is as simple as sticking to four key lifestyle factors. Stay a healthy weight; Walk for 30 minutes every day; Eat fruits, vegetables and wholegrains; […]

Are grumps and grouches born or made? Jordan Baker discovers some secrets to happiness that will put a smile on your dial. For a few weeks last February, Tyron Krost was bursting with happiness. After being dragged to a poker championship because he had nothing else to do that night, the 23-year-old Sydneysider shocked everyone, […]

Dieting is a tricky business. Even if you exercise regularly, eat salad for lunch and resist the temptation to scoff chocolate biscuits every afternoon, there are pitfalls that can leave even the most experienced calorie-counter struggling to slim down. Here is our list of diet mistakes even the most savvy women often make. 1. You […]

Almost a third of overweight adults mistakenly think that their health is excellent or very good, according to a new study by the National Heart Foundation of Australia. The heart health charity surveyed more than 12,500 people aged 30-65 and found that women were more likely to be in denial about the impact their weight […]

Banish stress, beat the blues and re-energise with these mood-boosting techniques.

Banish stress, beat the blues and re-energise with these mood-boosting techniques. Think like an astronaut Along with elite athletes, policemen and airline pilots, astronauts are taught autogenic training as part of their space-training programs. Developed by a German doctor, Johannes Schultz, in the 1920s, this technique has been scientifically proven to relieve tension, lessen anxiety, […]

The jury remains out on the exact causes of autism, although most experts agree that inherited tendencies play a significant role, including the presence of a genetic variation which upsets the mother’s ability to correctly utilise folic acid, which is essential for correct foetal development. The finger has also been pointed at a variety of […]

You are probably aware that consuming too much unhealthy saturated fat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. But what you might not realise is that butter is one of the main culprits responsible for high levels of saturated fat in your family’s diet. Luckily, The Heart Foundation, through ‘Mums United’, is here to debunk some […]

Have you ever wondered why most engineers are men while most nurses are women? A new study suggests that is has nothing to do with societal pressure and everything to do with hormones. Psychologists at Penn State University have investigated why certain professions are predominantly one sex. Related: Fitness fanatics likely to have higher sex […]

Drinking to excess may be socially acceptable, but women are feeling the ill effects. Professor Kerryn Phelps says its high time we changed our habits. It’s as Australian as kangaroos and a day at the footy to “like a drink”. The problem is, too many Australian women like alcohol way too much — to the […]

While celebrities have been associated with a number of health and diet tips and tricks, supermodel Miranda Kerr’s tip seems to be one of the easiest to live by! The 28-year-old new mum, who is famous for her organic lifestyle, swears by certified organic coconut oil for everything from her healthy glow to her after […]

Most people love nothing more than flopping down in front of the TV at the end of a busy day, but a new study has shown our habit might be slowly killing us.

Most people love nothing more than flopping down in front of the TV at the end of a busy day, but a new study has shown our habit might be slowly killing us. Researchers at the University of Queensland found that every hour of TV watched by people over the age of 25 was associated […]

Nutritionist and exercise physiologist Caitlin Reid reveals the tasks you should add to your to-do list today. With long working days, job-related stress, traffic delays and school drop-offs, it’s hard for many of us to spare even a thought for our health. Sure if we could exercise whenever we pleased and had a personal chef […]

It doesn’t matter whether you are trying to succeed at work, in your relationship or with your wealth the principles are the same. Accredited nutritionist and exercise physiologist Caitlin Reid provides you with the top six tips that will help you succeed no matter what. 1. Know what you want You must have the desire […]

Want to avoid painful and unsightly sunburn this summer? Drink more wine. A new Spanish study has found that white and red wine may protect skin cells from ultra-violet radiation. Related: Eight cancer-fighting vegetables to improve your health Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council reported that flavonoids found in […]

If you’re thinking about having a baby, it’s not just your reproductive health and your partner’s sperm quality you have to take into account — it’s the state of your liver too. According to a study from the University of Milan, published in Cell Metabolism, oestrogen receptors in your liver are crucial for maintaining fertility. […]

Chocolate? Pizza? Hot chips? What’s your food obsession? Tara Diversi looks at the difference between normal and potentially dangerous food cravings and how to free yourself of them forever. Check in with the 97 per cent of women who experience food cravings and you will hear the following four foods mentioned over and over again […]

