Category

Health and Wellness

Your gums may need attention
Health and Wellness

Your gums may need attention

Most people pay attention to their teeth. Far fewer think about their gums. Yet according to oral health experts, gum health plays a major role in overall wellbeing, and recognising gum disease symptoms early is crucial — because the warning signs are often so subtle they are easy to dismiss. A little pink in the sink after brushing. Breath that never feels quite fresh enough. Gums that appear slightly swollen or a tooth that suddenly looks a little longer than it used to. Because these changes rarely feel urgent or painful, many people ignore them. Why gum disease can go unnoticed for years According to Barty Walsh, founder of oral healthcare brand ORDO, that is exactly why gum disease can progress unnoticed for years. “A large majority of oral health issues can be improved with simple habits, from using fluoride toothpaste to brushing for two minutes twice a day,” he says. “People often wait until something feels serious, but with gum health, early action matters.” Gum disease commonly begins as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums that may cause redness, swelling or bleeding during brushing or flossing. At this stage, the condition is generally reversible with proper care and treatment. If left untreated, however, it can progress to periodontitis, where the tissue and bone supporting the teeth begin to deteriorate permanently. Common gum disease symptoms to watch for One of the challenges is that gum disease is often painless in its early stages. By the time teeth feel loose or the bite noticeably changes, significant damage may already have occurred. Some of the signs to look out for include: Bleeding while brushing or flossing Red, swollen or tender gums Persistent bad breath Receding gums Teeth appearing longer than usual Individually, these symptoms may seem minor. Together, they can indicate that your gums need attention. How to prevent and treat gum disease The good news is that prevention is relatively straightforward. Effective brushing, daily flossing or interdental cleaning and regular dental or hygienist appointments can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease. Walsh says tools such as sonic toothbrushes can also help clean effectively along the gum line while supporting healthier gums overall. “Healthy gums should not bleed,” he says. “They should be light pink in colour and slightly firm in texture, not soft or puffy.” It is an important reminder that oral health extends far beyond a bright smile. Our gums are often one of the earliest indicators that something may need attention. And more often than not, they whisper long before they shout.

When someone else’s drinking affects the whole family
Health and Wellness

When someone else’s drinking affects the whole family

Alcohol is often woven into Australia’s social culture. Celebrations, catch-ups and milestones frequently revolve around it. But for some families, alcohol slowly shifts from being social to something far more harmful, affecting not only the person drinking, but everyone around them. According to the Queensland Government’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan 2022–2028, alcohol remains the most harmful substance in the state. While much of the conversation understandably focuses on the person struggling with addiction, the impact on families is often quieter, more hidden and deeply isolating. For many people living alongside alcoholism, daily life can become shaped by anxiety, unpredictability and emotional exhaustion. Relationships are strained; boundaries blur and household dynamics begin revolving around someone else’s behaviour. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Al-Anon Family Groups Australia, an organisation offering peer support to people affected by another person’s drinking. Across Australia, more than 330 Al-Anon and Alateen groups now meet each week, both online and in person, including dozens throughout South Queensland. The groups provide a safe and anonymous space for people to share experiences, learn coping strategies and connect with others facing similar challenges. One South Queensland member shared how growing up around alcoholism shaped her life long before she sought support. “My mother’s drinking had been part of my entire life,” she said. “It led to verbal and emotional abuse, and often violence.” She described living in a constant state of anxiety, particularly in the late afternoons when she knew her mother would begin drinking. “I would wait for the phone call where I would be blamed for everything that had gone wrong in her life. I was always on high alert and had no idea I even had the choice not to answer.” Eventually, after years of therapy and emotional exhaustion, she attended her first Al-Anon meeting. “The meeting was incredibly welcoming. There was a cup of tea, a seat and people from all walks of life who understood what living alongside alcoholism felt like.” She says what struck her most was the honesty in the room and the lack of judgement. “People shared openly without interruption or advice. Everyone was at different stages of healing, but there was a sense of understanding that I had never experienced before.” Twelve years later, she now supports newcomers herself and says the experience transformed not only how she navigates alcoholism in her family, but how she approaches all relationships in her life. Alcohol addiction can often create shame and silence within families, making it difficult for people to seek support. Organisations like Al-Anon and Alateen aim to break that isolation by reminding people they are not alone and that help exists not only for the person drinking, but for those impacted around them too. For more information about Al-Anon Family Groups Australia or to find a local meeting, visit Al-Anon Family Groups Australia

