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Managing Health

It's not always simple knowing the right choices to make when it comes to your health, which is why we've made it easier with expert advice

Young man wearing a blue singlet tying his shoes and preparing to go for a walk with his Labrador

How can I improve my health for free?

Keen to make healthier choices without the big cost?

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Are you at risk of heart disease? 12 signs you need to know

We've put togther 12 risk factors for heart disease

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Close up of ibuprofen in one hand and a glass of water in the other

Paracetamol vs ibuprofen: Is there a difference?

What’s the difference and how do you know which one to take?

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Bowel cancer: How to avoid Australia’s silent killer

The likelihood that you, or someone you love will be affected by bowel cancer is high. Find out how to reduce your risk of bowel cancer.  

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A mum rubs sunscreen on her young daughter's face while on the beach

How to check your skin for skin cancer

Understanding your skin cancer risk factors can pay off

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CBD oil and medicinal cannabis products on a wooden tray, situated on a beige background.

What you need to know about CBD Oil

Dr Hamish Black answers some of your biggest questions about CBD oil.

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Is CBD Oil legal in my state?

Is it legal to access CBD oil in your state or territory?

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Getting a prescription for CBD Oil

What do you need to know before talking to your doctor about a prescription for CBD Oil?

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Guidance for using CBD oil in Australia

Everything you need to know about safely using CBD oil.

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Expecting woman doing a telehealth video call with female doctor through laptop while sitting at a kitchen table.

Australian telehealth providers

Learn more about your options for accessing telehealth.

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Mother holding a baby, consulting with doctor over a telehealth video call on digital tablet.

What you can and can’t use telehealth for

When can you use telehealth, and when do you need to visit a clinic? 

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A middle-aged woman smiles as she high fives someone out of frame

How to increase immunity and avoid the flu this year

Tips to help you avoid the flu.

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A father giving his son cough medicine as they both lay in bed with another son close by

11 flu myths debunked

As soon as the weather gets colder, the flu myths return

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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.

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A father helping his young son blow his nose

How to tell if you have a cold, flu or COVID-19

You wake up feeling under the weather. Could it be the flu, COVID-19, or just a common cold?

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A woman wearing glasses studying her computer screen

Getting headaches? Here’s what you need to know about eye strain

Here are some tips on relieving your eye strain symptom from an optometrist.

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A smiling young couple preparing food in the kitchen

8 healthy habits to start in your 30s

It's the perfect time to lay the foundations of good health

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8 ways to keep healthy in your 40s

Ditch the diet and start making some simple life changes

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A young man holding a spoon for a woman to try the food they have prepared together.

9 healthy habits to start in your 20s

The 40-something version of yourself will thank you later.

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A couple wearing sunglasses smile as they enjoy the sunshine

What is UV Damage and how does it affect your eyes?

It's not just ongoing UV exposure that can damage your eyes

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The whooping cough vaccine: what you need to know

Here's what you need to know about the whooping cough vaccine

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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.

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9 ways to get healthy on a budget

Here are a few ways to get fit without breaking the bank

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8 things you’re probably doing that are ruining your teeth

Be shocked by these teeth-tainting habits you're doing!

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Nine ovarian cancer warning signs you probably didn't know

Knowing the signs and symptoms might just save your life.

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The HPV vaccine: What you need to know

Here's what you need to know about the vaccine and how it protects you

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18 Questions about your surgery that you're embarrassed to ask

We've answered all the tricky questions

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Why do I need to crack my back all the time?

Why you crack your back and if it's a bad idea

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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.

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The pneumococcal vaccine

Here's what you need to know about the pneumococcal vaccine

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The meningococcal vaccine: What you need to know

Here's what you need to know about the meningococcal vaccine.

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A smiling man sits in a green hospital chair while donating blood

The benefits of donating blood

Here's what blood donation involves and how your donation is used

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Spotting macular degeneration and treatments

If you think you’re developing macular degeneration, getting tested is essential. Identify the signs, the treatments and when you should get tested.

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Sprained ankle treatment and tips

An ankle sprain is super common, but what exactly is it?

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Integrating cancer care – holistic support for patients

For those diagnosed with cancer, an integrative care approach has been shown to improve outcomes and lead to a better overall care experience.

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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.

