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Not so hot news about sausages

Key findings in a recent study by the Australian Division of World Action on Salt and Health (AWASH), show that only 2% of sausages in Australian supermarkets meet acceptable salt levels. AWASH revealed that one single sausage sandwich at your local barbecue could contain as much as 6grams of salt or 100% of the maximum […]
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Fresh green fruits and vegetables in a refrigerator, including lettuce, apples, cabbage, grapes, and avocados.

Eat your calcium

Surprising findings from a new study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicate that women who get most of their calcium from food have higher bone density than women whose calcium comes mainly from tablets – even when the supplement takers have a higher average calcium intake. The survey of postmenopausal women was […]
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Perfect posture

This month we talk to Dr George Janko, Medical Director, McKinnon Sports Medicine centre on why it’s worth perfecting your posture when you’re active. Spine in line? You only have to look at a spine to see how its various curves may, affect the pressure areas on discs, facette joints, spinal nerves, ligaments and muscles. […]
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Say “Chi”

According to practitioners of Chinese medicine, good health is controlled by a flow of energy called chi. By pressing certain points on your head you can stimulate chi, relieve tension and tone the tiny muscles, acting like a natural face-lift. Got five minutes? Let your fingers do the walking. 1 Close your eyes. Place the […]
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Lean and Mean…Pork?

A recent study into the nutrition composition of pork conducted in conjunction with CSIRO has dispelled a common misconception that the meat is high in fat and best limited from the diet. In fact the survey found that lean, trimmed pork is just a lean as skinless chicken. Let’s explore the nutrition benefits of pork […]
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Fridge interior with drinks, packaged salmon, plastic-wrapped cheese, lemons, and various food items on two shelves.

Is your fridge a health hazard?

Badly stored food can harbour a formidable range of disease-causing bacteria. Make sure you stay safe and that your fridge is well-stocked and clean with these 10 tips: 1 Invest in a good quality frost-free fridge so you don’t have to worry about defrosting it. 2 Put a small bowl of vanilla essence on a […]
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Less stress with aromatherapy

Good scents make good sense when it comes to nixing stress. According to a study from the School of Dentistry at Japan’s Meikai University, test subjects who inhaled lavender or rosemary essential oils for five minutes were found to have reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva samples as well as significantly […]
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Get good and mad

Getting angry every so often is, in fact, a very healthy thing to do, while keeping it all pent up inside is not. These seven ideas will help you vent your vexations more constructively. Take a break. Anger lowers inhibitions and causes you to blurt out things you later regret. In the heat of the […]
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Create ripples

Imagine you have tossed a pebble into a pond and you are watching the ripples spread out. The same principle applies to your life — your smallest action can have far-reaching effects. By seeking opportunities to pay a compliment, show kindness, offer a helping hand or just listen with courtesy at least once every day, […]
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Stay safe

If that little voice inside you tells you that something or someone spells danger, take action immediately. To stay in control and safe wherever you are, remember: Don’t put your keys in plant pots or mailboxes.They are the first places that a burglar will look. Never put your name and address on keys. Don’t open […]
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New flu fighter

It’s the sneezin’ season, and it seems that, when it comes to improving your immune system so it can fend off flu, everything old is new again. As long ago as 400 B.C., Hippocrates — nicknamed “the father of medicine” — called the elder (Sambucus canadensis) his “medicine chest”. The dark purple berries and white […]
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The office day-spa

Some days are so hectic and stressful, emergency measures are called for. These three relaxation methods from Pamela Allardice need no special equipment – just five minutes and a floor. 1 Unclench every muscle This exercise is a powerful stress-buster; it also boosts your cognitive processing abilities, so you think more clearly. Lie on the […]
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Traffic driving you nuts?

Anxiety accounts for 45 per cent of all mood disorders, according to a recent report published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and for the millions of Australians who commute daily by car, rush-hour can be a major source of stress. With traffic-related anxiety and road rage now formally recognised as a certified medical condition, […]
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Women’s soccer: Bend it like … Cheryl?

By Glenda Kwek She sprints down the side of the field, evading two players chasing after her. Running towards the centre of the pitch, she sidesteps another defender and takes a hard swing at the ball. As it sails into the top right-hand corner of the goal, she yells “I love football!” But this “football” […]
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Can chiropractic cure hypertension?