Exotic-sounding fruits like mangosteen, acai and goji are the caped crusaders of the nutrition world. However, most ‘superfruits’ are more like Clark Kent than Superman — they’re so unassuming we don’t notice their healing powers. Red grapes: Red grapes — as opposed to green ones — contain resveratrol, a phytochemical which shows great promise in […]

The Biggest Loser personal trainer Michelle Bridges has been helping people fight the battle of the bulge since she was 14 years old. Here, she gives her top fitness tips for over 50s: 1. You’re not too old! Don’t kid yourself you’re too old to start exercising — it’s an excuse that we like to […]

Getting your family to eat enough fruit and vegetables can be a challenge. Here are some tips to ensure everyone in your household gets their recommended intake of two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables every day. Swap the bacon and eggs at your weekend breakfast for baked beans or grilled mushrooms and […]

If you’re putting off going to the gym because you still fit into size 12 clothes, dust off your running shoes — the average size 12 garment fits women who are medically obese. Australian fashion houses have expanded the measurements of the average size 12 item of clothing so it fits women with a waistline […]

Does your average day in the office have you pulling out your hair by 3pm? These tips will have you feeling zen in no time.

Does your average day in the office have you pulling out your hair by 3pm? These tips will have you feeling zen in no time. Few things are as capable of restoring perspective and turbo-charging your energy levels as taking a brisk walk. Walking raises your heart rate, improves circulation and boosts your mood. And, […]

It’s time to get up and get moving, according to a new study on heart health. Research has shown that adults who spend less time sitting throughout the day have a lower risk of early death from cardiovascular disease. In pictures: How to lose kilos without noticing Current government guidelines recommend 30 minutes or more […]

Lifestyle changes can make a positive difference to our lives, but we’ve all been guilty of making a conscious effort to eat healthier or exercise more before returning to old habits a few weeks later. It is admirable to have the motivation to start to make these changes but the real success lies in making […]

Donna Simpson holds the Guinness World Records title as the fattest woman to give birth, but surprisingly, she is now working towards a new goal to put on even more weight. The 44-year-old from New Jersey broke her first Guinness World Record after she gave birth to a daughter, following a high-risk caesarean birth that […]

Trust what the doctor says, we are told, so when is it okay to get a second, third or even fourth opinion? Professor Kerryn Phelps explains. The question of second opinions comes up all the time in medical practice. The type you may be most familiar with are the referrals to specialists in a particular […]

This two-week meal plan is based on the consumption of two 125 grams Danone Activia yoghurt tubs per day. Activia, with its exclusive probiotic culture Bifidus ActiRegularis, has been scientifically proven to help reduce digestive discomfort such as feeling bloated. Try this 14 day meal planner and feel the difference.

According to Australia’s Infertility Network, 15 percent of couples have difficulty starting a family. Alternative approaches counsel patients to restore balance to mind and body prior to conception, which is something many women desperate for a baby find difficult. “If I had to describe a typical patient,” says natural fertility expert Francesca Naish, “she would […]

Swapping your regular perfume for a naturally-derived fragrance can deliver more than just a beautiful scent. Formulated with pure essential oils, they can offer holistic wellbeing too, writes Shonagh Walker. Drawing from the age-old traditions of aromatherapy, natural perfumes are attractive for a range of reasons. As well as offering a pretty scent, they actually […]

On average, Australian adults consume between 8g and 12g of salt daily, which is twice the 6g daily that the National Health & Medical Research Council suggests, and high salt intake is a leading risk factor for people with hypertension. But if you think you don’t need to worry until your blood pressure starts to […]

Vitamin C? Check. Echinacea? Check. What else should you be taking to keep colds and flu at bay this winter? A study of more than 1000 people published in Pharmacological Research found that taking supplements of up to 1000mg of quercetin (a flavonoid found naturally in onions, garlic, apples, green and black tea, red grapes, […]

Have you been feeling a little fluey lately? Instead of visiting the pharmacy, visit the greengrocers and stock up on foods that boost your immune system. Nutritionist Joanna McMillan says preventing the flu and other bugs this winter is as easy as boosting your immune system by eating a healthy well-rounded diet that includes the […]

One in 100 Australians suffer from coeliac disease, an auto-immune disorder caused by gluten in food. Dietician Karen Inge reports on the popularity of gluten-free diets and who actually needs to be on them. It’s amazing how the popularity and availability of gluten-free foods has increased in recent years. No longer do you have to […]

Across Australia, children’s waistlines are steadily expanding as intake of fast food and soft drinks because increasingly normal. With a host of unhealthy options available at almost every school canteen, here are some guidelines to help you ensure your children are eating a balanced diet. In pictures: Gym habits that are holding you back A […]