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A woman sitting at an office desk closes her eyes as she rubs her neck

How to fix a sore neck

Neck pain affects one in three of us each year

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Spotting and treating a bluebottle sting

Make sure you're prepared in case you come across the dreaded bluebottle

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A young woman lies on the floor with her hand on her head

The signs of cervical cancer you don’t want to miss

Early detection is key when it comes to effective treatment

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A senior man does a crossword while sitting at a table

Preventing or reducing your risk of dementia starts now – here’s how

The risks and symptoms of dementia and how to prevent it

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Two women sit at a bench with kiwi fruit in a bowl, and one woman holds the cut kiwi fruit in front of her eyes while pulling a silly face

Spotting glaucoma and treatments

We speak to a qualified optometrist and Optometry Development Consultant for Specsavers to find out how to spot glaucoma and treat it.

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A child getting calamine lotion applied to their chickenpox

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.

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Fifty year old man wearing glasses sitting in clinic room with doctor

What to expect from a gastroscopy

Risks, benefits, and what to expect with a gastroscopy

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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.

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Young male bushwalker with his shirt off after a swim in a freshwater creek

Signs and treatments for leech bites

Knowing how to treat a leech bite can avoid infections

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Spotting and treating tick bites

Everything you need to know about tick bites

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Primary-school aged boys in the back of their car feeling motion sickness

The causes, symptoms and treatments of motion sickness

The inside word on how to avoid and treat motion sickness!

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Young woman with red hair checking her blood results on her phone for signs of a vitamin deficiency

Spotting a vitamin deficiency

Before you pop a vitamin pill, here's what to look for.

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Middle aged sweating while riding his bike in summer

The symptoms and ways to treat heatstroke

Everything you need to know about prevention & treatment

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Healthy blood pressure by age

Blood pressure is a key indicator of health.

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A couple in their 60s drinking their morning vitamin juice and taking their supplements

Understanding the vitamins you’re taking

We talk through 13 key vitamins and why they're important

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How to make vitamins work best for you

Do you need vitamins? And, if so, what ones?

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What to expect from a hysteroscopy

We answer some of the biggest questions you might have

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A man in a gray shirt checking his heart rate while outside in the park going for a run

What is a healthy resting heart rate by age?

Resting heart rate and why you should know what it means

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A doctor discussing carpal tunnel surgery with an elderly patient at the clinic

What to expect from carpal tunnel surgery

We talk to the experts to answer your big questions

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What to expect from grommets surgery

We answer some FAQs around grommets surgery

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A doctor with dark hair wearing white scrubs and taking notes at his desk on his patient's upcoming adenoidectomy

What to expect from an adenoidectomy

We get expert advice on an adenoidectomy

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A woman in her 40s in a wheelchair and wearing a white top receiving chemotherapy at home from a health professional

The benefits of chemo at home

The lowdown on Chemo at Home benefits & who can access it

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Common winter illnesses

Why is it that we seem to only get sick in winter?

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Hay fever symptoms and treatment

What is hay fever and what can we do about it?

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A young blonde woman with dry eyes putting in eye drops and wearing a blue gym top

Dry eyes: causes and treatments

Dry eyes are common and can be helped

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A young man with dreadlocks rubbing his watery eyes while wearing a pink shirt

Tricks for treating watery eyes

Common causes, tips and tricks to combat watery eyes

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Is cracking your knuckles bad for you?

What happens when you crack your knuckles?

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Stained teeth: causes and treatment

Find out what causes stained teeth and treatment options

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How to understand glasses prescription

We help decode all those words and numbers

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Glasses or contact lenses: what you need to consider

Our complete guide will help you make a decision

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Woman wearing glasses and warm, woolen socks, holding a steaming cup of tea.

Got cold hands or feet? This might be why

Dr Hamish gives us the facts and suggestions on how to help

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A young woman with red curly hair trying on glasses at the optometrist and wearing a jade green top

I don't have health insurance, can I still visit the optometrist?

Are there ways to save at the optometrist?

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What to expect from sinus surgery

We answer some of your biggest general questions

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What to expect from cataract surgery

Here’s what you need to know before surgery

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Hipster dad getting sunscreen applied by his 5-year old daughter who's wearing a pink shirt

Everything you need to know about sun protection

It’s important to know how to protect yourself from the sun

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The truth about sun exposure and premature ageing

Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to premature ageing

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Young child receiving first aid from carer

Basic first aid tips and treatment for common injuries

Being able to assist a person in need with basic first aid treatment is incredibly important, and might just save a life.

