Needle free flu vaccine now available for Australian familiesByHIF Australia01 May 2026This winter, Australian families with children aged 2–17 years have a new, needle-free alternative to the traditional flu jab: FluMist.Category:HIF News, Flu VaccinationsRead 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
Understanding Your Immunisation Record - Schedules, Access, and World Immunisation Week ByKirsty McMasterWhen was your last tetanus shot? What about your flu jab? If you had to pull up your full immunisation history right now, could you?Category:General Medical, Member Value, Flu Vaccinations, VaccinesRead MoreWrite a Comment
How to avoid cold and flu and keep your immune system strong through WinterByJaime Rose Chambers26 July 2024Do you spend half the year barely thinking about cold and flu but as soon as the weather becomes cooler and those around you start to get sick, you go into preventative mode to ward off the dreaded lurgy? Our immune system is very complex and is comprised of many organs and cells, which need certain nutrients at different stage of the immune response. Making sure to have a diverse and balanced diet with a focus on certain immune-supporting nutrients and avoiding factors which may dampen the immune response can help to keep your immune system strong through winter. Category:General Medical, Flu Vaccinations, Conditions and TreatmentsRead MoreWrite a Comment
Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccine - Do You Need Both?31 May 2022With borders open and COVID-19 restrictions eased, health experts predict this year could be a bad flu season. So, do you need a vaccination for both the flu and COVID-19?Category:General Medical, COVID-19, Flu Vaccinations, VaccinesRead MoreWrite a Comment
Needle free flu vaccine now available for Australian familiesByHIF AustraliaThis winter, Australian families with children aged 2–17 years have a new, needle-free alternative to the traditional flu jab: FluMist.Category:HIF News, Flu VaccinationsRead MoreWrite a Comment
Dental Dread - Tips for overcoming anxietyByDr Kieran Kennedy The chair slowly tips you back, the air is thick with that clean, clinical, smell, and from somewhere just outside your eye line the clinking of metal instruments rings the air. Mouth suddenly dry and heart rate picking up, you swallow stiffly, feeling your skin start to prickle. The faint but all too audible sound of a drill from the clinic room next door rents the air.Category:Dental Health, Mental HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Moving For Mind - How Exercise Can Lower Stress ByDr Kieran Kennedy Forget the fountain of youth, in the modern world we’re all too often now looking for an antidote for day to day stress. From mindfulness and meditation, to boundaries and better work life balance, the online world is awash with tips to reduce our stress levels, help the body relax and make sure we’re ahead of the curve when it comes to burnout and chronic stress.Category:Fitness, Mental HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Chronic Stress - What is it and how do we identify it?ByDr Kieran Kennedy It’s 2026, we’re back to work, study, new year family life or, let’s face it, all three, and the world around us seems to be flying faster than ever before. Stress, when we sit back and consider it, seems like a bit of a given. And whilst for most of us that’s likely absolutely a reality, it’s not to say that stress per say is always a blanket negative.Category:Mental HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Skin Checks - A Simple Guide to Checking Your Skin After SummerByHIF Australia01 April 2026Summer in Australia leaves a mark. It lingers in fading tan lines, freckles that seem darker than before, and the memory of long afternoons outdoors. Even when we try to be sun smart, our summer skin absorbs more ultraviolet (UV) radiation than we often realise.Category:General MedicalRead MoreWrite a Comment
What Is Dermatitis and What Does It Mean for Your Skin’s Health?ByKirsty McMasterMany people experience skin irritation at some point in their lives. It may present as dryness, redness, itching or patches of inflamed skin that do not seem to settle. These symptoms are often dismissed as sensitive skin or a short-term reaction. In reality, they can sometimes indicate dermatitis.According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, dermatitis is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages. While symptoms may appear mild at first, dermatitis can become persistent and uncomfortable, particularly when flare-ups are frequent or visible. For some people, it is not only physically uncomfortable but also emotionally frustrating, affecting confidence, sleep and overall wellbeing.Category:General MedicalRead MoreWrite a Comment
Andropause - The Male Menopause - Symptoms, Treatment options and when to seek help?ByKirsty McMaster05 January 2026In recent years, perimenopause has moved from being a private experience to a widely discussed health topic. More women are recognising hormonal changes earlier, understanding their symptoms, and feeling empowered to seek medical support without stigma. This shift has helped reframe a natural life stage as something that deserves understanding and care.What is less widely acknowledged is that men experience their own age-related hormonal transition. Andropause is the term used to describe age-related changes in testosterone levels in men. It is sometimes referred to as the “male menopause,” but this label can be misleading and often causes confusion.Unlike menopause, which involves a relatively rapid and well-defined hormonal shift, testosterone levels in men usually decline slowly over time. This gradual change means symptoms can be subtle, inconsistent, and easy to attribute to stress, ageing, or lifestyle factors. As a result, many men live with symptoms for years without realising that hormonal changes may be playing a role.Understanding andropause helps bring this conversation into the open and encourages earlier, more informed care.Category:General MedicalRead MoreWrite a Comment
Urgent Care or Emergency Departments - Making the Right Choice FastByKirsty McMaster05 January 2026When illness or injury strikes suddenly, knowing where to go for help is not always straightforward. A child falls and hurts their arm. A cut looks deeper than expected. Pain appears quickly and needs urgent care now, not in a week when a GP appointment becomes available.For many people in Western Australia, the decision often comes down to urgent care or an emergency Department. The confusion is understandable. Both treat injuries and illnesses that cannot wait, but they exist for different reasons and handle different levels of severity.Category:General Medical, Emergency CareRead MoreWrite a Comment
Australia’s Shift to Digital Health - How Telehealth Is Redefining Mental Health CareByKirsty McMaster01 October 2025The rise of telehealth in Australia’s mental health sector has been transformative. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual care shifted from niche to mainstream. In fact, according to the Department of Health Disability and Ageing about 1 in 4 Australians who accessed mental health care in 2023–24 did so via telehealth.Category:Mental Health, Healthy LivingRead 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
Dental Dread - Tips for overcoming anxietyByDr Kieran Kennedy 13 March 2026The chair slowly tips you back, the air is thick with that clean, clinical, smell, and from somewhere just outside your eye line the clinking of metal instruments rings the air. Mouth suddenly dry and heart rate picking up, you swallow stiffly, feeling your skin start to prickle. The faint but all too audible sound of a drill from the clinic room next door rents the air.Category:Dental Health, Mental HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Moving For Mind - How Exercise Can Lower Stress ByDr Kieran Kennedy 13 March 2026Forget the fountain of youth, in the modern world we’re all too often now looking for an antidote for day to day stress. From mindfulness and meditation, to boundaries and better work life balance, the online world is awash with tips to reduce our stress levels, help the body relax and make sure we’re ahead of the curve when it comes to burnout and chronic stress.Category:Fitness, Mental HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Chronic Stress - What is it and how do we identify it?ByDr Kieran Kennedy 13 March 2026It’s 2026, we’re back to work, study, new year family life or, let’s face it, all three, and the world around us seems to be flying faster than ever before. Stress, when we sit back and consider it, seems like a bit of a given. And whilst for most of us that’s likely absolutely a reality, it’s not to say that stress per say is always a blanket negative.Category:Mental HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Burnout Explained - Signs, Symptoms, and Why It Is More Than Just StressByHIF Australia01 March 2026Burnout is no longer a fringe workplace issue. It is increasingly recognised as a serious consequence of chronic, unmanaged stress, particularly in work environments where expectations are high and recovery is limited. While many people describe feeling “stressed” or “busy,” burnout symptoms run deeper. They reflect prolonged emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced capacity to function at your usual level.Category:Mental HealthRead 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