The use of Asian vegetables in everyday cooking is becoming increasingly popular, adding great flavours, colours and textures to many of your favourite dishes — but how do you know which ones to use? This guide looks at some of the most common Asian vegetables and explains why you should add them to your shopping […]

The following meal ideas have been designed to include a variety of foods that are easy to prepare and easy to eat. The meal suggestions and recipes focus on a range of plant foods and are meat-free. The addition of lean meats, chicken or fish is an optional extra for those who wish to include […]

Cameron Diaz has said she has never worried about her weight or what she eats, but what’s the reason behind her new gym junkie attitude and refusal to eating fried foods? The 38-year-old actress has opened up to Elle magazine about her new diet and exercise regime saying that in order to pursue her new […]

Trans fats are bad for you, right? Yes — and no. Trans fats (those fats that are a by-product of the manufacture of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and that are used in some margarines and commercial baked goods) have had plenty of bad press over the past few years, being linked with a variety of […]

By Pamela Allardice You already know the risks of consuming too much fructose. It’s usually found in the form of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is added to many processed foods, sweetened fruit juices and soft drinks, as well as to sauces and condiments. And an increasing body of research has already linked it to […]

Does hurrying the kids through their breakfast, before dashing off to work, then doing 10 things at once, before popping in and out of meetings sound familiar to you? Whether it’s work, looking after the kids, racing to get somewhere or rushing to do something, we all get caught up in everyday life. So it’s […]

She has one of the best bodies in Hollywood and now Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed her secrets to how she manages it. The 38-year-old actress said she does not obsess about her body shape and that she loves to eat. The mother of two said she is diligent about her fitness routine but told Self […]

Feeling overwhelmed? Easily distracted? Too busy to stop? Performance expert Dr Adam Fraser shows us how to get back into 'the flow' and focus on the task at hand.

Feeling overwhelmed? Easily distracted? Too busy to stop? Performance expert Dr Adam Fraser shows us how to get back into the flow and focus on the task at hand. “Multitasking is impossible,” Dr Adam Fraser says. “What we’re actually doing is switch-tasking. We can only give our conscious attention to one task at a time. […]

Ever since hormone-replacement therapies were linked to a slightly increased risk of cancer, many women are turning to natural supplements to ease annoying menopausal afflictions. Try these drug-free remedies for relief. Get a phyto fix Phytoestrogens are compounds with mild oestrogen-like effects that have been shown to offer relief for hot flushes and vaginal dryness. […]

Did you know that doing the housework, walking around the supermarket and even getting up to change the channel on the television all burn kilojoules?

Did you know that doing the housework, walking around the supermarket and even getting up to change the channel on the television all burn kilojoules? These everyday activities are examples of “incidental exercise”, which is any physical activity that is part of your daily routine. Incorporating more incidental exercise into your daily routine is one […]

You may already know that cranberry juice and its freeze-dried extracts can help to treat and prevent recurrent cystitis, but Czech researchers have also found cranberries can help prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia in men. Researchers writing in the British Journal of Nutrition have found that cranberry’s protective effects can also help men who are suffering […]

We all know how good a massage feels but now researchers writing in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine have found just how good it is for you, as well. A research team from the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles divided a group of adult […]

Which workout will give you the best results in the shortest amount of time? It all depends on your body type. Exercise physiologist and nutritionist Kathleen Alleaume reveals the right fitness level for your body type.

Which workout will give you the best results in the shortest amount of time? It all depends on your body type. Exercise physiologist and nutritionist Kathleen Alleaume reveals the right fitness level for your body type. There are a number of different body types and you can thank (or blame) your parents for the genetics […]

You already know that too many soft drinks are bad for your teeth and your waistline, but now a study published in the Journal of Hepatology has also linked them to liver damage, specifically non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which may in turn lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, and even liver cancer. In […]

We all need someone to talk to about life’s ups and downs, and most of the time friends and family are there to listen and help. But sometimes it pays to seek professional advice. “A psychologist is objective – someone who has no vested interest,” says Amanda Gordon, a Sydney-based practicing clinical psychologist and President […]

With prices on the average grocery bill on the rise, it seems that fresh fruit and vegies are often blamed for spikes in cost — or even worse, are avoided in the name of the household budget. So, are fresh fruit and vegetables really more expensive than their processed counterparts? “The Real Cost of Healthy […]