Looking after your health in the cooler months
Health and Wellness

Looking after your health in the cooler months

Winter doesn’t have to mean sniffling through the season. With the right winter health tips, you don’t need exotic superfoods or complicated protocols to stay well. What actually works is simpler and more satisfying than you might think. Eat the Rainbow: Fuelling Your Immune System Start with what’s on your plate. There’s no magic bullet food that prevents colds and flu, but eating a nutrient-rich diet absolutely supports your immune system. The trick is colour. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables deliver the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to fight infection. Red capsicum and tomatoes contain lycopene and anthocyanins. Deep leafy greens pack folate and carotenoids. Orange and yellow produce — carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin — offer carotenoids and vitamin C. Even purple cabbage and blueberries contribute their own arsenal of flavonoids. Eating across the spectrum isn’t just nutritionally smart; it’s practical. [SUGGESTED LINK: seasonal winter produce Australia] Winter citrus arrives exactly when you need it. Oily fish like salmon and barramundi offer omega-3s. A bowl of oats with berries covers multiple bases in one breakfast. The challenge for most people isn’t knowing what to eat — it’s actually eating it. Two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables daily sounds daunting. Break it down. Start breakfast with spinach and tomato in an omelette, or blend berries into porridge. Frozen vegetables work just as well as fresh and require almost no prep. A pot of vegetable soup made on Sunday becomes lunch and dinner for days. Add lentils for protein. Layer in finely chopped carrots, celery, and capsicum. Keep a bag of frozen berries on hand — toss them into yoghurt or baked goods. Beyond the Plate: Sleep, Movement and Connection But diet is only part of the equation. The strongest immune system sits on a foundation of sleep, movement, and connection. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep — this is when your body repairs and strengthens its defences. Stay active, whether that’s a brisk walk to catch winter sunlight (which boosts vitamin D [SUGGESTED LINK: vitamin D and sun exposure in Australia]) or indoor movement on days when stepping outside feels impossible. Social connection matters too. Winter isolation can drag down mood and immunity alike. Simple Habits That Make a Real Difference One more practical point: wash your hands frequently, and don’t overthink it. You’re not trying to sterilise everything. Viruses spread more easily in winter partly because we’re indoors in closer proximity; basic hygiene — soap and water — is your first line of defence. [SUGGESTED LINK: hand hygiene guidelines from the Australian Department of Health] The overarching principle: there is no immune system “boost,” only good choices stacked together. Sleep well. Move your body. Eat colourful food. Stay connected. Do these things consistently, and winter becomes the season you stay well rather than the season you recover from being sick.

The hidden financial cost many women know too well
Health and Wellness

The hidden financial cost many women know too well

By Caitlin Bath For many women who have experienced separation, particularly where children are involved, the financial story that follows can feel painfully familiar. The paying parent whose income suddenly appears to drop. The bonuses that disappear from payslips. The cash-in-hand work that somehow avoids assessment. The overseas holidays and new purchases that continue publicly while child support contributions remain at the legal minimum. For years, these stories were shared quietly between women, lawyers, school offices and support services. They were understood as lived experience, even if they were rarely acknowledged more broadly. Now, for the first time, the issue is being recognised at a national level. The 2026–27 federal budget revealed an estimated $2 billion in unpaid child support, the majority of which is owed to women. The Commonwealth Ombudsman has described aspects of the system as a form of weaponisation, where child support processes can be used to continue coercion, control and financial harm after separation. In response, the government has committed $182.6 million towards reforms aimed at improving the system. But the financial impact extends far beyond missed payments. There are the school uniforms one parent is left to cover alone. The medical appointments requiring consent that is delayed or withheld. The legal costs that quietly accumulate over years. The emotional and administrative burden of navigating co-parenting while also carrying the primary load of caregiving. Then there is the longer-term financial picture that is far harder to quantify. The superannuation contributions redirected towards everyday expenses. The savings and investments that never eventuate. The career opportunities missed because caregiving responsibilities continue to fall disproportionately on one parent. Many women are not simply rebuilding after separation. (can be used as a pull quote) They are simultaneously absorbing the ongoing financial impact of systems that often fail to adequately protect them. The Treasury figures have placed a number on a problem many women have understood for years. Yet statistics alone cannot fully capture the emotional strain, career sacrifice or financial insecurity that can follow. If any part of this feels familiar, it is important to know these experiences are not isolated. For many women, the financial consequences of separation are not simply personal circumstances. They reflect broader structural issues that are only now beginning to receive national attention. Support services If this article resonates with you, support is available. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) provides 24-hour confidential counselling for people affected by domestic, family or sexual violence. Women’s Legal Services Australia offers free legal information and referrals via wlsa.org.au Services Australia’s Family Violence team can assist with safe child support arrangements. Caitlin Bath is the author of She’s Giving Wealth, launching 30 June. Not for publish – Caitlin Bath is the author of She’s Giving Wealth*, launching 30 June. www.shesgivingwealth.com.* Australian Government 2026, Budget 2026–27: Budget Paper No. 2 — Budget Measures, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra. Commonwealth Ombudsman 2025, Investigation into the administration of the Child Support Scheme, Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, Canberra

Greatness doesn’t care!
Health and Wellness

Greatness doesn’t care!