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What side effects to expect after a COVID-19 vaccination

Getting vaccinated? We answer your questions about COVID-19 vaccine safety and side effects

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Three happy young children wearing school uniforms

Does my child need orthotics?

Orthotics can be a great way to help a child rebalance and reshape their feet. But how do you know if your child needs orthotics?

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How to prepare for your COVID-19 vaccination

Get ready for your appointment to protect you against COVID-19

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A group of young friends chat and laugh together

Is social smoking bad for you?

Even smoking occasionally is damaging your health

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A woman wearing a mask lays in a hospital bed

Recovering from surgery? Here’s what you need to know

It can involve anything from rest to physical rehabilitation

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A woman stares in front of her as she holds her newborn baby

Signs and symptoms of postnatal depression or anxiety

Are you a new parent struggling with your mental wellbeing?

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A senior woman laughs as she twists while holding weights

How do you know if you have diabetes?

We explore the diabetes warning signs to look out for

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A woman holds onto her abdomen and winces as she lays on the couch

Constipation: What it is and how to treat it

Given how common it is, it’s definitely worth exploring

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If I quit smoking, can I still get cancer?

There’s nothing better you can do for your health than quit

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A woman curls up on her window ledge holding a hot cup of a tea while looking at her phone

Can you get a doctor’s note for work without going to a doctor?

Telehealth and how you can get a sick note from your bed

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Dietitian and nutritionist: What’s the difference?

Learn the real differences between these two professions

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A young girl hunched over her phone while sitting on a lounge

Is your child developing bad posture? Here’s what to do

It’s important to get onto poor posture in children early

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A bearded man laughs and squints as his dog licks his face

The health benefits of owning a pet

Having a pet could be beneficial for your overall health

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A woman holding her sick baby as she tried to take their temperature

Fever in children: When should you worry?

A high temperature alone isn’t necessarily cause for alarm

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The back of a woman rubbing her neck

How to fix bad posture

Before we fix the problem, we need to know the symptoms

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A woman enjoying a massage

The health benefits of remedial massage

Remedial massage is useful for easing pain and inflammation

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What are eye freckles and should I be worried?

It’s not unusual, but there are a few things you should know

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Two women wearing hoodies and mask bump elbows in a covid-safe greeting

The 8 biggest COVID-19 vaccine myths

At times, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction

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A young woman wearing a mask as she gets the COVID-19 vaccine

Your COVID-19 vaccine questions answered

Getting immunised will help protect you and those around you

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A young woman wearing a Hijab and her friend eat ice cream cones

How to treat your sensitive teeth

Does the thought of biting into an ice-cream make you wince?

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A man wearing a beanie and weatherproof jacket smiles as he brushes his teeth

Why do my gums keep bleeding?

Bleeding gums are a sign they need more cleaning, not less

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A man with a beard having his teeth examined by a dentist

The risks of not fixing a chipped or cracked tooth

Many complications can be avoided with the correct treatment

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A female out exercising leans against the wall and holds her head

Feeling dizzy all the time? This could be happening to you

Common symptoms, causes and treatments of dizzy spells

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A dad treats his toddler's injury with a bandage

How to treat a burn

Learn the basics of burns and how best to treat them

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Why is my waist size important?

Bring out the measuring tape – your waist size matters

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A dentist laughs with his patient

What to expect from my first dentist appointment

65% of Australians haven’t seen a dentist in two years

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A group of man laugh as they huddle together outside

Men: 5 things about your body that are completely normal

Research shows that men rarely talk about their health

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A group of women of all ages laughing together on a couch

Women: 5 things about your body that are completely normal

Remember, there’s no such thing as a normal body

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A father helping his young son blow his nose

How to stop everyone in your family from getting sick at the same time

With families in close contact, germs can spread rapidly

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A young woman wearing a headscarf peers out the window

Bowel cancer and its rise in young people: What’s the risk?

It’s well and truly time to get familiar with your poop

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Woman leaning on desk holding her head, trying to determine if she has a headache or migraine

What's the difference between a headache and a migraine?

We sat down with a Neurologist to understand the difference

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6 reasons I wish I got the flu shot

Not sure you should get a flu vaccine? Read this

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A woman curled up on the couch holding her abdomen

5 things every woman should know about endometriosis

Endometriosis affects one in nine Aussie women

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A young woman wearing headphones around her neck stretches her arms out in front of her at a desk

The best ways to reduce or eliminate lower back pain

Research shows that 1 in 6 Australians have back problems

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A mum watches on as a dentist does a check up on a young girl

Wisdom teeth: To remove or not to remove?