If you watch more than four hours of TV a day, be warned it could lead to heart attacks regardless of how much exercise you do, UK researchers have found. Watching TV or playing video games for extended periods of time can increase your chances of heart disease and premature death research, the UK’s Daily […]

We all know that eating fibre helps to keep bowel habits regular, so it comes as a surprise to learn that up to 27 percent of the population of Western countries regularly experience constipation. Apart from being uncomfortable, chronic constipation predisposes you to colon cancer, possibly because, if the stools remain in the intestine for […]

You already know that certain vitamins and minerals — notably the B-group and magnesium — help to support brain health and mood. Now a study by researchers from Northumbria University in England, published in Human Psychopharmacology, has found that taking a multivitamin supplement is also of specific benefit to the mental performance of women who […]

Have you ever wished your body came with an individualised manual? Forget about battling your body and struggling to change what you’ve got. According to this ancient Indian wisdom, your individual constitution is predetermined at birth. And you can learn to work with (and love) it. Ayurveda is India’s 5000-year-old science of life, health and […]

A US scientist claims to know how to live a longer and healthier life. Geneticist Professor Cynthia Kenyon says it lies with eliminating carbohydrates and high amount of insulin from your diet, the UK’s Daily Mail reported. She discovered that the carbohydrates we eat, including bananas, potatoes, bread, pasta, biscuits and cakes, directly affect two […]

Have you ever sat at home on your bed with your beloved teddy and wondered “Am I the only one doing this?” The answer is no. A survey of 6000 UK adults, commissioned by hotel chain Travelodge, found that 35 percent of British adults admitted to sleeping with a stuffed animal, LiveScience reported. One of […]

Dogs can improve our health without us even realising it. You don’t have to run endlessly around the local park with your dog to lose weight. When low-income, sedentary people with chronic illness were given “loaner” dogs to walk, they lost an average of 6.5kg a year, a study from the University of Missouri found […]

Just when you thought the season of feeling sick was over and the nasty cold and flu bugs were out of the picture, think again. There are still bacteria lurking in everyday places and on everyday items in your home and workplace. These bacteria can be contributing to the spread of illness more than you […]

When it comes to your partner’s health, US researchers have found that serving up three solid meals a day will keep them healthier than if they graze on smaller meals throughout the day. New research conducted on a group of 27 overweight men by researchers at Purdue University in Indiana found that eating three solid […]

An international scientific team has studied data collected from 50,000 Europeans and identified a genetic risk factor linked to common migraines. The researchers found that patients with a certain DNA variant affecting the regulation of a particular brain chemical, called glutamate, have a greater risk of developing migraines. In pictures: Surprising things that cause headaches […]

Up to 275 Australians develop diabetes every day, but new research in the UK suggests cutting diabetes risk can be as easy as munching on some spinach. A new study by the University of Leicester has found that eating green leafy vegetables can significantly cut your risk of type 2 diabetes. Diagnosis of type 2 […]

A research team from England’s University of Warwick says it may be possible to substantially reduce your chances of developing heart disease with a simple blood test to check your vitamin D levels. In one of the largest studies of its kind, the researchers reviewed 28 studies, which examined over 99,000 men and women from […]

August 1-7 is National Healthy Bones Week (www.osteoporosis.org.au), and — seeing as one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a broken bone as the result of osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease — it makes sense to learn how to reduce your risk. Here’s what you need […]

Have you ever decided to get fit? But then you found you really couldn’t be bothered? This often happens when you don’t set a specific goal. Without a reason to exercise, most people struggle to get started. Heidi Howard, a 30-year-old Brisbane mum, had vague notions that she wanted to get fit and lose weight […]

You already know about the powerful disease-fighting antioxidants found in green, black and white tea. Now a study from Germany, published in Nutrition and Metabolism, has revealed that, compared with other types of tea, white tea helps prevent new fat cells from forming, and also breaks down the fat content in those already present. Lead […]

There are many benefits to exercising in the cold. You use more energy in winter, which equates to burning more kilojoules. And as you’re burning more energy, you sleep better at night. Regular exercise is also one of the best ways to boost your immune system and fend off wintertime colds and other illnesses. But […]

Want to know how to put a stop to crying when you don’t want to or curing the hiccups? Woman’s Day health expert Jane Worthington has the answers! Swallowing a teaspoon of sugar can work, reports the British Medical Journal. Or take a series of deep breaths and hold for 5-10 seconds without exhaling. It […]