That’s the intriguing finding of a new study from the University of Chicago Medical Center published in the Journal of Human Hypertension. When 50 individuals with a misaligned Atlas vertebra (located high in the neck) were given a one-time specialised chiropractic adjustment, researchers noted that their blood pressure decreased dramatically – in fact, at a […]
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Look better in a hurry

Diet, exercise and sleep are the long-term habits that lay the foundations for looking good. But sometimes you just need a quick fix to look better straight away. Savvy cosmetic choices and easy tricks of the beauty trade do the job for a lot less pain than going under the surgeon’s knife. 1 Mist your […]
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Vitamin D vs cancer

If you need a good reason to get your daily dose of Vitamin D — then nothing beats this! Here’s a good reason to get a daily dose of at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): it lowers your risk of developing certain cancers, notably colon, breast and ovarian cancer, by up to 50 […]
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Are your shoes killing you?

We all love a killer pair of shoes … but are your shoes murdering your feet? Posh Spice totters on sky-high heels, beset by painful bunions and bemoaning her “granny feet”. Sarah Jessica Parker tore tendons in her foot after a sprint in her trademark stilettos. But stilettos shouldn’t cop all the blame — wedges, […]
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Two women practicing boxing in a gym, one wearing pink gloves throwing a punch while the other holds pads for training.

Women get fighting fit!

By Annette Campbell There is an exciting trend in action right now in the world of fitness. But it’s not a brilliant, new and shiny gym machine. Nor is it a cleverly choreographed, revolutionary aerobics class. It is good old-fashioned, tried and true … boxing. And women are leading the way! “Ladies’ boxing classes are […]
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Fibre for heart health

Learn to love fibre, for your heart’s sake. That’s the message from a recent Medical University of South Carolina study. Thirty-five healthy adults were randomly selected to consume either the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) high-fibre diet (nearly 28 grams of fibre per day) or a psyllium fibre supplement (equivalent to 27 grams of […]
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Toast to that?-An update on alcohol guidelines

Did you know that our alcohol guidelines are currently under review? Yes, that’s right. But don’t get excited if you enjoy a regular tipple. You’re likely to be surprised to hear that the draft of the new guidelines takes a more conservative view than the current report published by the National Health and Medical Research […]
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Feel better fast!

Relaxation is vital to your health and wellbeing, but many people find it difficult to overcome stress and anxiety. Pamela Allardice offers 10 easy ways to unwind. Take mini breaks: “Hurry sickness” – being constantly busy – increases your heart rate and the production of cortisol (a stress hormone), and leaves you no time for […]
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Super supplement for depression

Fish oil – specifically the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that it contains – reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and sudden heart attack by lowering triglyceride levels and the growth rate of arterial plaque. It significantly decreases tender joints and morning stiffness in arthritis patients and reduces the risk of age-related macular […]
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Energise your life!

When was the last time you felt your whole being hum with vitality? Try working one or two of these tips into your day as first aid for feeling worn out.
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Trends with the battle of the bulge

For many Australians 2008 will be the year to get into shape. However new research is indicating that many people need to carefully consider their weight loss approach in order to be successful. Of those who went on a weight loss plan at the start of 2007, a staggering 68 percent were back to their […]
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Energise your life!

When was the last time you felt your whole being hum with vitality? Try working one or two of these tips into your day as first aid for feeling worn out. 1. Kickstart with cayenne: Start the day with a glass of warm water, the juice of ½ a lime, a teaspoon of honey and […]
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A surprising cure for anxiety

Sure, listening to music is enjoyable — but it seems it has hidden healing potential as well. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques indicate that music activates the brain’s ‘pleasure centres’, which in turn lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and reduce depression and anxiety. In a study from Temple University, Pennsylvania, patients who listened […]
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Walking the dog

If you're looking for a great way to kick start your New Year fitness resolution – get a dog! Seriously, there is very positive research linking having a pet and fitness levels.
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Walking the dog

If you’re looking for a great way to kick start your New Year fitness resolution – get a dog! Seriously, there is very positive research linking having a pet and fitness levels. Let’s take a look: Science support A 12 month study has demonstrated that exercising with pets not only benefits the pet but also […]
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Start the year off right! Lose 5 kilos by February 1st

