Sleep apnoea is a common disorder. However, because its symptoms occur while you sleep, it can be easily overlooked, or mistaken for straight-up tiredness. So how do you know if you have it? We … [Read more...]
How to avoid food poisoning
Was it the reheated leftovers from three – or was it four or five – days ago? Or the sandwich you bought one day from that café you thought looked a bit dirty? Or maybe it was the salad that spent too … [Read more...]
Four things you may not know about your periods
When you first learn about periods and get your first one, there’s a lot to take in, and get used to; tracking your cycle, managing the flow, and regularly changing your pads or tampons. Often … [Read more...]
How to reward yourself without feeling guilty
Every now and then it’s important to take your foot off the pedal, take stock of your achievements – or even your progress towards them – and reward yourself. Go on! Give yourself a treat. Go to … [Read more...]
Step away from the smartphone! Why you need a digital detox
How many times a day do you check your phone – for a new message, an email, or to scroll through Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat or Facebook? Do you share a post – and then check back a minute later to … [Read more...]
Midlife Weight Gain in Women
For many women, the menopause years are often met with physical, emotional and mental changes. And often, just as you are navigating the tricky symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats or increased … [Read more...]
Menopause in the New Millennium
Menopause was once a life stage of secrecy and mystery – whispered ‘women’s-only’ business – but thanks to more research and greater awareness, today’s midlife women can have a different experience to … [Read more...]
The link between sleep apnoea and heart disease
Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder. But did you know it can dramatically increase your risk of heart disease? Given that heart disease is the number-one killer of women in Australia, this is … [Read more...]
Breast health: what’s normal and what changes to look out for
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. One may be larger than the other, a different shape to the other or you may have an inverted (pulled in) nipple or nipples. Breasts can also change a great … [Read more...]
Top 5 Foods to Nourish Your Gut Bacteria
Our digestive systems are the unsung workaholics of our bodies, toiling around the clock to break down and absorb nutrients from the food and fluids we consume. Within this ongoing cycle, our … [Read more...]
What to Eat to Stay Healthy This Winter
If the colder weather has you thinking non-stop about food, why not focus on the seasonal foods that are actually good for you, instead of reaching for unhealthy choices? Below, Jean Hailes … [Read more...]
Jean Hailes gynaecologist answers your questions about sex and sexual health
When it comes to talking about your sex life with your GP or gynaecologist, there is no such thing as a silly question. In fact, the more questions you ask and the more your doctor knows about your … [Read more...]
How to talk about safe sex with your new partner
Picture this: you’re dating someone new after your long-term relationship ended. The dates are progressing well, but you’re yet to take it to the next level. You end up back at their place and things … [Read more...]
Women’s Health: Taking Care of ‘Down There’
The skin of the vulva is extremely delicate, making it susceptible to a wide range of conditions. Vulval irritation is relatively common in women of all ages, with skin conditions and infections often … [Read more...]
Minimise your time in the kitchen these holidays and still eat well with these time-saving tips
We all have 24 hours in the day – no more, no less. With the holiday season approaching, life can get pretty busy, so how do you find the time to take care of your health? And how do you ensure you … [Read more...]
The MIND Diet: What to eat to improve your memory and concentration
When it comes to eating to improve your memory, it's all in the mind – that is, a diet called the MIND diet. The MIND diet is a way of eating that highlights and emphasises foods and nutrients that … [Read more...]
How your hormones affect sleep
Up, down or somewhere in between, the levels of your hormones can affect different parts of your health and happiness. We know that hormones govern the menstrual cycle and key points of reproductive … [Read more...]
Women need to take better care of their heart after menopause
When you’re going through menopause, it’s not just your hormones that are changing – your heart health can change as well. You may be surprised to know that heart disease is the number-one cause of … [Read more...]
The Signs and Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder. It is also known by its abbreviated name PCOS and sometimes as polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is quite common, affecting between 12-18% of women of … [Read more...]
How Optimism Can Improve Your Health
If you think the way you think doesn’t count for much, then think again. Optimism is a way of seeing the world in a positive light. Optimistic people focus on the good parts of a situation and expect … [Read more...]
The Best Snacks for Brain Health
Did you know that of all the organs in your body, it’s your brain that uses the most energy? That’s why it’s important to feed your brain steady and nutritious fuel throughout the day. That way, you … [Read more...]
