HealthAgenda

Metabolic syndrome affects more than one-third of the Australian population and carries serious health risks – yet most of us have never heard of it. Here’s what you need to know about this condition and how to prevent it. 

Testicular cancer may be the second most common cancer in young men, but it’s also one of the most treatable. That's why it’s important to see your GP if you notice any symptoms. 

Finding the right pain relief can be a challenge, especially if you struggle to explain your pain to a doctor or feel you’re not being taken seriously. 

These simple exercises can help support your knees, reduce knee pain and increase your sense of balance. 

Squinting? Prone to headaches? Trouble focusing? These are all signs you could be part of a growing majority of Aussies who need glasses.  

Cardiovascular disease affects one in six Aussies, but the symptoms and risk factors can vary based on gender. Here are the signs to watch for and why heart health checks are so important.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of arthritis. Learn the difference between them, including symptoms and treatments.

Australia’s skin cancer rates are some of the highest in the world – but regular skin checks and sun safety can help with early detection and prevention.

Gout is a painful and debilitating form of arthritis. Learn about the symptoms of gout, what it feels like and how to manage the condition.

Hospital delirium is a serious condition and more common than you think. If you're caring for an elderly friend or relative, here’s what to look out for.

If you’re pre-diabetic, important lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Here's what to do. 

In Australia, 1 in 5 people live with chronic pain. As well as physical pain, it can cause high levels of psychological distress and disruption to your life. Here’s how to tackle it.

This common skin condition can be debilitating and affect many areas of your life. Here’s how you can get the right treatment for psoriasis and start feeling better.

If caught early, skin cancer can often be successfully treated so checking your skin regularly – and knowing what to look for – is vital.

Osteoporosis is common in women and men over 50, but prevention is possible. Here are simple tips to reduce your risk factors and keep your bones strong for life.

Shingles – a reactivation of the chickenpox virus – is a common condition. Learn how to spot the signs, who’s most at risk and treatment options available. 

HCF Orthodontist Dr Frank Tan answers your FAQs about kids’ braces, including the types of braces that are now available.

Worrying about our kids’ health is part of being a parent. Learn the signs and symptoms of some of the most common adolescent health concerns – and when to reach out for support.

1 in 4 of us in Australia will die from heart disease. But by taking better care of our hearts with some easy-to-adopt, healthy habits, we can prevent heart disease.

When it comes to adult acne, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Here are the facts and treatment options.

Hair loss in women is less common but, as with men, it’s a normal part of the ageing process.

Leukaemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers can affect everyone from young children to older adults. Thankfully, there are often ways to treat blood cancer.

Concerned you may have coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity? Here’s how to tell the difference between the two conditions.

The pain of tendonitis can be treatable, and it doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you love. Find out more about this common condition. 

Warts may look ugly and be a little embarrassing but the good news is they’re mostly harmless and treatment can be simple and effective.

Have trouble following conversations in a noisy room? You might be one of the many Australians affected by hearing loss.

Dust mites are a common allergen, but for the squeamish among us, they’re not a pleasant thought. Here’s what you can do if you think you’re allergic to dust mites. 

Having the period talk can be awkward for parents and kids, yet it’s an important one to address at the right time. Here are some tips on how to talk about periods comfortably with your kids.

Restless leg syndrome can cause discomfort, pain and sleep disturbance. But what is it, why does it happen and how can you relieve your symptoms?

A CSIRO survey found 92% of Aussies didn’t know the difference between viral and bacterial infections. We explain the differences.

Knee replacement surgery may not be the best solution for painful osteoarthritis.

Are you thirsty, tired and spending a lot of time in the bathroom? These could be diabetes symptoms – but there are ways to treat and live with the condition.

 What is a pre-existing condition? And how can it affect your private health insurance? Let’s find out.

The age of 60 may be the new 50, but it still comes with a few more recommended regular health checks. Getting a heart health check and other health checks can help you monitor your health and wellbeing. Here are some routine checks to add to your calendar.

Few of us associate ADHD with adulthood, but many Australians live with the disorder all their lives. In this article, psychiatrist Dr Hugh Morgan explains how to identify and manage adult ADHD symptoms.

As we continue to deal with the impact of the pandemic, it’s understandable to feel more anxious about the flu this year, as it shares some of the same symptoms as COVID-19.

Bleeding gums, bad breath and temperature sensitivity are no fun. They can highlight problems with your dental health and also point to problems with your overall health. Here’s what to look out for.

Prioritise your health, stay positive and remain connected: experts say that’s how Australia’s over-60s can weather the difficult months ahead.

You may have heard of friends having gestational diabetes during pregnancy, or maybe you’ve just been diagnosed. It’s good to know that despite some serious risks, it can be managed with the supervision of your GP and medication.

PCOS is a complicated condition that’s difficult to diagnose. So, what are the PCOS symptoms and what are some methods to treat it? Discover how lifestyle changes can make a big difference to your long-term health and wellbeing.