It’s awfully easy to put on that extra five kilos over Christmas, but you can lose them just as easily with these 10 foolproof tips. Try some — or all of these small changes to reach a healthy weight, without feeling deprived. 1. Have fibre first up Breakfasting on fibre-dense multigrain toast or wholegrain cereal […]
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Five easy steps to fitness

By Michaela Ryan How many times have you made a new year’s resolution to get fit? And how many times have you decided by mid-January that it’s all too hard? If you want an achievable fitness goal for 2008, start your regime with one or more of these baby steps. The idea is simply to […]
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Seven tips to survive Christmas

‘Tis the season to have too much to do and no time to do it. These ideas will help you curb spending, reduce stress, and make Christmas more fun and less frustrating. 1. Ease indigestion: During this marathon of meals, sip 1 teaspoon of digestive bitters (from healthfood stores) in 50ml warm water after eating. […]
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Barbecue alert!

As barbeque season kicks off, go easy on charred-to-a-crisp backyard barbeques. A 10-year study of more than 90,000 women published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has found that women who ate more than 1½ servings of red meat daily were twice as likely to develop breast cancer. Researchers believe there are two culprits involved, […]
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Folic acid surprise

Women of child-bearing age aren’t the only ones who should take folic acid, a B vitamin which helps protect unborn babies from developing neural tube defects. The latest research shows that it also has powerful antioxidant properties, and may even slow the development of particular cancers. The findings, published in the June 2006 issue of […]
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Seeing red

While it’s unlikely that most families still sit down to a regular Sunday roast, Australians as a whole enjoy their lamb, beef and other red meat. From beef strips in a stir fry to grilled veal fillet, there are so many lean ways to benefit from the essential nutrients in red meat. Sensible serves With […]
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Check it out

Regular self-examination reduces your risk of many diseases. These 10 safe and painless health checks could save your life. 1.Know your breasts.Look at your breasts in the mirror and feel them with soapy hands while you’re in the shower. Check for changes at least once a month. For further information, visit The Cancer Council at […]
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A person in workout attire lifts a dumbbell, focusing on building strength.

It’s not about bulking up!

By Michaela Ryan Most women tend to focus way too much on cardiovascular exercise, according to personal trainer Davina Tyquin from Step Into Life. But if you’re serious about shaping up, you really should incorporate resistance training, or weight-bearing exercises, into your regime. Weight-bearing exercises make your body work against gravity. That includes squats, lunges […]
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Sip to beat stress

Sip to beat stress

Drinking black tea might be the easiest way to beat stress, say English researchers. According to a University College London study of 75 adults, drinking four cups of plain black tea a day appears to cut levels of the hormone cortisol by a remarkable 20 per cent. (Cortisol is a potentially dangerous ‘stress hormone’, which […]
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Got five minutes?

Got five minutes?

Now there's no excuse for saying you haven't got time to exercise. These simple moves mean you can wage war on your wobbly bits in 5 minutes flat. Do all six, and you've added half an hour of movement and vitality to your day.
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Fit in fitness this Christmas

This month we asked sports medicine expert Dr George Janko, McKinnon Sports Medicine for his team's top lifestyle and fitness tips for surviving this silly season.
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Got five minutes?

Got five minutes?

Now there’s no excuse for saying you haven’t got time to exercise. These simple moves mean you can wage war on your wobbly bits in 5 minutes flat. Do all six, and you’ve added half an hour of movement and vitality to your day. 1.Strengthen your coreStick a note saying “Cinch in my centre” on […]
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Fit in fitness this Christmas

This month we asked sports medicine expert Dr George Janko, McKinnon Sports Medicine for his team’s top lifestyle and fitness tips for surviving this silly season. Increase that training – whatever it may be. Let’s up the ante! Push harder, faster, stronger, and longer! Do something each day even if only a brisk walk. Remember […]
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Drink tea, it might help your cholesterol levels

Seven ways to lower your cholesterol

High cholesterol levels pose a grave danger to your heart. The good news is that these seven easy — and inexpensive — natural methods are very effective at cutting cholesterol. Swap spreads Studies show that plant sterols lower total cholesterol levels by six percent and LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol by up to 14 percent. They’re found […]
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Ginseng, cancer fighter

Ginseng, cancer fighter

Ginseng has long been revered as a whole-body tonic, and it has a well-deserved reputation as a restorative for use during convalescence as well as helping boost immune function and beat stress. However, new research from Nashville’s Vanderbilt University, reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology, indicates it may have another very important benefit — […]
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Mother and child doing side stretches on yoga mats outdoors, with ocean in background.

Keeping fit with a toddler in tow

By Jo McKinnon When you have a toddler, your world tends to move at their dawdling pace. Here’s how to keep active when things slow down. It may sound strange, but life can slow down when you have a toddler. Where once you could strap your bub in a pram and stride out for an […]
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Doctor checking a patient's blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer.

When to ditch the gym

By Michaela Ryan Is it okay to keep exercising when you have a cold? What about the flu? With winter bugs going around, it’s important to know how to alter your training if you do cop a germ or two.
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A quick look at branched chain amino acids

Last month we looked at the pros and cons of the popular sports supplement carnitine and this month we delve deeper into amino acid land. Branched chain amino acids, valine, leucine and isoleucine are also popular supplements, but what are they and do they really work? What are BCAAs? Unlike other amino acids, the branched […]
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Eat your way to better eyesight

Eat your way to better eyesight

Foods, vitamins and herbs keep your eyes healthy, help prevent vision-threatening diseases, and ease daily strain — the kind that comes from working on a computer or driving. See for yourself. Put a rainbow on your plate Free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules that harm cells) ramp up your risk of getting the most common eye […]
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The brain booster

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a herb that’s attracting attention in health research circles as a smart choice for better brain power. It’s long been a staple of Ayurveda — the traditional medicine practised in India — where it has been used to treat anxiety, depression, and mental illness. According to a report in Alternative Medicine […]
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Smart weight loss essentials

Whether you want to lose a little or a lot of weight, there are three things that can guarantee your long-term success: a healthy relationship with food, an active lifestyle and a balanced approach to living.
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Two people biking on a paved trail with mountains and trees in the background on a sunny day.

On ya bike

By Michaela Ryan Cycling is a great way to kill two birds with one stone — you can exercise while getting from A to B. Even taking into account the cost of your bike and gear, it’s usually cheaper than public transport or driving. It’s often quicker, too!
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Rear view of a woman in a pink sports bra lifting pink dumbbells, showcasing athletic strength and posture.

Sports bras: the lowdown

By Michaela Ryan Did you know there’s no muscle in your breasts? Skin actually provides the main support. And there’s also some support from fine, hair-like ligaments called Cooper’s ligaments. “The breasts are not very well supported for the amount of activity we want to do,” says Deirdre McGhee, sports physiotherapist and lecturer in functional […]
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Too stressed out to work

Eight office survival tips

If you spend a large part of your life sitting at a desk, it makes sense to ensure that it’s safe and comfortable. These stress relieving ideas should make deskwork a breeze. Keep it clean The average desk harbours 400 times more bacteria than an office toilet seat. Disinfect germ-laden troublespots like phones regularly. Ease […]
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A little beer can do you good

Cheers for beer

Doctors tend to be reluctant to encourage alcohol consumption and when they do, it’s usually red wine that gets the tick of approval. However, a growing number of research papers indicate that perhaps beer is the better option when it comes to adding up disease-fighting benefits. For example, Japanese scientists have found that antioxidants in […]
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Skier in blue jacket and white pants skiing downhill on a sunny day, with snow and rocks in the background.

The real person’s guide to the snow

By Michaela Ryan Designer snow gear, perfect technique and a super fit body … A lot of people don’t step foot near a ski slope because they don’t have all — or any — of these things. But here are some ways for regular people to plan a snow holiday that’s affordable and fun. Squats […]
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Music can help the healing process

Beat anxiety naturally

Tapping into the power of guided imagery can reduce blood pressure, ease anxiety and more. The theory is, in terms of brain activity, that there isn’t much difference between imagining something and actually experiencing it. Brain scans prove that visualising something — sucking on a lemon, for example — triggers activity in the visual cortex, […]
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Feeling younger

Seven ways to feel younger — today!

You can probably recite the obvious habits for good health by heart — don’t smoke, cut down on alcohol and so on. But did you know that singing and cold showers also put time on your side? Try these fun and easy tips today. Be a clown Children are fearless, but as adults we can […]
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Woman doing yoga on one leg, holding a baby, both smiling in a bright room.