Everything you want to know about painful sex
One in five women experience it and it’s a topic that women want to know more about, but for many of us it’s a private subject that’s too embarrassing to bring up in conversation or ask your doctor … [Read more...]
Relief from Period Pain: what are your options?
Period pain is such a common health complaint that it's often shrugged off as just part of being a female. Most women have their own go-to treatment when they feel that first sign or twinge of pain, … [Read more...]
Herbal Medicine and Natural Therapies are popular but are they safe?
Chances are you’ve taken a natural therapy in your lifetime. It could be a multivitamin from the supermarket, some vitamin C at the sign of an oncoming cold, a natural digestive aid from the health … [Read more...]
Good Reasons to Exercise that don’t include losing weight
“Move more, sit less”. It’s a mantra we often hear, but how do we ensure we actually practise it? For many women, the motivation to exercise comes from wanting to lose weight, drop a dress size, get … [Read more...]
Keeping Your Vagina Happy and Healthy – it’s a delicate balance
You may not realise it, but your vagina is home to huge populations of micro-organisms. Before you shriek in surprise or horror, know that these tiny organisms are actually vital for the health of … [Read more...]
The Time of Your Life: A Women's Sexual Journey after 40
Whether you have a partner or not, whether you want a partner or not, whether you’re a younger, midlife or older woman – you’re on a sexual journey. Your sexual journey will likely evolve and change … [Read more...]
How to Read Food Labels in Australia and what those claims really mean
Trying to understand food labels can be pretty daunting. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information you see on packets, jars and cans in the supermarket. Thankfully, there are a few key … [Read more...]
Changing Habits and Motivational Tips for the New Year
New Year’s resolutions are a great way to break out of a rut and motivate yourself to make positive changes in your life. You may have written a two-page list of goals but just remember that changing … [Read more...]
Your Health is Important Be kind to Yourself This Season
Your Health is Important Be kind to Yourself This Season. For many of us, the end of the year means a break from work and more time with the kids and wider family and friends. That’s great, of course. … [Read more...]
How to combat middle-age spread
Menopause often means middle-age spread. Menopause, also known as ‘the change of life’ or ‘the change’ is a natural event in a woman’s reproductive life. Usually occurring between the ages of 45-55 … [Read more...]
Eating for healthy bones: try these calcium rich recipes
Keeping your bones strong might seem like a goal for later years, when they become thinner and weaker. But bone health is actually something to consider much sooner. We reach peak bone density at … [Read more...]
Let’s Talk About Sleep, Fatigue & Insomnia: what causes it and how to beat it
Not getting a good night’s sleep can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable and accident-prone, but don’t worry, you are not alone. A recent study estimated that 9% of Australians, that’s 1.5 million … [Read more...]
Sexually transmissible infections through the ages
For many of us, sex plays a vital role in our health and wellbeing. Research shows that older women are still interested in sex, however, Australia’s increasing rates of sexually transmissible … [Read more...]
Looking after our Muscles, Joints and Bones as we age
Our musculoskeletal system allows our bodies to move. It is made up of the muscles (muscular) and bones (skeletal). This vital collection of muscles, cartilage, tendons, bones, ligaments and joints … [Read more...]
Hormone replacement therapy and menopause management
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has received increased media attention over the past couple of weeks. Many find that it can be difficult to make sense of what the research around HRT is telling us. … [Read more...]
Know Your Body: What’s Normal and What’s Not Normal
Is your body normal? It is a very common question and one that is often difficult to answer. Bodies are as unique and varied as our personalities so knowing your body, learning what is normal for you … [Read more...]
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism: How your thyroid affects your weight and your health
The thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes such as to grow and create energy in your body. The two key hormones that the thyroid is responsible for producing are … [Read more...]
Get Your Health Back on Track: Women and Alcohol
Did you know? More than 1 in 10 Australian women are endangering their long-term health with the amount of alcohol they drink. The age group most at risk? 55-64. "It may be surprising to many people … [Read more...]
Get your health back on track in 2013
Now the ‘silly season’ is behind us, and we’ve eaten or drunk all the leftovers, it’s time to get our health back on track for 2013. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, which most of us can’t … [Read more...]