 By Jason Dunn Why greatness is not reserved for the elite but built through discipline and resilience In my work as a high-performance mindset coach, I find that we often look at high achievers and assume they possess something the rest of us do not — exceptional talent, extraordinary intelligence, or a lucky break. After decades of going after the greatest version of myself, studying human performance, and now writing about personal transformation, I’ve come to this conclusion, though: greatness isn’t reserved for the elite or privileged, and it doesn’t care who you are, your age, background, or what you have been through. What does ask is that find you purpose and go after it. Why Comparison Destroys Confidence, Motivation and Happiness Comparison is the fastest way to undermine progress. When we constantly measure ourselves against others, we focus our shortfalls, rather than how far we have come. Sadly, social media has amplified this tendency, encouraging us to compare our everyday reality with someone else’s posts or highlight reel. The result is often reduced confidence, motivation, and happiness. The healthier approach is to compare yourself only to who you were yesterday, because growth becomes far more achievable when your focus shifts from competing with others to improving yourself. How Purpose Is the Fuel That Carries You Through Adversity Motivation is often unreliable, coming and going with changing circumstances, energy levels, and mood. Purpose is different, though, as it provides a deeper reason to keep moving forward when challenges arise. People who are connected to a meaningful purpose are more likely to persevere through setbacks because they understand why the effort matters. Oh, they also live longer, happier lives. Whether it’s family, contribution, personal growth, or a mission bigger than yourself, purpose creates the resilience needed to keep going when the path becomes difficult. Why Struggle, Failure and Discomfort Are Essential to Growth People often try to avoid discomfort, yet growth rarely occurs without it. Every meaningful achievement in my life has involved many setbacks, mistakes, and failures. But each failure or setback was not evidence that I was incapable; it was evidence that I was learning and moving one step closer to fulfilling my purpose. The most successful people are not those who avoid struggle but those who learn from it. Discomfort stretches our capabilities, builds resilience, and teaches lessons that success alone never could. Growth begins where comfort ends. How Small Daily Disciplines Shape Identity More Than Talent or Luck Talent can provide an advantage, but discipline determines long-term outcomes. Our lives are largely shaped by the small actions we repeat consistently. Reading ten pages a day, exercising regularly, practising gratitude, or showing up when you do not feel like it may seem insignificant at the moment, but these behaviours compound over time. More importantly, they shape your identity. Every disciplined action you take reinforces the belief that you are someone who follows through, and that identity becomes the foundation for lasting success. Why It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself and Pursue a Bigger Life One of the most damaging beliefs people hold is that they have missed their opportunity, or it is too late. Reinvention, though, is possible at any age. History is filled with individuals who found greatness later in life. Your future is not determined by your past decisions but by the choices you make from this point forward. The moment you decide to grow, learn, and act, a new, better you, becomes possible.

