Dr Hamish Black
Dr Hamish Black has been a medical practitioner for more than 25 years. In addition to his role as nib group medical advisor, he still spends two days a week practising as a GP. He has spent many years working in emergency departments and in rural Australia, including a stint with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Hamish also loves karaoke and dancing (though not that well at either, he says!), with Play that Funky Music by Wild Cherry being his karaoke favourite.
![A young woman resting her face on her palm as she stares out a window A young woman resting her face on her palm as she stares out a window](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/5vm2Nkt6G40cace6GSeqGk/4a5e2a1f95d495ef6636c59dd41f9aed/MentalHealth_Image1.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
6 ways to get help for mental health – and you won’t have to pay a thing!
Keep on top of your mental health with these free programs
![Close up of ibuprofen in one hand and a glass of water in the other Close up of ibuprofen in one hand and a glass of water in the other](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2J229yEBPka7r4rJXk7SQ7/aef3f77cb8299bb1366e7ce862b993f6/1.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Paracetamol vs ibuprofen: Is there a difference?
What’s the difference and how do you know which one to take?
![Woman yawning and can't wake up in morning. Sitting in bed covered with blanket. Woman yawning and can't wake up in morning. Sitting in bed covered with blanket.](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/8K53o5RPPk0ejNORVwON5/0f15b5b9a2edb38d7f850ab083801d6e/GettyImages-1392032004-600x400-bf06395.jpg?w=600&h=400&f=center&fit=fill&q=80&fm=avif)
Understanding long COVID
How long does long COVID last? What are the health impacts?
![Mother helping son to blow his nose Mother helping son to blow his nose](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2htYHnwpduqHgYyYqfgYj5/ff60891a48bcea30cb4a35571e9519e0/GettyImages-1081701180-600x400-f5be660.jpeg?w=600&h=400&f=center&fit=fill&q=80&fm=avif)
Avoiding common childhood illnesses this winter
Handy steps to keep the whole family healthy this winter.
![A woman sitting at a glass table. She is rubbing her eyes as if she is tired. A woman sitting at a glass table. She is rubbing her eyes as if she is tired.](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/5RysE8GZIYrnHwnLEYP4oh/66d6c497edb116f1b6a9cfd8262bd031/GettyImages-1221043267-600x400-f5be660.jpeg?w=600&h=400&f=center&fit=fill&q=80&fm=avif)
Using melatonin for sleep: everything you need to know
Could melatonin help you sleep better?
![A mum rubs sunscreen on her young daughter's face while on the beach A mum rubs sunscreen on her young daughter's face while on the beach](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2APxf2hRIKK9fkgUkkS9pN/4d81b9d112954754f9a164780871f1bb/hero-image.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
How to check your skin for skin cancer
Understanding your skin cancer risk factors can pay off
![Close up photo of a person holding CBD oil bottle. Close up photo of a person holding CBD oil bottle.](https://downloads.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2gFG4YVajEnCLX6DbD6LCR/bbcfd4529f963ae0708d11a17e0cf6ac/GettyImages-1369750268.jpeg?w=600&h=378&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Guidance for using CBD oil in Australia
Everything you need to know about safely using CBD oil.
![A person adding prescribed CBD oil to their tea. A person adding prescribed CBD oil to their tea.](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/7LbIAh4kKbQcoMuPkdVDfm/a7e0784faa5e11a8b2bc9a76c51d58b4/GettyImages-1470980107.jpg?w=600&h=400&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Getting a prescription for CBD Oil
What do you need to know before talking to your doctor about a prescription for CBD Oil?
![CBD oil in a glass dropper bottle on a metal tray, photographed against a beige background. CBD oil in a glass dropper bottle on a metal tray, photographed against a beige background.](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/7An2QLvHZH5OI7dSriLELz/288324c580f861d37a29599f2b1c7df6/GettyImages-1499011289.jpeg?w=600&h=400&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Is CBD Oil legal in my state?
