Screen time and eyesight: How to develop healthy habits in kids
With time spent in lockdown, home-schooling, and less opportunity to get outside, our children have been staring at screens even more than usual — and are facing potential eye issues as a result.
Read more
HOW A SHORTAGE OF DONATED SPERM IS HURTING AUSSIES WHO DREAM OF BEING PARENTS
When Jane* found herself single and childless at almost 40 years old, she knew she had to make the most important decision of her life.
Read more
YOUR COVID-19 AND VACCINE QUESTIONS ANSWERED
With new developments every day, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest health advice around COVID-19 and the vaccine. Here are the answers to your COVID-19 and vaccine questions.
Read more
Walking 10,000 Steps a Day
The average Australian walks only 4,000 steps a day. Here are five ways to increase that number and improve your health and wellbeing.
Read more
WHY CORE STRENGTHENING EXERCISES MATTER AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
Building and maintaining strong core muscles is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing at any age. Here’s how to strengthen your core with the right exercises for you.
Read more
Drinking while pregnant: Everything you need to know
What’s the truth about drinking while pregnant and are there any safe amounts for mum and baby? Here’s what you need to know.
Read more
Why you’re never too old for resistance training
Resistance training is a key part of staying healthy at all ages and stages – but most older Aussies aren’t hitting their quota. Here’s how to integrate it into your daily life.
Read more
Pandemic weight gain: How to get on top of it
One of effects of life in lockdown is that many people are experiencing weight gain as their routines change. Here are a few ways to help you get back on track.
Read more
The benefits of swimming for all ages and stages
From the pool to the ocean, this low-cost, low-impact exercise is great for almost everyone. Here are the benefits of the different types.
Read more
5 simple ways to try outdoor fitness
Many of us are experiencing a disruption to our ‘normal’ life, including our exercise routines. But we know it’s so important to keep active for our physical and mental health. Get busy with our five ideas for outdoor fitness activities.
Read more
Women and alcohol: Facts you should know
Everything women need to know about having a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Read more
WHY ALCOHOL AND GOOD SLEEP DON’T MIX
Do you often have a drink to help you nod off? Not only can relying on alcohol impact the quality of your sleep, it can also lead to other health risks. Here’s how to break the cycle.
Read more
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR LIFE PROGRAM
For people with type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and heart conditions, losing weight can turn around your health. Here’s how the Healthy Weight For Life program can make that happen.
Read more
Walking vs running: Which is better for your health?
Cardio exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health - walking and running are both great options. Here’s a roundup of the main benefits.
Read more
Home workout routines: 5 easy exercises you can do at home
You don’t need to play sport, join a fancy gym or invest in equipment to exercise. Developing a home workout routine has never been easier.
Read more
Fitness for seniors: How one athlete keeps active after 80
Nicholas Bastas, 81, is an inspirational runner who reaps the benefits of an active lifestyle every day. He credits his health and positive attitude to his exercise regime, which would tire even a man half his age.
Read more
BUSH BOOTCAMPS: HOW FITNESS IS IMPROVING RURAL AND REMOTE MENTAL HEALTH
One trail-blazing woman is improving the mental and physical health of rural and remote communities around Australia though her grassroots initiative, Active Farmers.
Read more
Skin care tips: Good habits for healthy skin (...and no pricey products)
What are the secrets to keeping wrinkles at bay and skin glowing as we age? We asked an expert for her top tips for healthy skin.
How to get strong bones: Why dancing could be the key
There’s more to keeping your bones strong than just drinking milk. Here are 5 surprising ways to boost bone health.
Best bushwalks: 23 wheelchair-accessible and pram-friendly walks in Australia
Wheels are no barrier to traversing Australia’s great outdoors. Here are some beautiful wheelchair-accessible and pram-friendly walks across Australia, listed by state.
How to talk to your teen about drugs ( … and not make it awkward)
As the music festival season cranks up, how do we as parents talk to our kids about drugs and their risks? Here’s what you need to know.
Family Fitness Activities: How to work out with your kids (and enjoy it)
If you struggle to find time for your own exercise due to family commitments, here are some family fitness activities for working out with your kids.
Read more
The Benefits of Strength Training: Gym machines versus free weights
Strength training can have positive impacts on your health. The question is – should you use free weights or weight machines? We weigh up the options.
Read more
3 HEALTHY LIFESTYLE HABITS OF ELITE ATHLETES TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
Get the scoop on elite athletes’ healthy habits and how to adapt them to your everyday life for better health and wellbeing.
