Sleep 101 Habits for optimal sleepBySeven West Media07 August 2025How to get a good night’s sleep and why it matters. Bedtime should come as a relief. Time to dive under the familiar comfort of your doona and retreat from the stresses of the day. Whether it’s the anticipation of cosying up with a book, listening to music, meditating or simply closing your eyes, a calm, quiet space, where your mind can finally unwind and rest should be a source of solace.Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Do you need a ‘nappuccino’ today? BySeven West Media07 August 2025If you’ve ever found yourself hitting that afternoon slump, torn between a quick nap or a caffeine fix to power through the rest of the day, you’re not alone. But what if you didn’t have to choose? Enter the ‘nappuccino’—a growing trend that combines the energising power of caffeine with the restorative magic of a short nap.Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Sleep for success - How sleep transforms productivityBySeven West Media07 August 2025Aussies are falling asleep on the job, so what can we do about it?Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Sleep facts vs fiction - The truth behind common sleep mythsBySeven West Media07 August 2025Let’s put sleep myths to bed.Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Prioritising Sleep Health - Your Foundation for Better LivingByKirsty McMasterIn today's demanding environment, sleep is frequently the first sacrifice when schedules become overwhelming. However, mounting scientific evidence demonstrates that quality sleep represents far more than a restorative break: it constitutes a fundamental biological requirement for optimal health and performance.At HIF, we position sleep health as one of three essential pillars of wellbeing, equally important to balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. This recognition stems from extensive research showing that adequate sleep underpins virtually every aspect of human health, from cognitive function to immune resilience.Category:HIF News, Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Sleep 101 Habits for optimal sleepBySeven West Media07 August 2025How to get a good night’s sleep and why it matters. Bedtime should come as a relief. Time to dive under the familiar comfort of your doona and retreat from the stresses of the day. Whether it’s the anticipation of cosying up with a book, listening to music, meditating or simply closing your eyes, a calm, quiet space, where your mind can finally unwind and rest should be a source of solace.Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Do you need a ‘nappuccino’ today? BySeven West Media07 August 2025If you’ve ever found yourself hitting that afternoon slump, torn between a quick nap or a caffeine fix to power through the rest of the day, you’re not alone. But what if you didn’t have to choose? Enter the ‘nappuccino’—a growing trend that combines the energising power of caffeine with the restorative magic of a short nap.Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Sleep for success - How sleep transforms productivityBySeven West Media07 August 2025Aussies are falling asleep on the job, so what can we do about it?Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Sleep facts vs fiction - The truth behind common sleep mythsBySeven West Media07 August 2025Let’s put sleep myths to bed.Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer - Signs, Symptoms and When to ActByKirsty McMasterPancreatic cancer is a particularly aggressive form of cancer that presents unique challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. It is often detected late due to subtle or vague early symptoms, making it one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose in its early stages. Despite being relatively uncommon, according to Cancer Council Australia affecting approximately 4,641 Australians in 2024, pancreatic cancer has a disproportionately high mortality rate, with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners ranking it as the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Australia.Raising awareness about this disease is crucial, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. According to Pankind - Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer in Australia has improved to 13% for diagnoses made between 2015-2019, demonstrating the importance of continued research and awareness efforts.At HIF, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can be a stressful time for you and your loved ones. That's why we offer tailored programs to support you through every stage of your cancer treatment. Our comprehensive approach addresses not only the physical aspects through hospital cover, but also the emotional challenges through mental health services and practical support through our health and wellbeing programs. We're committed to supporting members across the entire cancer journey, recognising that cancer care extends far beyond medical treatment to encompass the whole person and their support network.Category:HIF News, General Medical, Conditions and TreatmentsRead MoreWrite a Comment
Goodbye Doctor Google, Hello Doctor AI - Can AI Match Doctors?ByKirsty McMasterFor years, Australians have turned to Google to self-diagnose everything from mystery headaches to late-night anxiety. But a quiet revolution is underway. The age of the AI Doctor is here.Category:HIF News, General Medical, Healthy Lifestyle, Member ValueRead MoreWrite a Comment
Is It Is It Celiac Disease? Signs Your Body Might Be Reacting to GlutenByKirsty McMasterEver feel bloated, sluggish, or just off after a bowl of pasta or a warm slice of sourdough? For some, it’s a fleeting discomfort, but if these symptoms keep showing up, your body might be sounding the alarm about gluten.Category:Nutrition, General Medical, Healthy LifestyleRead MoreWrite a Comment
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like? Spotting the Early Warning SignsByKirsty McMasterAccording to Sun Smart, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, and it’s something that affects people of all ages. Given our climate and outdoor lifestyle, skin cancer remains a constant concern - and early detection makes a huge difference. According to the Cancer Council, most skin cancers can be successfully treated if caught early.Category:General Medical, Conditions and TreatmentsRead MoreWrite a Comment
Is It Time to Rethink Your Healthcare with Complementary Therapies?ByKirsty McMasterWhen you think of health insurance - hospital stays, emergency visits, or dental check-ups likely come to mind. But imagine the transformative power of acupuncture easing chronic back pain, remedial massage melting away weekly stress, or physiotherapy restoring your freedom of movement. Once viewed as mere luxuries, these complementary therapies are increasingly recognised as vital for holistic health, offering a profound difference in how you nurture your well-being.Category:Mental Health, Healthy Living, Injury and RehabilitationRead MoreWrite a Comment