Is it legal to access CBD oil in your state or territory?
![CBD oil and medicinal cannabis products on a wooden tray, situated on a beige background. CBD oil and medicinal cannabis products on a wooden tray, situated on a beige background.](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/7aaP6IC6K4jL2LSDftjL0u/f94c9c2ccc7566862db6a28f6d6cdc28/GettyImages-1262615260.jpeg?w=600&h=400&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
What you need to know about CBD Oil
Dr Hamish Black answers some of your biggest questions about CBD oil.
![Younger man getting a vaccination from a nurse in a clinical setting Younger man getting a vaccination from a nurse in a clinical setting](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/564HGf7xauM2YRAVmt2qgX/fabb392573da596f58058142507ff77b/GettyImages-1303314175-960x540-86669e4.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Everything you need to know about the 2024 flu vaccine
nib Medical Advisor, Dr Hamish Black, explains why it's important to consider the flu vaccine this year.
![A father giving his son cough medicine as they both lay in bed with another son close by A father giving his son cough medicine as they both lay in bed with another son close by](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2lQiBnTJzOJlV8A9AKW1z4/12ce83f580af624d4b2ea9ee57e9f4b2/flu-myths-2.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
11 flu myths debunked
As soon as the weather gets colder, the flu myths return
![A woman having her heart listened to by a doctor A woman having her heart listened to by a doctor](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/1sA4i1yrdjXHeFpX671Bj2/d805a6b19dd6b939f2db64569ede0e89/Heart_Feature.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
How a heart health check can save your life
Most heart attacks and strokes are preventable
![Young man with dark hair getting vaccination in a clinical setting from a female clinician in pink scrubs Young man with dark hair getting vaccination in a clinical setting from a female clinician in pink scrubs](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/6erfLo4NAP5VrrQDGdfyQT/6ae627c6ef1e943393b7ce1c48a21f8a/Whooping_cough.jpg?w=600&h=503&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
The whooping cough vaccine: what you need to know
Here's what you need to know about the whooping cough vaccine
![Smiling man with bandage on arm showing vaccination certificate while sitting at examination room Smiling man with bandage on arm showing vaccination certificate while sitting at examination room](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/1xneYlX00fuQLDBnVKp9nM/d6a74333b721205e70644cedd0b2ab54/Shingle-vaccine-nib.jpg?w=600&h=400&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
The Shingles Vaccine: What You Need To Know
Getting vaccinated against shingles is an effective way to prevent serious illness caused by the shingles virus. Here are the facts around the vaccine.
![Dark haired young women getting a job from a male clinician Dark haired young women getting a job from a male clinician](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/JvsBNmSkQ4X0vH8Ou655l/931ab94170b8ab60de77e851e42701eb/HPV.jpg?w=600&h=503&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
The HPV vaccine: What you need to know
Here's what you need to know about the vaccine and how it protects you
![man smiling showing his vaccinated arm man smiling showing his vaccinated arm](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/6XJJGDTCgTAouCQfNoZcAd/9d0d9ff258c6b6e5b5a5b440d5040d9d/MMR_Vaccine.jpg?w=600&h=503&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
The MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine offers protection against three illnesses: measles, mumps and rubella. Here's what you need to know about the MMR vaccine.
![doctor and child high fiving for vaccination doctor and child high fiving for vaccination](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/3f2jTwxHlyTMbaHEsKQwl8/8ed8b6507991d6692029d80cf18341ff/Pneumococcal.jpg?w=600&h=503&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
The pneumococcal vaccine
Here's what you need to know about the pneumococcal vaccine
![child getting vaccinated child getting vaccinated](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/636Rb3UMU4EQEWPIJk6eS1/fa5a49407975f03ee167d35316c3b31a/Meningococcal.jpg?w=600&h=503&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
The meningococcal vaccine: What you need to know
Here's what you need to know about the meningococcal vaccine.
![Welts on forearm from Jellyfish sting Welts on forearm from Jellyfish sting](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2Vfxvax4KthUn4FTwRw5q7/ff4ecff0239c9ffacb07a604374210d0/371845339_987128909166178_1787954646031109197_n.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
What to do when you've been stung by a jellyfish
Dr Hamish Black shares his tips on what to do if you’re stung by a jellyfish.
![Bluebottle lying on sand Bluebottle lying on sand](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/6VsXg6pfClXTPUFWci5tU7/f4b8d00e3ba33564b99a323188657f79/GettyImages-1089727766-960x540-7.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Spotting and treating a bluebottle sting
Make sure you're prepared in case you come across the dreaded bluebottle
![A child getting calamine lotion applied to their chickenpox A child getting calamine lotion applied to their chickenpox](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/1isKvQ2NkklmW5KPigfnnL/11acf6f4bc243a23d92d695342bcce85/GettyImages-1478095833-960x540-8c55166.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Everything you need to know about the chickenpox vaccine
nib Medical Advisor Dr Hamish Black shares everything you need to know about the chickenpox vaccine and why it’s important.
![Person rubbing balm onto hand Person rubbing balm onto hand](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/5hH6LXzZ08JvGuyxVRRBHa/3bae6f5947ad80d2c335057437ef1d60/cym4n40o__1_.png?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Spotting and treating a march fly bite
Do you know how to spot a march fly? Fret no more, here's a guide on what to look out for and how to treat a march fly bite.
![Young male bushwalker with his shirt off after a swim in a freshwater creek Young male bushwalker with his shirt off after a swim in a freshwater creek](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2scNuDh3hG3d2zBGXpqvJh/dd6efe2237406c9abbd0bbbe7b60bbcc/GettyImages-614433123.jpeg?w=600&h=399&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Signs and treatments for leech bites
Knowing how to treat a leech bite can avoid infections
![Man camping in the bush wearing a flanno shirt and hat Man camping in the bush wearing a flanno shirt and hat](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/1foQ4dlbkix4KAt2d71gzd/047ab3e8d23c7079a62f9abd504bc54a/GettyImages-640057984-960x540-f6f607f.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Spotting and treating tick bites
Everything you need to know about tick bites
![Primary-school aged boys in the back of their car feeling motion sickness Primary-school aged boys in the back of their car feeling motion sickness](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/6iJ3ilRpKp6TIGQFjGrzYU/9734ab481fc3798bd68c67ae97b8c941/GettyImages-1270307684.jpeg?w=600&h=400&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
The causes, symptoms and treatments of motion sickness
The inside word on how to avoid and treat motion sickness!
![Young woman with red hair checking her blood results on her phone for signs of a vitamin deficiency Young woman with red hair checking her blood results on her phone for signs of a vitamin deficiency](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/24CNRDup5tqvskTEmXs287/5a6d71cfba42fc59f17c725f29ded9ea/GettyImages-1367872334-960x540-17f5bb3.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Spotting a vitamin deficiency
Before you pop a vitamin pill, here's what to look for.
![Young man with glasses and wearing a blue sweater in his dining room using a mental health app on his phone Young man with glasses and wearing a blue sweater in his dining room using a mental health app on his phone](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2juXOQ5KmYujFxMgrXmgxJ/206a5e3dddf5006cba10f16f494b4c86/GettyImages-734164687-960x540-705c20d.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Best mental health apps
Find the best mental health apps for your iPhone or android
![Middle aged sweating while riding his bike in summer Middle aged sweating while riding his bike in summer](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/3q6u43qt59Lq1HBwndS8Mn/b208f31f59f19f1d39925bd1e03e3e6a/GettyImages-523656368-960x540-5fb902f__1_.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
The symptoms and ways to treat heatstroke
Everything you need to know about prevention & treatment
![A couple in their 60s drinking their morning vitamin juice and taking their supplements A couple in their 60s drinking their morning vitamin juice and taking their supplements](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/7sr9vRetJ7PMxpsPEjQjz8/f8cb1c8c8812dc7bbae6472058a5a902/951533630-960x540-d84e31d__1_.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Understanding the vitamins you’re taking
We talk through 13 key vitamins and why they're important
![Young woman wearing a blue singlet top laughing while looking at her phone in the loungeroom Young woman wearing a blue singlet top laughing while looking at her phone in the loungeroom](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/17WJPWAavjr4x1PkV2G8dH/72e7d6dbf2d8a25f3aea11c44caa7b55/GettyImages-1400278923-960x540-d735194.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Healthy blood pressure by age
Blood pressure is a key indicator of health.
![A young woman wearing a white collared shirt and taking her morning vitamins with a glass of water A young woman wearing a white collared shirt and taking her morning vitamins with a glass of water](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2qoMBu8kBLqWafdgX88j0q/5407353b5d312dcc2fa00398e91eca8d/GettyImages-1273194123-960x540-da5df8a.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
How to make vitamins work best for you
Do you need vitamins? And, if so, what ones?
![A man in a gray shirt checking his heart rate while outside in the park going for a run A man in a gray shirt checking his heart rate while outside in the park going for a run](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/7ICO3kKwjxAYzNzq9h2DGL/75f38e0677f6e612532c729665c3e966/GettyImages-1281080679-960x540-754bce4.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
What is a healthy resting heart rate by age?
Resting heart rate and why you should know what it means
![Young dad with brown hair and a beard checking the lymph of his 4-year-old son who is at home sick. Young dad with brown hair and a beard checking the lymph of his 4-year-old son who is at home sick.](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/6Is8zjMw63n6tlhrWgV8Iv/5bd97d6c7557db7f0f5b49d068204d81/GettyImages-1310103043-960x540-0171464.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
![Brunette mum hugging her blonde 12 year old daughter on a blue couch Brunette mum hugging her blonde 12 year old daughter on a blue couch](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/6joYntV6awADsVTMvRm6C9/cbb8f18b6149c0428e0a66a51082bf9c/1171809614-960x540-c186753.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Mental health plans: the basics
Emotional and psychological support is available
![Young man with a striped white and navy shirt grabbing some hay fever tablets to help ease his allergies Young man with a striped white and navy shirt grabbing some hay fever tablets to help ease his allergies](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2RFUGUPScaq8p6yXg7rCPF/12d04583e11d80fbac05527dc7996fff/GettyImages-1354679404-960x540-9fbf80c.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Hay fever symptoms and treatment
What is hay fever and what can we do about it?
![Middle aged mum with curly hair wearing her pyjamas and partaking in a telehealth GP consult on her laptop Middle aged mum with curly hair wearing her pyjamas and partaking in a telehealth GP consult on her laptop](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/4hFulrpOgTaeZvoLPaQW3o/01a4e9906976be8ab6d6dc48cffbaecf/GettyImages-1282155372-960x540-a4885d8.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
![Middle-aged man with a beard wearing a red beanie and t-shirt cracking his knuckles Middle-aged man with a beard wearing a red beanie and t-shirt cracking his knuckles](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/5noZKx7KNeJTsR7HQSzrVH/739fb097e5b6d518e8081cc4af2d2713/GettyImages-1304188851-960x540-5307663.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Is cracking your knuckles bad for you?
What happens when you crack your knuckles?
![Woman wearing glasses and warm, woolen socks, holding a steaming cup of tea. Woman wearing glasses and warm, woolen socks, holding a steaming cup of tea.](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/5yCSeRKMSlIm1NY17nt1Tv/efd11c50eec3c0003f1cfcad115d457f/1172218877-960x540-70c66a6.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Got cold hands or feet? This might be why
Dr Hamish gives us the facts and suggestions on how to help
![A young woman examines the skin on her shoulder A young woman examines the skin on her shoulder](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/5r11hPkl4J2x5jclbaVZU9/3e0d07ac75318935555bc240204476d4/hero-image.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
How to check your skin for skin cancer
A self-check can help protect you from skin cancer
![Young woman having her skin checked by a skin specialist Young woman having her skin checked by a skin specialist](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2oAeJA8jTjtw3VVhDrjXMM/22c0b1d98ac7bc8940a70fbdf1f31ccc/skin.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
What happens in a skin check by a skin specialist?
