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Health, well-being, lifestyle — Australia’s lifestyle quarterly.

Our comprehensive wellness collection covers essential topics that matter to your daily life.

From practical nutrition advice to understanding how to achieve lasting physical, mental and emotional well-being, these resources are designed to help you make informed decisions.

Whether navigating family relationships during challenging times, learning to establish healthy boundaries, or making informed decisions about medical procedures, wellness is about empowerment through knowledge.

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 Author of Greatness Doesn’t Care 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.

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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

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.

Thriving through menopause
Health and Wellness

Thriving through menopause

The truth is, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or involve drastic changes. This is something we’ve specialised in for over 25 years—helping women achieve lasting results. With exciting new research finally shining a light on women’s health, we’re here to cut through the noise and show you what training and nutrition should really look like to help you thrive through perimenopause, menopause and beyond. This stage of life often brings a wave of unexpected physical and emotional changes, largely driven by the natural decline in oestrogen. This shift can impact almost every system in the body – temperature regulation, memory, sleep, bone density, cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing. It’s important to remember that every woman’s experience is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.  That said, there are some general recommendations when it comes to nutrition and training that can make this transition smoother and support long-term health. Nutrition: Fuel and Nourish Your Body After years of being sold restriction and diet culture, it’s time to shift the focus to nourishment. Protein is especially important during menopause to preserve muscle mass, support mood and balance hormones. Loss of muscle can reduce bone density, affect quality of life and increase the risk of falls and fractures—protein helps protect against this. A rainbow of vegetables and whole foods provides fibre, antioxidants, and nutrients that support gut health, liver function and hormonal balance. Healthy fats from olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds benefit brain and heart health, while limiting alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods can ease symptoms like hot flushes, poor sleep, and mood swings. We don’t need to overcomplicate it—focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and getting enough protein will set you up for success. Exercise: A Non-Negotiable Strength training is one of the most powerful tools for managing menopause. It helps maintain and build muscle mass, improve bone density, support metabolic health and boost mood. Committing to at least two weight sessions per week, ideally within a structured programme guided by a trainer, can ensure you hold onto the strength and mobility that keep you healthy and capable for life.Menopause doesn’t have to signal decline—it’s a transition, not an ending. This stage can be an opportunity to reassess, realign, and truly thrive. If you’re feeling unsure of where to start, our research-based programmes and personalised support are designed to help women achieve their goals through this stage of life. Discover how strongHER can give you the tools and guidance you need to feel strong, confident, and in control at www.visionpersonaltraining.com/strongher

The things women stop pretending to enjoy after 40
Health and Wellness

The things women stop pretending to enjoy after 40

By Justine Williams Somewhere in your forties, something shifts. If you are not knee-deep in raising children or standing at the peak of your career, you may find yourself quietly planting the seeds for the next chapter of life. And while the magic that unfolds in your fifties deserves its own story, the fabulous forties bring a transformation all of their own. Turning 40 can feel like being welcomed into a secret society of women who finally know themselves. Along with the wisdom comes a few unexpected gifts. Your chin may suddenly sprout a stubborn dark hair that appears overnight, your memory might occasionally play hide- and-seek, and your body begins to change in ways your wardrobe never anticipated. Jeans feel tighter, aches appear without invitation, and yet something surprising happens. You start choosing your battles differently. By this stage of life, many women realise they no longer have the energy to pretend. The wine nights with draining company begin to lose their appeal. Shoes that look beautiful but feel impossible to walk in quietly make their way to the donation pile. Even the small rituals we once tolerated, endless small talk or saying yes to every invitation, begin to fade. There is a growing awareness that time and energy are valuable resources. Where once we might have chased spontaneity at any cost, the idea of a good meal, a comfortable chair and a peaceful evening can feel far more appealing. It is not about becoming boring. It is about becoming selective. The French often speak about effortless elegance, dressing and then removing one thing to create balance. The same philosophy can be applied to life. Emotional trimming, social pruning and healthy boundaries become less about restriction and more about clarity. In your forties, putting yourself first no longer feels selfish. It feels necessary. Many women describe hearing their inner voice more clearly during this decade. Self- esteem strengthens, confidence grows and there is a quiet understanding that perfection is overrated. Laughter replaces pressure, genuine connection matters more than obligation, and authenticity becomes the new standard. This stage of life is not about losing who you were. It is about embracing who you have become. The forties invite you to stop performing and start living, to choose joy with intention and to recognise the wiser, more radiant version of yourself that has been quietly waiting to emerge.

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