6 signs it could be time to get your wisdom teeth removed

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A young woman picks a song as she runs with headphones in

9 tips for keeping healthy in heavy smoke

When there's heavy smoke, is it safe to be outside?

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8 ways e-cigarettes are worse for your health than you think

Studies are linking vaping to some serious health concerns

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People doing the ropes at the gym as a trainer instructs them

Is this your year to get healthy? Here’s how nib can help

We're committed to helping you keep healthy all year round

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A woman smiles as she tosses a salad

New Year, improved you: Health hacks to kick-start the New Year

Here are five health hacks to start your New Year strong

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Legs covered in red stockings poke out from a Christmas tree

Five common Christmas accidents to avoid

Avoid having a Christmas that’s more ‘oh no’ than ‘ho ho’

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Paul Harragon on stage for the Mark Hughes Foundation

Mark Hughes: 5 lessons I’ve learnt since my brain cancer diagnosis

Mark reveals why it's crucial to have a positive outlook

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A couple sampling the dinner they've prepared in the kitchen

What is a healthy cholesterol level?

Everything you need to know about cholesterol levels

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Vitamin Sea: Surprising health benefits of the ocean

Taking a dip could do wonders for your health

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A smiling young man walks and pats a laughing senior woman on the back while holding a yoga mat

Osteoarthritis treatment, rehabilitation and medication

It's a disease that affects more than a million Australians

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A round band aid on a man's arm where he's had blood taken

What is my blood type and why is it important?

Many of us still don’t know or understand our blood type

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A female doctor checks the heart if a baby being held by their mum

What vaccinations do I need during pregnancy?

We’ve compiled a guide to your and your baby's vaccinations

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10 ways to keep healthy after 50

It's time to look after your #1 asset – your health

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Deborah Hutton wearing visor in the outdoors

How to eat, sleep and exercise your way through menopause

Life during and after menopause has to start with the basics

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Man holding his hand up to his mouth to smell his breath

Causes and simple fixes for bad breath

We’ve outlined a few simple solutions to combat bad breath

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A woman drinks a glass of water while holding a medicine bottle as she sits upright in bed

Post-surgery tips and advice: What to expect

It’s a good idea to expect the unexpected as you heal

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A young man chats to his doctor in her office

Alternatives to natural therapies and remedies

This guide will help you find alternative solutions

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A woman in a wheelchair paints as her dog sleeps on the ground next to her

The best ways to recover from surgery

Here are a few activities to help keep the boredom at bay

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A young man with a pencil behind his ear takes a large drink of water from a bottle

How to live longer: 5 things that could add a decade to your life

Here are the key factors that can influence your lifespan

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A woman studying her reflection in a mirror

How to perform a self-examination for breast cancer

A 5-step guide to performing a breast check

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A young woman with headphones around her neck takes a sip of water as she walks across a bridge

Can your drink bottle make you sick?

Your reusable water bottle could be swarming with bacteria!

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A close-up of a woman's blue eye with floating spots

Why do I have floating spots in my eyes?

Figure out whether your eye floaters are harmful or harmless

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A young man packs his suitcase

What to pack in your bag when going to hospital

Tips for packing if you're getting ready for a hospital stay

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Jessica Sepel sitting on a white couch posing for the camera

Working long hours? 20 ways to get healthy

Jess Sepel shares 20 healthy living tips for office workers

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A male physiotherapist helps a young man stretch out his arm

Who should I see for what? The doctor dictionary

We’ve put together some common doctors & their specialities

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A close-up of someone holding a red and a blue pill

What’s the difference between branded and generic medications?

What's the difference between branded & generic medication?

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A young woman holds a bag of ice over her shoulder onto her back

Icing your injuries could be delaying your recovery… wait, what?

Icing your injury could be delaying the healing process.

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A doctor examines a man's knee

Is surgery always necessary? To cut or not to cut

While most surgery can't be avoided, is it always necessary?

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A young woman in activewear grabs an apple from a fruit bowl

How to reduce blood pressure: the essential 7

Here's the nib dietitian's tips for reducing blood pressure & improving your heart health.

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A young woman playing netball looks towards the camera smiling

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