Vaping vs Smoking - Clearing the Air on Health ImpactsByKirsty McMasterFor decades, the health risks of smoking have been widely known. Cigarettes have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and countless other preventable illnesses. As public awareness has grown, so too has the push to quit smoking altogether.Category:Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Quitting SmokingRead MoreWrite a Comment
Meat-Free, Not Protein-Free - Top Vegetarian Protein SourcesByKirsty McMasterWhether you're cutting back on meat, swapping out a few meals a week, or going plant-based full-time, the interest in vegetarian living is growing fast. Contrary to outdated assumptions, going meat-free doesn’t mean missing out on protein.Category:Recipes, Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy LivingRead MoreWrite a Comment
How to Boost Your Immune System to Recover FasterByKirsty McMasterYour immune system is like your body’s personal security. It’s always on, quietly working in the background to spot and fight off anything that could make you sick. But when you’re feeling run-down, stressed, or not eating well, it can start to struggle.Lack of sleep, too much alcohol, smoking, poor nutrition, and everyday stress can all chip away at your immune defence. Even forgetting to drink enough water can slow your recovery when you're not feeling your best.The good news? There are simple, actionable steps you can take - starting with how you eat, move, rest, and manage stress. Whether you’re trying to shake off a cold or avoid getting sick altogether, these small changes can make a real difference. Category:Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Healthy Sleep Practices, Self-Care, Flu VaccinationsRead MoreWrite a Comment
Is It Time to Rethink Your Healthcare with Complementary Therapies?ByKirsty McMasterWhen you think of health insurance - hospital stays, emergency visits, or dental check-ups likely come to mind. But imagine the transformative power of acupuncture easing chronic back pain, remedial massage melting away weekly stress, or physiotherapy restoring your freedom of movement. Once viewed as mere luxuries, these complementary therapies are increasingly recognised as vital for holistic health, offering a profound difference in how you nurture your well-being.Category:Mental Health, Healthy Living, Injury and RehabilitationRead MoreWrite a Comment
Men’s Health Isn’t Just Gym Gains - It’s Mental Health Too ByKirsty McMasterWhen people hear the term men's health, most think of exercise, protein shakes, and gym routines. While physical activity plays a role, that view barely scratches the surface.Category:Mental Health, Stress and Anxiety, Self-Care, Depression, LonelinessRead MoreWrite a Comment
6 Habits to Boost Serotonin Levels for a Happier, Healthier Life ByDr Gina Cleo24 February 2025Serotonin, known as the “feel-good” hormone, is essential for balancing mood, supporting restful sleep, aiding digestion, and enhancing overall well-being. Keeping serotonin levels at their best can improve mental health, ease anxiety, and boost physical health. Here are six effective habits you can add to your daily routine to naturally elevate serotonin levels. Category:Mental HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
The Power of Visualisation - A Key to Achieving Your GoalsByDr Gina Cleo10 October 2024Unlock the power of visualisation and start turning your dreams into reality! By spending just a few minutes each day vividly imagining your goals, you can build confidence, reduce stress, and mentally rehearse success before it happens. Ready to give it a try? Here’s how! Category:Mental Health, Self-CareRead MoreWrite a Comment
Perinatal Mental Health WeekByEm Batger12 September 2024In 5 new/expecting mothers and 1 in 10 new/expecting fathers will suffer from a mental health illness in the Perinatal period, defined as anytime during pregnancy and the first 12 months after birth. Perinatal Mental Health Week is an opportunity to provide education and support to these new parents whilst also reducing the stigma around being able to ask for help. Category:Family First, Pregnancy, First Time ParentsRead MoreWrite a Comment
Maximise Your Coverage - Best Family Health Insurance and Extras CoverByKirsty McMaster12 August 2024It's no secret that navigating any kind of insurance can seem tricky from the outside, but we're here to simplify it for you. Come along as we dive into the best family private health insurance options, the benefits of extras cover, and a wealth of handy tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your policy. Ready to ensure your family's peace of mind and well-being? Let's get into it.Category:Family First, First Time Parents, Member Value, Health Insurance, Extras Cover, Hospital Cover, Combined CoverRead MoreWrite a Comment
Breastfeeding or formula, and starting solids - How to feed your baby the best wayByJaime Rose Chambers03 August 2024The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week and aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. Feeding your baby can be a breeze for some, and a real challenge for others. Breastfeeding has been shown to have many health benefits, but many parents choose not to or cannot and so formula feeding is an absolute necessity. Then at 6 months it’s time to begin solids, which brings many of its own challenges and decisions as to the approach you choose to take. Ultimately there are some foundation guidelines to follow for optimum growth and development when it comes to feeding bub, but the remainder of it can be both a personal choice as well as determined by bub and what they need and when they’re ready. Category:Maternity Care, Family First, Pregnancy, Newborn HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Post Natal DepletionByEm Batger13 June 2024Motherhood is without a doubt, the most emotionally and physically demanding experience I’ve personally been through. It starts with pregnancy, you give birth, then there are the demands of breastfeeding (for those that choose to), the sleep deprivation and the constant giving of your emotional energy. It’s no wonder some mothers are left feeling literally sucked dry. Post Natal Depletion is a term first described by Dr Oscar Serrallach and refers to the combination of physical, emotional and hormonal depletion that a mother can experience after giving birth. The why is fascinating.Category:Family First, Pregnancy, Newborn HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment