Common conditions

Shingles: Symptoms, treatment and more

Shingles – a reactivation of the chickenpox virus – is a common condition. Learn how to spot the signs, which age groups are most at risk and treatment options.

Does your child need braces? And how to take care of them

We all want our beautiful smiles to be framed by beautiful teeth, but sometimes that requires a little help. HCF Orthodontist Dr Frank Tan answers your FAQs about kids’ braces, including the types of braces that are now available.

5 common health problems in adolescence

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.

How to prevent heart disease and live a healthier life

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.

The truth about adult acne

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

Does hair loss treatment work?

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

Leukaemia and other blood cancers: causes, symptoms and treatment

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

The difference between gluten intolerance and coeliac disease

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

Tendonitis: what it is and how to treat it

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.

All about warts: the good, the bad and the ugly

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.

What is hearing loss and what can you do about it?

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

Could you have a dust mite allergy?

For the squeamish among us, dust mites are not a pleasant thought. They’re tiny bugs that feed off discarded human skin scales, house dust, and other microscopic food sources like pollen and fungal spores, and are a common allergen. Find out what you can do about these small yet powerful mites.

HOW TO TALK ABOUT PERIODS WITH YOUR KIDS

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

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME: SIGNS, CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

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?

Know the difference between a virus and bacteria?

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

Skin checks: checking for signs of cancer

Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world. Here’s how to keep an eye on your skin and lower your risk.

WHAT IS DIABETES? SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS

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.

Health cover explained: What is a pre-existing condition?

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

Health checks for the over 60s: What’s recommended?

The age of 60 may be the new 40, but it still comes with a few more recommended regular health checks. Here are six checks to put in your diary.

ADHD in adults: Why it’s more common than you think

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.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM COVID-19 AND THE FLU

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.

What your oral health can tell you about your body

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.

HEALTHY HABITS FOR SENIORS TO PROTECT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS

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

GESTATIONAL DIABETES: WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT PREGNANCY?

You may have heard of friends having gestational diabetes through their pregnancy, or maybe you’ve recently been diagnosed? It’s good to know that despite coming with serious risks, you can manage gestational diabetes with the supervision of your GP and medication if you need to.

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS): HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE IT?

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

Worried about the measles outbreak? Here’s how to protect yourself

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.

Diabetes and Feet: Why 80% of amputations are preventable

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

Hormones and Health: What do hormones do to your body?

What are hormones? Why are they important? And what do they control? Here, we uncover some things you may not know about how hormones help to keep you fit and well.

5 SELF-CARE STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU GET BETTER WHEN YOU’RE SICK

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

BLUE LIGHT FILTERS ON GLASSES: ARE THEY EFFECTIVE?

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

Should you get the flu shot?

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.

Lung cancer: the facts

Learn more about the biggest cancer killer in Australia.

Person checking their temperature with a digital thermometer

Fever: when to treat it, and when to leave it alone

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

How to lower your blood pressure

Research shows that a couple of simple health changes could have a big impact on your blood pressure.

A man doing exercise with other people in the background

WHAT CAUSES DIZZINESS?

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.

CAN YOU PREVENT SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS?

Short-sightedness is on the rise. We investigate ways to manage and even prevent it in both children and adults.

THE FACTS ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE

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

Cholesterol: What you should know

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

Eczema

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

Relieving menopause symptoms

If you’re approaching, or experiencing, menopause you’re probably aware of how it can affect your mind and body. Here’s how to manage the symptoms.

Treating chronic pain

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.

GLUE EAR IN KIDS

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

CAN YOU REVERSE PRE-DIABETES?

Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of people with pre-diabetes developing type 2 diabetes. Find out what to do.

ENDOMETRIOSIS: THE FACTS

Little is known about what causes the painful gynaecological disease, endometriosis. We explain what it is, question why it can be hard to get a diagnosis and suggest what might reduce painful symptoms.

The tiny capsule changing our understanding of gut health

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

Why mould in the home is bad for your health

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.

Shedding a light on lesser known cancers

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.

Dementia: reduce your risk

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

KNEE REPLACEMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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

WHAT ARE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES?

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

How easy is it to damage your hearing?

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.

MIGRAINES: MORE THAN A BAD HEADACHE

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

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.

How can we reduce the spread of the flu?

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

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.

5 sun safety myths

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

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.

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 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.

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

1 in 4 of us will have a stroke during our lifetime. Learn how to recognise the signs of stroke in yourself and 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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Common conditions

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