A 2026 Guide to Weight Management Care for Australian Women
Health and Wellness

A 2026 Guide to Weight Management Care for Australian Women

Weight management is one of the most discussed topics in Australian women’s health, and one of the most misunderstood. It sits at the intersection of physiology, psychology, life stage, social messaging, and an increasingly complex healthcare system. For women navigating midlife, post-pregnancy, perimenopause, or chronic health conditions, the topic can feel both deeply personal and frustratingly impersonal at the same time. This guide is not a treatment recommendation. It is an overview of how weight management care is structured in Australia in 2026: what the major categories of support look like, how prescription medicines and pharmacies are regulated, what telehealth involves, and what questions are useful to bring into a GP appointment. Any decision about treatment should be made in consultation with a qualified Australian healthcare professional who knows your full medical history. Why weight changes across a woman’s life Weight isn’t static, and the factors that influence it shift across the decades. Through the twenties, energy balance is often the most visible factor. Through the thirties, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and lactation each affect body composition, sometimes in ways that don’t simply reverse with time or effort. By the early forties, perimenopause begins for many Australian women. Levels of oestrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate. Sleep quality often decreases. Cortisol patterns can change. Muscle mass tends to decline gradually, which affects resting metabolic rate. Cardiovascular risk markers, including blood pressure and lipid profiles, can shift. By the time menopause is reached, typically in the early fifties, the hormonal environment is substantially different from what it was at 35. These changes do not happen to every woman, and they don’t follow a single timeline. But they do mean that the strategies that produced results at 28 may not produce the same results at 48, even when effort is identical. Understanding this physiological context is a useful first step toward making informed care decisions. Categories of weight management support in Australia Australian healthcare offers a range of approaches to weight management, often used in combination rather than isolation. Lifestyle and behavioural support. Accredited Practising Dietitians, exercise physiologists, and accredited counsellors offer structured programs around nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management. These remain the foundation of most clinical guidelines and are often the first line of care recommended by a GP. Psychological support. Disordered eating patterns, emotional eating, and the psychological dimensions of weight are often addressed by registered psychologists. Medicare-supported sessions are available with a GP referral under a Mental Health Care Plan. Medical treatment. In some cases, a GP or specialist may discuss medical treatment options after assessing health history, current medications, comorbidities, and weight-related health risks. Medical treatments for chronic weight management in Australia are prescription-only (Schedule 4) medicines, which means they require a prescription from an authorised prescriber and are not available over the counter. Discussion of specific medicines, dosing, and suitability is between an individual and their treating clinician. Surgical treatment. Bariatric surgery is performed in Australia for adults meeting specific clinical criteria. It involves significant pre-assessment, multidisciplinary care, and long-term follow-up. It is typically considered for people with severe obesity and weight-related health complications, and the decision to proceed is made by a specialist surgical team in consultation with the patient and their GP. Each of these categories has a place in Australian guidelines. None is universally right, and most clinicians take a stepped or combined approach based on the individual’s circumstances. How the regulatory system works Three regulators shape the weight management care landscape in Australia. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA is the arm of the Department of Health and Aged Care responsible for evaluating and approving medicines and medical devices for use in Australia. Before a prescription medicine can be supplied here, it must go through the TGA’s evaluation process. The TGA also maintains the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), the public list of every approved product. Australian law prohibits the advertising of prescription-only medicines directly to the public, which is why you will rarely see specific medicine brands named in editorial or consumer-facing content. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). AHPRA works with 15 National Boards (including the Medical Board, the Pharmacy Board, and the Nursing and Midwifery Board) to register and regulate healthcare practitioners. Anyone working in Australia as a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other regulated health professional should be searchable on the public AHPRA register by name and registration number. Pharmacy and pharmacist oversight. Pharmacies in Australia are licensed under state or territory law and operate within the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s professional standards. Any Schedule 4 medicine dispensed by an Australian pharmacy must be supplied against a valid prescription from an authorised prescriber, and a registered pharmacist must review the prescription before dispensing it. Together, these three regulatory layers are what makes a particular provider “regulated” in the Australian sense. The presence or absence of these checks is the most important practical difference between a legitimate Australian provider and a less formal channel. Telehealth and online pharmacy in 2026 Telehealth has expanded significantly in Australian primary care since 2020 and is now a routine part of how many patients access GP and specialist consults. In the context of weight management, telehealth typically involves a video or phone consult with an AHPRA-registered prescriber who reviews health history, current health status, and treatment suitability before any decision is made. Online pharmacies in Australia function the same way as community pharmacies, with the dispensing and delivery happening at a distance. A regulated Australian online pharmacy is licensed under state or territory law, employs registered pharmacists who review each prescription, and dispenses medicines listed on the ARTG. Burst Health Pharmacy is one example of an Australian online pharmacy operating within that regulatory framework, offering weight-loss support services that combine a telehealth consult with an authorised prescriber and pharmacist-reviewed dispensing. Other similar services exist. It is worth understanding the distinction between a regulated Australian online pharmacy and an overseas-sourced or informal supply route. Medicines sourced through social media pages, messaging

