Common conditions

How can we reduce the spread of the flu?

Don’t want to share your bug? Here’s how to protect those around you.

Prostate cancer: treatment options

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Australia. If detected early, it can be effectively treated, with many options now available. Here’s what you need to know.

CONQUERING CROHN'S

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

Heart disease: lower your risk

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

5 sun safety myths

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

4 REASONS TO SEE AN ORTHODONTIST (IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT BRACES)

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

THE SILENT STRUGGLE: INCONTINENCE DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY

What does pregnancy and postpartum incontinence involve and are you at risk?

THE SIGNS OF ASTHMA

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

How to reduce your risk of osteoporosis

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

All about thyroid disease

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.

Recovering from a stroke

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

Coping with miscarriage

Losing a baby is heartbreaking. So common and yet so little talked about. It’s important to have the basic facts and to know where to get help.

Sexually transmitted infections: what you need to know

It's a health issue we don’t talk about enough. If you’re sexually active, get the facts.

5 PREVENTABLE HEALTH ISSUES

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.

Smoking – why quitting is so hard, and what to do about it

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.

Serious conditions that can be missed

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

KIDNEY DISEASE: A SILENT KILLER

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

How to prevent a stroke

One in six of us will have a stroke during our lifetime, but they’re largely preventable. Learn how to protect yourself and how to recognise the signs of stroke in others.

Memory loss or dementia: how to tell the difference

As we age, our focus, ability to retain new information and memory may diminish, but dementia goes much further. Here’s what you need to know.

The importance of oral health

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

Knee surgery alternatives

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

Your skin check checklist

If caught early, skin cancer can be successfully treated so checking your skin regularly is vital.

How eye tests work

If you want to protect your eyesight, regular eye checks are a must.

A common sense guide to food allergies

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

Eye health alerts

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

Diabetes and your eye health

With an increasing number of Australians diagnosed with diabetes, poor eye health and potential vision loss is becoming an issue for more people.

A guide to bowel cancer prevention

One in 12 Australians will develop bowel cancer. Knowing the signs, and regular screening are key to tackling the disease.

Beating lower back pain

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

Dental health for every life stage

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

Arthritis: don’t ignore aches and pains

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

Macular degeneration: what you need to know

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.

My story: experiencing a heart attack

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.

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This communication contains information which is copyright to The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (HCF). It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, HCF does not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on this website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. HCF members should rely on authoritative advice they seek from qualified practitioners in the health and medical fields as the information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.

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