Research & insights

Falls in the elderly: Can you prevent them?

Having a fall can be a lot more serious as you age but, thankfully, some are avoidable. Here’s your guide to fall prevention, including balance exercises for older adults.

Private health insurance waiting periods: Your questions answered

Confused about waiting periods with private health funds? Get the lowdown on how they work and why they exist in this blog from HCF health insurance.

How Australian technology is changing the face of health care

HCF’s support of health-tech innovators is delivering member opportunities that go beyond what you might expect from a health fund.

INDIGENOUS HEALTH: MEET THE OUTBACK HERO TREATING KIDNEY DISEASE

Find out how one organisation is improving Indigenous health by tackling chronic kidney disease and reducing hospital stays in remote areas.

E-cigarettes and your health: what you need to know

Some people believe e-cigarettes have less health risks than conventional cigarettes and can help if you want to quit smoking. But how much do we know about vaping?

Robots helping patients recover from a stroke

In a new era of rehabilitation, robotic technology is helping people who’ve had a stroke regain their movement, physical strength and independence.

Clinical trials: an explainer

Everything you need to know about clinical trials. And, if you’re interested, how to join one.

Do you need to update your private health insurance?

Get the most out of your cover by making sure your private health insurance is right for you and your life stage.

Behind the scenes with a paramedic

Ever wondered what life is like for paramedics? One paramedic takes us through the skill and drama of his life-saving role.

Paramedic standing in front of an ambulance

Two people sitting at a table looking at a tablet screen and smiling

Hospital cover: the new tiers and categories explained

The government introduced new tiers, clinical categories and definitions to make hospital cover easier to understand. Learn what they are and why they matter.

Community rating and private health insurance: a fair deal for all

Thanks to community rating, you won’t pay more for your health insurance because you’re getting older, or have health issues.

My Health Record: what you need to know

With My Health Record, you can store and share your medical information with health professionals. Here’s how you use it and who can see it.

HOW AIR POLLUTION AFFECTS US, AND HOW TO REDUCE IT

As our cities grow, town planners look for ways to improve air quality and limit respiratory problems caused by pollution.

FAKE HEALTH NEWS STORIES: HOW TO SPOT THEM

Some telltale signs an online health story might not be true and where to go for credible information.

LIFE EXPECTANCY: HOW LONG CAN YOU LIVE?

Australians are living longer than ever before. Why is that and what can you do to improve your own life expectancy?

Living with Parkinson's disease

Though a cure is still a far-off goal for Parkinson’s researchers, recent studies have reported promising results in the areas of diagnosis and treatment.

Robots teaching social skills to children with autism

For children with autism, processing emotions and social cues can be a real challenge. Robot teachers may offer the right kind of support.

HOW TO RECOGNISE A HEALTH EMERGENCY

When medical symptoms strike suddenly or worsen, it can be tough to know what to do. Here’s a high-level guide.

RESEARCH IMPROVING MEDICATION USE IN AUSTRALIA

A significant research program is helping to facilitate safe medication practices with Indigenous Australians.

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGH

This debilitating neurodegenerative disease is currently incurable. But an exciting breakthrough treatment is offering patients hope.

How VR can help patients understand cancer

Cancer patients could better understand their condition through a virtual reality project from a cutting-edge scientific artist and cancer researchers.

How to be your own health advocate

How being an active participant in your health care can help you live a longer, healthier life.

WHO PAYS FOR AN AMBULANCE IN AN EMERGENCY?

A growing number of Australians are being hit with unexpected costs for emergency ambulance call-outs. Here’s what you need to know.

INNOVATION IN CHRONIC CONDITION CARE

Health Care Homes is empowering Australians with chronic and complex conditions to better manage their care.

CAN TECHNOLOGY HELP OLDER PEOPLE STAY IN THEIR HOMES FOR LONGER?

Melbourne-based brothers are reimagining the way aged care is provided in Australia.

Working with your body clock for better health

Understanding your circadian rhythm can help you make healthier choices.

HOW FAECAL TRANSPLANTS WORK

Faecal transplants are already being used to treat gut infections, could they also help with chronic illnesses?

What’s Lifetime Health Cover?

It affects Australians over the age of 31, but how is Lifetime Health Cover loading actually calculated and what do you need to know?

Antibiotic resistance: health in crisis

If we keep overusing antibiotics, common bacterial infections may put our lives at risk in the future.

CAN YOU CLAIM FOR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION?

Here’s what you need to know about claiming for medicines through private health insurance.

A NEW WEAPON AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER

A vaccine shown to reduce rates of cervical cancer has been released in Australia. Here’s what you need to know.

THE TELOMERE REVOLUTION

The tiny telomeres on our DNA may hold the key to living longer, ageing better and staying healthier. But can we improve our telomere health?

Are we too clean?

As a society we’ve worked hard to sanitise our lives, but have we gone too far?

HOW DOCTOR–PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS ARE CHANGING

Technology is changing the way patients interact with GPs in Australia. How does this affect you?

IS YOUR BODY OLDER THAN YOUR ACTUAL AGE?

Ways to get your ‘biological age’ to match your ‘chronological age’.

Gene editing – the future of health?

From faster, cheaper research to potential cures for cancer, new gene-editing techniques are dramatically changing what’s possible.

Addressing diabetes: a dual approach

The rate of diabetes in Australia has tripled in the last 25 years. At HCF, we’re tackling this issue by investing in research and providing access to tailored health management programs.

How nanotechnology is revolutionising medicine

Australia is leading the world in the miniaturisation of medical devices that will transform medical treatment.

The future of virtual reality in medicine

Virtual reality is here, and the medical industry is using it to improve our health.

Expert insight: Breast cancer under the microscope

Scientist Dr Dharmica Mistry explains how her work is pushing the boundaries of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

3D printing in medicine

With the capacity to generate human body parts, 3D printing may soon revolutionise implant procedures.

The future of medicine: the flu and antibiotics

Infection expert Dr Frank Bowden turns his microscope to the risk of a modern-day influenza pandemic and the fading effectiveness of antibiotics.

Personalising breast cancer treatment for better results

Future breast cancer treatments are evolving towards targeted therapies individualised for each patient’s condition.

Healthcare for an ageing population

How Australian healthcare will meet the challenge of providing for the increasing number of people living longer.

Tackling our health crisis

The Australian Partnership Prevention Centre is working on solutions to halt the increasing trend of chronic health conditions.

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