Young Men, Influencers, and the Shaping of Masculinity
Health and Wellness

Young Men, Influencers, and the Shaping of Masculinity

Words: Andrew Harmer In an era defined by social media, the influence of online personalities on young minds has never been more profound – particularly when it comes to ideas about masculinity. A recent survey by the Movember Institute has revealed a striking statistic: 68% of young Australian men actively engage with “masculinity influencers” across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and emerging social apps. These influencers range from fitness gurus and lifestyle coaches to motivational speakers and self-styled “alpha male” advocates. Their content often revolves around personal development, financial success, physical fitness, dating advice, and what it means to “be a real man” in today’s society. While this has created opportunities for positive role modelling and self-improvement, health experts are sounding the alarm about the potential risks these messages may carry for young men’s mental health and identity formation. At the heart of the concern is the way masculinity is being defined – or more accurately, narrowed. Many influencers present a version of manhood that prioritizes dominance, stoicism, physical prowess, and material success, often discouraging emotional vulnerability or non-traditional expressions of masculinity. According to psychologists, when young men are repeatedly exposed to rigid or hyper-masculine ideals, it can create internal conflicts. Boys who do not or cannot align with these portrayals may feel inadequate, ashamed, or isolated. Mental health professionals warn that such influences can contribute to anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, and even exacerbate feelings of loneliness. This is particularly concerning given that suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 15–44, and social isolation is one of the most significant contributing factors. By promoting an unattainable or narrow version of manhood, influencers may – knowingly or unknowingly – deepen the struggles that young men already face. However, it’s important not to paint all masculinity influencers with the same brush. There are many who advocate for healthy masculinity – encouraging emotional intelligence, open communication, mental health support, and community building. Programs like Movember’s “Man of More Words” campaign highlight the need for men to talk openly about their feelings, and some influencers are positively reinforcing these messages. The conversation around masculinity is at a crossroads. Young men are seeking identity, purpose, and belonging in a fast-changing world, and online voices play a growing role in filling that void. The challenge, experts say, is ensuring that this influence is positive rather than damaging. Educational campaigns, mentorship programs, and open dialogues are being called for to help young men critically assess the messages they consume online. Initiatives in schools and community groups across Australia, including the Gold Coast, are also stepping in to create spaces where young men can discuss masculinity in broader, healthier terms – promoting self-worth that isn’t tied to outdated stereotypes. As we move further into 2025, the opportunity lies in balancing the empowerment that influencers can offer with the support and education young men need to thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially.

By
What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer
Health and Wellness

What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer

What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer Why regular skin checks should be part of your health care Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. More than two in three of us will be diagnosed with some form of it in our lifetime – a statistic that makes understanding this disease not just useful, but essential. The primary culprit? Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While we all love our outdoor lifestyle, that exposure adds up over the years, especially for those with fair or freckled skin, a family history of skin cancer, or simply the passing of time. The good news is that when caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable. So, what exactly should you be looking out for? There are three main types of skin cancer, and each behaves differently. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all cases. It develops in the top layer of skin and, while it can cause local damage, it rarely spreads to other parts of the body. You might notice it as a pearly bump, a flat flesh-coloured or pinkish patch, or a sore that heals and then returns. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) makes up about one in three skin cancers and tends to appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, hands, and arms. It often looks like a firm red bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that doesn’t heal. Left untreated, SCC can spread, which is why early detection matters. Then there’s melanoma – the one that rightly gets the most attention. Although it accounts for only around one per cent of skin cancers, melanoma is the most dangerous because it’s more likely to spread to other parts of the body. It often appears as a new or changing mole, so any spot that’s asymmetrical, has uneven borders, varies in colour, or is growing in size should be checked without delay. There are also rarer types, including Merkel cell carcinoma, angiosarcoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma, but these are far less common. A useful rule of thumb for checking moles is the ABCDE guide: look for Asymmetry, irregular Borders, uneven Colour, a Diameter larger than six millimetres, and any Evolving changes in size, shape or feel. If anything ticks even one of those boxes, get it checked. When it comes to treatment, options depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery to remove the affected area is the most common approach, but your doctor may also recommend cryotherapy (freezing), topical creams, or radiation therapy. For more advanced cases, immunotherapy and targeted therapy have become increasingly effective. The earlier it’s found, the simpler and more effective treatment tends to be. Prevention remains your strongest line of defence. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen daily – yes, even on cloudy days – and reapply every two hours when outdoors. Seek shade during peak UV hours (typically between 10am and 3pm), and cover up with broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Most importantly, make regular skin checks part of your routine. Whether that’s a self-check at home every few months or an annual visit to your GP or dermatologist, staying vigilant is the single best thing you can do. Your skin is worth paying attention to. A five-minute check could save your life. ‘Dr Maria Macaspac at Medical @ Australia Fair has a special interest in skin cancer detection and recently diagnosed a squamous cell carcinoma on my leg, which was immediately attended to and resulted in no further surgery.I’m thankful that she picked it up so quickly.’ Leanne Hart DISCLAIMER This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and personalised health guidance. If you notice any changes to your skin, see your GP or dermatologist promptly.