Bowel Cancer Written by Meghan Betts Bowel (or colorectal) cancer is the second most common cancer in Australians and is particularly prevalent in those over 50 years of age. Symptoms of bowel cancer include a change in bowel habits, thin bowel movements, blood in the stools, abdominal or rectal pain, fatigue or weight loss. It … Continue reading Bowel Cancer
Depression in older adults Submitted by junomedical.com Depression affects more than 300 million people globally and the number increased by 18.4% between 2005 and 2015. According to the latest estimates by the WHO, depression is currently the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. Nearly half of the people living with depression in the … Continue reading Depression in Older Adults
Science not Silence! By Meghan Betts Thousands of people across Australia rallied together for the ‘March for Science’ on Earth Day 2017 (Saturday 22nd April) as part of a global movement to defend the vital role science plays in our health, safety, economics and government. Demonstrations were held around the world, from the North … Continue reading March for Science
Over recent years there has been a surge in products containing live cultures of ‘good bacteria’, or ‘probiotics’, that claim to aid digestion, ease intestinal problems and keep your gut microbiota (the microbial population that lives in your gut) balanced and healthy. But are these probiotics as good for you as they seem? In … Continue reading Should we all be taking probiotics?
Distinguishing between depression and bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that affects approximately 2% of the Australian population. It was previously known as ‘manic depression’ which encompassed the extreme and uncontrollable mood swings between states of manic highs and depressive lows that are experienced by those with the disorder. Symptoms … Continue reading Depression versus bipolar
Will there ever be a hormonal contraception method for men? Although there are a wide variety of contraceptive options for females to prevent pregnancy, the choices available for men to have control over their fertility have not changed for over a century. These choices either have a lower efficacy, such as condoms … Continue reading Men and Contraception
Approximately 45% of Australians experience mental health issues at some point during their lifetime. The majority of workers successfully manage their illness without it impacting on their work, The majority of workers successfully manage their illness without it impacting on their work, however, some may require workplace support for a short period of time … Continue reading How to cope with mental health issues in the workplace
Mental illnesses continue to be the third leading cause of disability burden in Australia despite vast improvements to treatment access and uptake. Approximately 45% of Australians aged 16-85 years will experience a mental disorder during their lifetime, with research suggesting that 75% of mental health illnesses emerge before the age of 25. Mental … Continue reading Common mental health disorders affecting young Australians
Understanding anxiety Meghan Betts An overwhelming feeling of worry and fear, a racing heart, a trembling in my hands and knees I couldn’t stop… these are all experiences I went through on a near-daily basis before I learnt to manage my anxiety. The total feeling of being completely out of control, even of my … Continue reading Understanding Anxiety
Treating anxiety disorders Meghan Betts Effective treatments help you to control your anxiety so that it no longer controls you. There are multiple methods for treating anxiety and which works best for you depends on you as an individual and what type of anxiety you are experiencing. There are a range of mental health … Continue reading Treating anxiety disorders