Sweat It Out or Chill Out? A Sauna vs Ice Bath ComparisonByKirsty McMaster04 March 2025Hot or cold - what’s your recovery style? Some people swear by the intense heat of a sauna, while others embrace the shock of an ice bath. These two extremes might seem worlds apart, but they both offer powerful benefits for recovery, circulation, and overall wellness. Saunas use heat therapy to relax muscles, improve blood flow, and promote detoxification through sweating. Meanwhile, ice baths harness cold therapy to reduce inflammation, speed up muscle recovery, and boost resilience.While each method works differently, they’re both used by athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and those looking to optimise their health. So, when it comes to sauna vs ice bath use, which one is right for you? Let’s break down the science, benefits, and best use cases for each.Category:Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy LivingRead 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
Happy and Healthy New Year – The Resolutions You Will Actually Stick ToByDr. Michela Sorensen05 January 2025Guilty of setting a resolution each year and breaking it in the first week? You’re not alone. In fact, research shows 91% of people fail their resolution in the first quarter of the year. Let’s make this year different. Here are my top 5 resolutions that are short, simple and easy to stick to! Category:Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Self-CareRead MoreWrite a Comment
How Much Sleep Do You Really Need Before a Long Drive?ByKirsty McMasterBefore you hit the road, keep in mind that the difference between arriving safely and a dangerously close call can be as simple as getting quality sleep.Category:Healthy Sleep Practices, Weekend Road TripsRead MoreWrite a Comment
No Gym? No Problem! Health-Backed Ways to Lose Weight ByKirsty McMasterLosing weight without exercise might sound too good to be true, but for many people, it’s a practical and necessary approach. Whether it’s due to an injury, a packed schedule, or physical limitations, skipping the gym doesn’t mean you can’t shed those extra kilosCategory:Nutrition, Fitness, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy LivingRead MoreWrite a Comment
How Much Sleep Do You Really Need Before a Long Drive?ByKirsty McMasterBefore you hit the road, keep in mind that the difference between arriving safely and a dangerously close call can be as simple as getting quality sleep.Category:Healthy Sleep Practices, Weekend Road TripsRead MoreWrite a Comment
Bedtime Battler – Finding Balance for Better Sleep ByAmanda Slinger26 November 2024If you’re always feeling “wired but tired” you might be a Bedtime Battler – someone who constantly operates in a state of ‘on’—navigating endless to-do lists, competing commitments, and the relentless demands of daily life.Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Doona Dodger – Getting in Rhythm with your Sleep Routine ByAmanda Slinger26 November 2024It looks like you may be a ‘Doona Dodger’— someone who struggles to keep a consistent rhythm with their sleep schedule. But hey, you’re not alone!Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Rest Rebel – Knowing When to Go to SleepByAmanda Slinger26 November 2024If you struggle to go to bed when you know you should - you might be a Rest Rebel – someone who resists bedtime and short-sheets their need for sleep by staying up later.Category:Healthy Sleep PracticesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Take Action Against Skin Cancer - Get to Know Your MolesByDr. Michela Sorensen04 February 2025An alarming two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. Like most health issues, the key lies in early detection, with 90% of melanomas able to be treated with surgery if found early. The most important thing you can do is to “get to know the skin you’re in”. Know your moles, what to look out for, and when to see a doctor – it may just save your life.Category:General MedicalRead MoreWrite a Comment
How is World Cancer Day Shaping The Fight Against Cancer?ByKirsty McMaster01 February 2025Every year on 4th February, the world unites for one very important cause - fighting cancer. World Cancer Day, an initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a movement with a mission: to raise global awareness, improve education, and inspire action across every level of society.Category:General Medical, Healthy LifestyleRead MoreWrite a Comment
Is Urgent Care Faster and Smarter Than the ER?ByKirsty McMasterWhen you’re unwell or injured, every minute feels longer. Do you head to the emergency room or visit an urgent care clinic? The choice isn’t always clear, but it can make a big difference in your wait time, medical bills, and overall experience.Category:General Medical, Emergency Care, Member Value, St. John Urgent Care, Injury and RehabilitationRead MoreWrite a Comment
Is It Gastro or Food Poisoning? How to Tell the DifferenceByKirsty McMasterSo, let's address the elephant in the room; was it just a dodgy meal, or something more serious? That queasy, uneasy feeling in your stomach can be a real mystery. Food poisoning and gastroenteritis often look and feel alike - nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps - but they’re not the same thing. Knowing the difference could save you time, discomfort, and maybe even a trip to the doctor.Category:General Medical, Conditions and TreatmentsRead MoreWrite a Comment
Sweat It Out or Chill Out? A Sauna vs Ice Bath ComparisonByKirsty McMaster04 March 2025Hot or cold - what’s your recovery style? Some people swear by the intense heat of a sauna, while others embrace the shock of an ice bath. These two extremes might seem worlds apart, but they both offer powerful benefits for recovery, circulation, and overall wellness. Saunas use heat therapy to relax muscles, improve blood flow, and promote detoxification through sweating. Meanwhile, ice baths harness cold therapy to reduce inflammation, speed up muscle recovery, and boost resilience.While each method works differently, they’re both used by athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and those looking to optimise their health. So, when it comes to sauna vs ice bath use, which one is right for you? Let’s break down the science, benefits, and best use cases for each.Category:Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy LivingRead MoreWrite a Comment
Happy and Healthy New Year – The Resolutions You Will Actually Stick ToByDr. Michela Sorensen05 January 2025Guilty of setting a resolution each year and breaking it in the first week? You’re not alone. In fact, research shows 91% of people fail their resolution in the first quarter of the year. Let’s make this year different. Here are my top 5 resolutions that are short, simple and easy to stick to! Category:Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Self-CareRead MoreWrite a Comment
No Gym? No Problem! Health-Backed Ways to Lose Weight ByKirsty McMasterLosing weight without exercise might sound too good to be true, but for many people, it’s a practical and necessary approach. Whether it’s due to an injury, a packed schedule, or physical limitations, skipping the gym doesn’t mean you can’t shed those extra kilosCategory:Nutrition, Fitness, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy LivingRead MoreWrite a Comment
Is Alcohol a Depressant? Understanding the Effects on Your Mood and MindByKirsty McMasterIs alcohol a depressant or a stimulant? Well, there's no doubt that it's often a misunderstood topic. It's no secret that many of us enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine after a long day or sharing a casual drink with friends on the weekend. It can help us unwind, feel more social, or even provide a temporary boost in mood.Category:Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Stress and Anxiety, Self-CareRead 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
What is Mental Health? Exploring Care Plans, Stigma, and WellbeingByKirsty McMasterWhat is mental health? In a nutshell, it's the cornerstone of how we live our lives. It impacts everything from the relationships we build to how productive we are at work, to how we navigate life's everyday stresses - and everything in between. It’s not just about managing mental illness; it’s about fostering holistic well-being, building resilience, and making sure we're thriving and not just survivingCategory:Mental Health, Stress and Anxiety, Self-Care, Depression, Member ValueRead MoreWrite a Comment
R U OK? Tips for Talking Mental HealthByDr Kieran Kennedy 12 September 2024September 12th marks R U OK?DAY and as a psychiatrist who talks to people about their mental health on a daily basis (sunnier days aside) this marks September as a hugely important one for the calendar. Category:Mental Health, Stress and Anxiety, 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