Skin checks are one of the best ways to protect yourself
![Hipster dad getting sunscreen applied by his 5-year old daughter who's wearing a pink shirt Hipster dad getting sunscreen applied by his 5-year old daughter who's wearing a pink shirt](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2haELSQuI9kCP96dRYZADY/b584b2b07cd01d30d80213d47a4a4aa7/GettyImages-707450381-960x540-d5cae3b.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Everything you need to know about sun protection
It’s important to know how to protect yourself from the sun
![Middle-aged woman with dark, curly hair looking into a mirror at her skin Middle-aged woman with dark, curly hair looking into a mirror at her skin](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/5rF9dqzmJaZp46gu0cyMAr/27225c8ac33eb06293d4b7c8bb6b9c86/GettyImages-1321220585-960x540-5952c30.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
How early detection of skin cancer could save your life
Detecting skin cancer early can save your life
![A middle-aged couple laugh as the man looks at his phone A middle-aged couple laugh as the man looks at his phone](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/2cK3TI9IzwHi4KlpeYtZrl/d9dade5ddffb1c003825c053076a8a63/hero-image.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
The truth about sun exposure and premature ageing
Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to premature ageing
![Man smiling with band-aid on arm after COVID-19 vaccination Man smiling with band-aid on arm after COVID-19 vaccination](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/4aI4gSU4TuD9MA1DoNKPSZ/f756dc654c21d2936794288d045baf63/COVIDvaxside1.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
What side effects to expect after a COVID-19 vaccination
Getting vaccinated? We answer your questions about COVID-19 vaccine safety and side effects
![A group of young friends chat and laugh together A group of young friends chat and laugh together](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/3ZhkLnRaNNKjTVBf5B27Vw/99efdf01f541256ea967d6d58c3f3948/Social_smoking_2.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Is social smoking bad for you?
Even smoking occasionally is damaging your health
![A senior woman laughs as she twists while holding weights A senior woman laughs as she twists while holding weights](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/TnYwCjHyfG24pdG0LoBQc/ee99ebe3b8911cdd20af117dfd3ccbb6/Diabetes_signs_Feature.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
How do you know if you have diabetes?
We explore the diabetes warning signs to look out for
![A woman holds onto her abdomen and winces as she lays on the couch A woman holds onto her abdomen and winces as she lays on the couch](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/23POZ0DkNc8ucLtCBwjrEl/678bbc9cb4667ac057fdefcde825a4f9/Constipation_Feature.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
Constipation: What it is and how to treat it
Given how common it is, it’s definitely worth exploring
![A male doctor fills out a form as his female patient sits across from him A male doctor fills out a form as his female patient sits across from him](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/TMH4mOfxXLBoAq3te6HpZ/447ce7a8620e3d3871832a70d1d8682c/referral_last-feature.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
How long does a referral last?
Dr Hamish Black answers your questions about referrals
![A woman curled up on the couch holding her abdomen A woman curled up on the couch holding her abdomen](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/4s4nO7QLW0CXxLkhfOpBck/1f521a25dbb61e13e04d754ca0f9f329/GettyImages-1057888898-resized.jpg?w=600&h=338&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)
5 things every woman should know about endometriosis
Endometriosis affects one in nine Aussie women
![An unwell young man laying in bed while looking at his phone An unwell young man laying in bed while looking at his phone](https://images.ctfassets.net/hkmafl6harxv/6pBsSY8bkvJHQAiVbySlmS/6aa432ea64b23eacecfd57352e0d8a12/nib372101_CM_1200x800_Sickie-eDoc_01-resize.jpg?w=600&h=345&f=center&fit=fill&q=100&fm=avif)