If you think taking vitamin C will stop you getting the flu, think again. In fact when if comes to taking vitamins, an Australian dietician suggests you may be taking more than you need to. Accredited practising dietician Lisa Renn says if you eat a healthy and balanced diet there is not a great need […]

The risk of miscarriages and fertility problems increases with age in both men and women, says geneticist Dr Judy Ford, author of a new e-book Starting your family after 30. But that doesn’t mean parenthood isn’t possible for older couples. To increase your chances of a successful conception and healthy pregnancy — particularly after age […]

Do you know which disease kills four times as many women as breast cancer? If you don’t, you’re not alone – heart disease in women is often dangerously overlooked. This is something young Aussie Olympian Cate Campbell hopes will soon change. “Normally when I hear the words heart disease I think of a middle-aged man […]

With currently 61,000 people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Australia, there is work being done to raise public awareness around the issues people with IBD courageously cope with every day of their lives. So what is IBD? IBD is a collective term used to describe autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative […]

Just when you think that scientists and doctors must be near to running-out of new health benefits to research and incredible discoveries to make, they unveil some more. One of the symptoms of a stroke — where the affected area of the brain is unable to function — is the inability to move one or […]

Red wine lovers can happily justify moderate tippling, thanks to the impressive body of research which indicates that one of its key components, resveratrol, interferes with the action of the inflammation-producing COX-2 enzyme, which is linked to a host of health disorders, including cancer and heart disease. However, people who don’t drink or who don’t […]

Next time you’re chatting on your mobile phone, it may be worth stopping to think about the health risks. Although the link between mobile phone use and cancer remains unclear, new research suggests that a risk is there, however the severity continues to be debated. A 10-year study on the health effects of mobile phone […]

Women are more susceptible to stress than men because of a greater sensitivity to a substance produced when they are anxious, a new study has found. Scientists have long known women are more vulnerable than men to stress and related conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, but this research from the US is […]

For such a tiny part of your body, your sinuses (the narrow channels located around your nose, eyes, cheeks and forehead are not much wider than the lead in a pencil) can sure pack a painful punch when they’re all bunged up. If the pressure is getting to you, here’s how to make yourself feel […]

A simple blood test could be the answer to detecting cancer in the very early stages, new UK research has found. The University of Nottingham and cancer detection technology company Oncimmune have developed a blood test that can assist in the detection of cancer up to four years earlier than current testing methods, such as […]

Next time you want a drink of water, don’t dismiss the good old tap. According to new Canadian research, bottled water holds more bacteria than tap water. The study conducted by a team of 70 scientists from the C-crest Laboratories in Montreal found that bottled water is not as pure as first thought. “Heterotrophic bacteria […]

Every day around Australia, thousands of people are bravely battling addiction. This cruel human affliction is not just reserved for ‘hard-core’ drug or alcohol abusers. The reality is that any of us can potentially become addicted to anything. “There are many and varied reasons why someone develops an addiction, and it’s a very complex issue,” […]

Despite their genetic blessings most celebrities turn to their own quick-fix diet to get their body red-carpet ready. But do these celebrity detoxes actually work and are they safe? Naomi Campbell recently confessed that she puts her body through three lemon-and-maple syrup detox sessions a year, each lasting 18 days, the New York Times reported. […]

Western Australia’s Nicky Freeman may hold the secret to eternal youth, but his mum tells John Parrish the secret to happiness is just as important. He’s a 40-year-old who looks and acts like a 10-year-old, but man-child Nicky Freeman could help unlock the secrets of near-eternal youth. Nicky has a virtually unknown condition that sees […]

If you can swap your car commute for a bike ride to work, you’ll reap a host of health and fitness benefits. According to a study published in Preventive Medicine, a combination walk-and-cycle commute is linked to an 11 percent decrease in risk of heart disease. Research reported in the European Journal of Epidemiology has […]

We all know most of the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep, but new European research has found that it not only benefits our everyday health and wellbeing, it can also help us live longer. Research conducted by the University of Warwick and the University of Naples Federico II found poor sleepers who get […]

What’s the latest health craze which lowers blood pressure, stress and boosts the immune system? It’s as simple as a good laugh! Researchers from the Loma Linda University in California have discovered that laughing is like internal jogging and can have the same effect on our body as moderate exercise the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported. […]

Just days into her exciting new life, Pauline Hanson tells Glen Williams about her embarrassing travel saga, and her fears for the Australian flag. She wanted to see the world, but Pauline Hanson’s time in jail is proving a stumbling block. The fiery redhead got as far as New Zealand, only to be halted by […]