It’s on the rise in Australia and around the world but getting vaccinated is still the best form of defence against the measles outbreak.

When it comes to diabetes and feet problems, prevention is key. Here’s how to stay one step ahead of diabetic foot disease. 

What are hormones? Why are they important? And how do they impact your body? Here, we reveal insights about how hormones help to keep you fit and well.

We’re overwhelmed with the range of ways to take care of our own health issues, so we asked an expert for their tips. 

Experts explain how blue-light blocking lenses work – and if you should get them for your glasses.

A yearly flu shot can be the most effective way to protect yourself from the virus. We answer some of the most commonly asked questions about it.

Learn more about the biggest cancer killer in Australia. 

A raised temperature can help your body fight bugs, but it can also be dangerous. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Research shows that a couple of simple health changes could help lower your high blood pressure.

A dizzy spell can be unnerving, but by looking at your dizziness symptoms and triggers, your doctor can usually pinpoint the cause of your light-headedness.

With short-sightedness on the rise, we investigate ways to manage and help prevent myopia in children and adults.

1 in 10 Australian adults shows some sign of kidney disease. But what causes it and what treatments are available?

Understand the different types of cholesterol and how they affect your heart health.

Red, itchy, dry skin is all too common among people with eczema, but the triggers and management can be different for each person.

Glue ear can lead to problems with a child’s hearing, speech and behavioural development. Here’s how to treat it.

The key to assessing gut heath may lie in an exciting new Australian invention.

Damp problems and mould in the home can impact your health. Find out everything from what causes mould and its effects to how to remove and prevent it.

They’re sometimes called “the forgotten cancers” but they should be talked about. We uncover the facts about rare cancers and a study aiming to better understand them.

It’s thought that simple lifestyle changes could prevent dementia in some cases. We ask experts for the evidence.

A knee replacement can be a daunting prospect, but it could give you a new lease on life.

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, and they affect around 5% of Aussies. But what are they?

With 1 in 7 Australians suffering from some form of hearing loss, it’s important to protect your hearing from an early age. Here’s how.

15% of Australians regularly experience migraines. But what are they and how are they treated?

Reduce the spread of germs this winter and feel better with these simple steps.

Despite living with chronic and unpredictable pain, 25 year-old Laura Minns is positive about her life, managing her condition and future planning.

Before heading outdoors this summer, brush up on your 'slip, slop, slap, seek and slide’ knowledge.

In 2015, nearly 20,000 Australians died from heart disease. Here’s how you can be proactive about your heart health.

There are many different reasons to see an orthodontist, from smile alignment to treating sleep apnoea. Should you consider a visit?

Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world. We discuss the symptoms and triggers, and how to manage the condition.

The bone disease osteoporosis is common in women and men over 50. Here are some simple tips to keep your bones strong.

Around half the people who have thyroid disease don’t know they have it. And for those with a diagnosis, treatment can be a balancing act.

Fast, specialist treatment can be the difference between life and death. Alex Wright is living proof.

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. It's a health issue we don’t talk about enough. If you’re sexually active, here's how to identify the signs and symptoms of an STI.

You can improve your quality of life every day through healthy eating, exercise and vaccinations. Here are 5 preventable health issues you can address today.

Anyone who’s tried to quit smoking knows willpower often just isn’t enough. We asked addiction specialist Professor Andrew Lawrence why it’s so tough – and what can help.

Many serious conditions have vague or hidden symptoms. Here’s how to identify and screen for them.

You can lose up to 90% of your kidney function before you develop symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Are you at risk?

Did you know that one in four of us will have a stroke during our lifetime? Learn how you could prevent a stroke, as well as recognise the signs of stroke in yourself and others.

As we age, it's natural to become more forgetful, but here are some signs to watch out for when that happens and what to do about it. 

Dental hygiene isn’t just about teeth, good oral health can also help prevent a number of diseases.

To protect your eyesight and maintain good eye health, it’s important to have regular eyesight tests with a qualified optometrist. But how long does an eye test take and what types of things do they look for? Here’s what you need to know when getting your eyes checked.

Knowing how to identify trigger foods and reactions is essential for anyone living with allergies.

Eyes can give doctors valuable insights into a range of potentially dangerous health conditions.

For the growing number of Australians diagnosed with diabetes each year, it’s important to understand the risk of eye disease – and how to avoid it.

Early signs of bowel cancer aren’t obvious for most people – that’s why bowel cancer screening is essential to ensure the best chance of treatment success. 

Your lower back does all the heavy lifting for your body so it’s important to look after your lumbar spine.

How to look after your teeth, today and in the future.

Arthritis often starts with joint pain and stiffness so don’t ignore mystery pangs, particularly in your hands, hips or knees.

Find out if you’re at risk of being affected by this eye disease, how it’s diagnosed and how you can lower your risk factors.

Healthy 56-year-old heart researcher Scott Kesteven recently suffered a heart attack. These are the warning signs he wished he’d paid attention to.