Losing the mummy muffin top

By Jo McKinnon Getting into exercise after your bub is born is good for your body and your soul. Many a new mum has looked at her post-preggers tummy in shock. What was once a gorgeously round pregnant belly may, after the birth, look more like a deflated beach ball, as taut and toned as […]
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Energy-saving lighting

A cleaner, greener home

Want to make your home more environmentally friendly? Here are our top 10 tips for energy-efficiency. Check your insulation Proper insulation will keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Choose biodegradable cellulose or wool instead of fibreglass or polyester. In winter, place draught strips around doors and hang close-fitting curtains over windows. Install […]
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Can marriage make you healthier?

Married or single: who’s healthier?

According to the latest research, getting hitched improves your physical and mental health — if you’re a man, that is. In a study from the University of California which was published in the journal Cancer, researchers found that, compared with single guys, married men described themselves as enjoying better psychological and physical health and being […]
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Red couch with a potato, open book, table with mug, and a small rug, suggesting coziness and relaxation.

Beating the winter couch potato

By Jo McKinnon Keeping yourself motivated to get out and do some exercise during winter can be a tough call when you live in Australia’s southern states. Those shorter days and cooler temperatures seem to transform occasional exercisers into chockie-scoffing couch potatoes in record-breaking time. So how to beat the lure of the Doona and […]
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Two people mountain biking on a trail, smiling in sunny weather, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.

Adventure sports

By Annette Campbell Think you need a little more excitement in your exercise regime? Why not try something a bit more challenging than the usual treadmills and exercise bikes? Instead of heading to the gym for your next workout, head for the great outdoors. There are loads of adventure sports to try — abseiling, surfing […]
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Chicken soup

7 ways not to get a cold this winter

Whether you succumb to a virus or fight it off depends on how strong your immune system is. Here’s how you can improve your odds. Exercise Exercise increases the circulation of lymph (fluid providing oxygen and nutrients to cells), macrophages (cells which eat invading germs), and T-cell lymphocytes (which produce antibodies that kill viruses). Relax […]
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Garlic bulbs

Heart health: can supplements help?

If your cholesterol or blood pressure readings are high or borderline, you may want to try supplements before jumping on the pharmaceutical bandwagon. Many show promise in treating heart disease, are less expensive than drugs, and cause fewer side effects. Here are the top four heart-healing supplements: Fish oil If you have heart disease, getting […]
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Soccer team in yellow jerseys huddling and giving high-fives on the field, netting visible in the foreground.

Team sports – get fit and make friends

By Annette Campbell So you’ve decided it’s time to get into shape? You really want to enjoy all the benefits of exercise, but joining a gym’s too expensive, buying exercise equipment to use at home is even pricier, and the thought of walking, jogging, swimming or cycling on your own is just way too lonely. […]
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Four women in red shirts doing household chores: vacuuming, fixing windows, folding laundry, and dusting in a bright room.

You call that exercise?

By Annette Campbell So, you’re way too busy to get to the gym? There’s the long list of household chores that always need doing, as well as the kids who need to be delivered to and from school and sport and friends… The list goes on and hardly leaves time for any recreational exercise. But […]
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Female martial artist in black gi and white belt practicing a high kick on a red punching bag.

Fighting fit

By Annette Campbell Around the world, thousands of different martial arts are practised every day. And while they all have different origins, techniques, benefits and theories, there is one thing they all have in common … timelessness. “Martial arts are the best form of exercise and fitness,” says Master Phil Monaghan, a black belt multi-discipline […]
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Cleaning supplies

Four ways to detox your home

Natural foods and pure water help detoxify your body — but that’s only half of the story. Many contaminants come from household products that you use every day. Send pollutants packing with these four easy steps. Lose toxic trash Paint, oil, and batteries contaminate soil and ground water, as well as old computers which contain […]
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Anxious?

Anti-anxiety supplements: which ones work?

About 1.3 million Australians suffer from serious anxiety conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia, and virtually everyone else deals with less debilitating but still harmful levels of anxiety. While severe cases require medical supervision, herbs and other natural supplements can provide safe and effective relief for short-term anxiety, such as the type related to […]
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Young woman in traditional Bollywood dance attire with colorful bangles, jewelry, and a pink blouse, posing confidently.