Read more
Exercise for seniors: how to live longer and stronger
Living an active life as we age is incredibly important for our mental and physical wellbeing. Find out the best ways to stay fit and well during your senior years.
Read more
Finding the right sports shoe for you
Want to get active but overwhelmed by all the types of sports shoe? Here’s some expert advice on finding the right fit.
Read more
Why stretch? And 3 easy exercises to get you started
Simply bending over and touching your toes every day can help with maintaining good muscle and overall health. Here’s how to stretch correctly and why it’s so good for you.
Read more
Getting fit after 50: how to find your fitness motivation
From training women to tackling trekking adventures around the world and raising millions for charity, Di Westaway is a force to be reckoned with.
Read more
Group fitness gains: the benefits of working out with friends
Hitting your exercise goals can be tough when you go it alone but research shows buddying up could bring big benefits.
Read more
Health issues you’ve always wanted to ask about
Although they may be common concerns, it’s understandable to wonder if some of your body issues are normal – from excessive farting to erectile dysfunction.
Read more
WHY AM I ALWAYS TIRED?
Finding it hard to keep your eyes open? We explore 6 of the most common causes of tiredness, and what to do about them.
Is it okay to exercise when you’re sick?
If you’re feeling unwell, is it alright to work out, or should you rest until you’re better? We asked a sports medicine expert for their advice.
Read more
Mythbusting: 6 fitness claims put to the test
We examine common claims about exercise to sort the fact from the fiction.
Read more
DO WEARABLES REALLY WORK?
We look at the trend of wearing fitness devices to find out whether they’re worthwhile, and how to make the most of them.
Read more
Why mixing up exercise is good for you
Trying a new workout could help you stick to your fitness goals.
Read more
7 REASONS YOU SHOULD EXERCISE
Exercise doesn’t just keep you trim, it enhances your wellbeing from head to toe. Here’s how.
Read more
DO HOME REMEDIES REALLY WORK?
Can old-fashioned remedies really cure everything from a cough to mouth ulcers? We ask the experts for their opinion.
Read more
CAN AN EFFICIENT METABOLISM HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?
What does a fast or slow metabolism actually mean? Here’s what you need to know about this essential bodily function.
Read more
How to exercise safely in the heat
Exercising outdoors is a great feeling, but physical activity in summer can have its downside. We find out how to work out safely during the warmer months.
Read more
STRUGGLING TO STAY FIT? WE’VE GOT SOLUTIONS FOR COMMON EXERCISE EXCUSES
Accredited exercise physiologist Caitlin Reid breaks down your work out barriers.
Read more
Hate exercise? Try focussing on movement instead
If you’re lacking in motivation to exercise, a movement mindset may help you achieve your fitness goals.
Read more
Can’t sleep? Here’s how to know if it’s a problem
If you’re finding it hard to sleep on a regular basis, here’s what you need to know.
Read more
Is yoga is good for you?
More people every year are turning to yoga, but are there proven health benefits?
Read more
The importance of fitness in your 40s
If you’re in (or edging close to) your 40s take note; building exercise into your life can boost your health, now and in the future.
Read more
How to sleep better
Struggling to get enough good quality sleep? Here’s what you need to know.
Read more
What kind of exerciser are you?
From people player to weekend warrior, find the key to enjoying your workouts and sticking at them.
Read more
Is running good for you?
Depending on who you ask, running will either add years to your life or age you prematurely. Here are the facts.
Read more
Why Australians need to be sun smart
Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world, increasing our skin cancer risk.
Read more
Which cardio is right for you: Steady state or HIIT?
Longer sessions at a moderate pace or less time but much more intensity? We compare the differences between these cardio workouts.
Read more
4 fatigue fighters for sleepless nights
Feeling sluggish, sleepy or worn out from a bad night’s sleep? Revive your flagging energy with these instant pick-me-ups.
Read more
Exercise for healthy bones
Bone health is a key factor in ageing well and exercise can help you build stronger, denser bones.
Read more
UNDERSTANDING YOUR HEART RATE TO MAXIMISE YOUR WORK OUT
What’s the connection between heart rate and exercise intensity? We find out how to measure your heart rate plus how to calculate your target heart rate for exercise.
Read more
EXERCISE DOS AND DON’TS
Stay motivated and reduce your risk of injury with these tips from an exercise physiologist.
Read more
Why core strength is important
A strong core can help to reduce the risk of lower back pain, improve your balance and help you with day to day physical activities. Here are simple ways to help you strengthen your core, every day.
Read more
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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.