Bollywood dance

By Annette Campbell As far back as she can remember, Joshinder Chaggar has loved two things — dance… and Bollywood movies! At the age of 13, this Indian-born dance fanatic moved with her family to Australia. She is now living her dream of being a professional Bollywood dance choreographer and teacher. Her passion for this […]
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Woman performing a standing yoga pose on a pink mat, balancing on one leg and extending the other behind her.

Yoga

Relax while you work out Yoga is one of the world’s most popular forms of exercise and although its roots are ancient, it’s widely used today to ease the stresses and strains of modern living. Alex Grant is a Sydney-based yoga practitioner. Here he answers a few questions about yoga. Q: What is yoga? A: […]
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Stress-busters

Six ways to feel better … this minute!

Got a minute? The new year is a time for fresh ideas. We’ve timed these six tips so you can see how fast and easy it is to make your life a little healthier and happier every day. One second Put the lid down when you flush the toilet. Otherwise you can accidentally inhale a […]
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Christmas pudding

Shed those Christmas kilos!

What’s the number one new year’s resolution? You guessed it — to lose weight. Human beings were originally designed to walk about 40km a day, but nowadays we do much less and eat much more ice-cream than our ancestors ever did — which is probably why we put on weight, especially after the traditional Christmas […]
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Antacid

Help for heartburn

Before you reach for an antacid tablet, try these three natural remedies: Press the point Acupressure is a quick way to stop acid rising into your oesophagus. To find the right point, place two fingertips about four inches above your navel. Gently press on this spot until you feel relief. Line your stomach Certain herbs […]
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Too much alcohol

Natural hangover cures

When you drink too much alcohol, your liver — which is responsible for detoxifying your body — is overwhelmed by dealing with the breakdown product, called acetaldehyde, and that’s what creates the horrible feeling. The other main reason is dehydration, because alcohol robs your body of water. In addition to time-honoured ploys such as eating […]
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Yoga mats

Take time out, yoga-style

When you’re uptight and pressed for time, this simple yoga posture will offer you instant rest and a recharge — even at your desk. Sitting in a chair with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, lean forward with your trunk and rest your head and arms on a desk or table. Tuck […]
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Shopping bags

Strengthen your shopping muscles

Deck the halls — and hit the shopping mall — without straining your back. This exercise targets upper and middle back muscles, that tire quickly when you’re on your feet all day, and helps increase endurance to maintain good posture and reduce the risk of injury to your back. Holding a 2kg weight in each […]
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Christmas bits and bobs

Six tips to survive Christmas (without having to strangle anyone)

Forget peace on earth and goodwill to all men: Christmas can be a nightmare. Here’s how to rise above the pressure: Shop smart Resist the temptation to spend, spend, spend. Do-it-yourself gifts, like a framed photo or homemade jam, not only save you money, they mean more than shop-bought items. Other money-saving ideas include having […]
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Sexy candles

Gone off sex?

If all you want to do in the bedroom is sleep, these three tips will help you get things started — even on a school night. “Between work and kids, I’m exhausted” It’s important to keep physical intimacy going any way you can — otherwise you risk endangering your relationship. Reframe your man’s overtures as […]
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Painful arthritis

Drug-free arthritis relief

Sore, aching joints? Try these five natural alternatives instead. Go fish Clinical trials have found that eating three grams of fish fats a day relieves the joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis and reduces the need for drugs. Consider acupuncture In a US study of 570 volunteers with arthritis of the knee, […]
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Red wine

Not-so-guilty pleasures

Go ahead and enjoy these three treats. Far from being bad for you, they can actually improve your health. Chocolate Sure, it’s full of calories, but it’s also packed with heart-healthy substances (flavonoids) that support the functioning of the endothelium, a layer of cells in arteries (including those in the heart) that slows plaque build-up […]
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Laptop on a tidy desk with green folders, white flowers, a lamp, and stationery.

The one-minute office workout

Is the working week wearing you down? Every little bit of exercise helps — even when you’re stuck at your desk. Give yourself a hand massage: Search out sore spots, press with your thumbs and hold for five seconds. Make tight fists and do air-punches, then shake them. Tame shoulder tension by ‘walking’ your right […]
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Spa

Spa scene and detox regimes: What will your body experience?

Where’s the one place celebrities go to de-stress, detox, lose those excess kilos and hone their fitness before their next big movie role? All around the globe they’re hooked on the sensational benefits of the spa scene, where they check out from their hectic lives and check in for a regular dose of rejuvenation. What’s […]
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Clock

Get organised: seven ideas to save you time and energy

Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier Even if you don’t have a last-minute emergency, you’ll be more relaxed if you know the extra time is there. Settle for 75 percent Perfectionism is a recipe for exhaustion. Tell yourself you’ll be happy if you achieve near perfect ‘scores’ in your mind for activities — 75 percent […]
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10 workout mistakes

You pay out your weight in gym fees, but still can’t drop those kilos. Sydney trainer Rebecca Rule tells why.
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5 surprising ways to drop a dress size

Even the biggest losers reach a weight loss plateau. These tricks will help you shift those last few kilos. Pump protein A Baylor University study found that women on a short-term high protein diet lost 1.3 kg more body fat than those on a more conventional carbohydrate plan. Protein preserves muscle mass, which elevates metabolism […]
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rug

Recharge your batteries

Some days are so hectic, emergency measures are called for to create some calm. Progressive relaxation requires no special equipment — just a floor. Note: Your body temperature will drop, so have a light rug handy. Lie down, and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply through your nose, and out through your mouth. Focus on […]
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colours

Colour your world

Colours can energise you, making you move and think faster; they can also help you to feel more relaxed. Think about the colours that you wear and surround yourself with. Even a tiny change can make all the difference to your mood. Red Feeling tired? Wear red. Stimulating and strengthening, it is said to improve […]
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face

Chocolate facial

Lavish your skin with this indulgent do-it-yourself chocolate facial. It’s a luscious treat for your skin and is suitable for all skin types. The cocoa in chocolate is a source of antioxidants that have a toning effect on your skin; the honey has humectant properties (meaning it helps your skin retain moisture) while the yogurt […]
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boxing

Transform anger and reduce stress

Women are brought up to believe that anger isn’t OK, and they tend to smile on the outside while seething on the inside. In fact, getting angry every so often is normal and healthy. These 4 ideas will help you vent more constructively: Take a break Anger lowers inhibitions and leads us to blurt out […]
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Two people power walking in a park, wearing white shirts, blue shorts, red caps, and white sneakers.

Just Walk It

By Annette Campbell There are lots and lots of things we can all do for our health; splurge out on expensive pills and potions; invest in a gym membership; and purchase all the latest fitness gear and gadgetry. Or you could just go for a walk. This simplest, easiest and cheapest of exercises also happens […]
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5 ways to create a calm office

These five tricks help you handle crises better and tackle activities serenely. Keep a CD in your computer Pop on earphones and chill out, even for just a minute. Music can slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and inspire, energise or relax you. Take a break from email Talk to colleagues, or use […]
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sunrise

Five minute power breathing

Yogic breathing techniques teach you to expel as much air as possible so that inhaling is, in fact, the reflex action – not the other way around. This exercise adds an easy spinal twist to awaken your energy and release physical and emotional tension. For an even more invigorating experience, try practising it outside in […]
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yoga mat

Five minutes to firm abs

Doing these simple Pilates exercises each morning will tone your core abdominal muscles and stimulate blood flow to the stomach area, which in turn improves digestion and boosts metabolism. The hundred Lie down, arms stretched out at hip level, palms down. Raise shoulders, head, and arms about six inches off the ground. Keeping legs straight, […]
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Be happy without being perfect

Five easy facial exercises

If exercise can firm up your body, it stands to reason that it can also firm up your face. Try this workout to delay signs of ageing. Facial exercises need not take long, just 10 minutes daily will show results, improving circulation and skin tone. Use a small amount of a good moisturiser or a […]
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5 ways to clear the air

Stuffy, allergen-laden indoor air can drain both your energy and your spirits. These tips will help you breathe easy at home: 1. Keep the air moving Use bathroom and kitchen fans to keep air moving. If your fans are noisy, look into inexpensive new models that are much quieter. 2. Consider getting rid of carpets […]
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tomatoes

Five ways to protect your eyes

Foods, vitamins and supplements all help keep your eyes healthy. Try these ideas: 1 Eat colourfully Bright red tomatoes and capsicum provide vitamin C, which is linked with lowered cataract risk. Carrots and other orange vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, which protects against age-related macular degeneration(AMD). 2 Go fish Cold-water fish like salmon and tuna […]
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