Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Dubai Chocolate – and How to Enjoy It the Healthy WayIf you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram recently, you’ve likely stumbled across the irresistible allure of Dubai chocolate. This decadent treat has taken the internet by storm, enchanting food enthusiasts with its luxurious blend of handcrafted artistry, bold flavors, and stunning visual appeal. Featuring premium chocolate, crunchy roasted pistachios, and exotic Middle Eastern notes like rosewater or saffron, it’s a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite.The hype isn’t just about its picture-perfect look (though it’s undeniably photogenic). It’s the harmonious balance of rich, creamy chocolate and nutty, aromatic fillings that makes this treat unforgettable. For those striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you might be curious about how this indulgent chocolate fits into your routine. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind its viral popularity, assess its role in a balanced diet, and offer tips for enjoying it mindfully or creating a lighter version at home.Category:Recipes, NutritionRead 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
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
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
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
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
What Makes Chiropractic Care So Important for Spinal Health?ByKirsty McMasterMore than 4 million Australians experience back problems at any given time, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. That’s a huge number of people living with discomfort, reduced mobility, and disruption to everyday life. Category:General Medical, Healthy Lifestyle, Extras Cover, Conditions and Treatments, Injury and RehabilitationRead 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
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
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
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
Embracing Self-Care to Reduce Stress ByDr Gina Cleo07 August 2024In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an almost inevitable part of daily life. However, through self-care practices, we can manage and significantly reduce our stress levels. Self-care isn't a luxury but a necessity, encompassing activities and habits that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Here, we explore effective self-care strategies to help you combat stress. Category:Mental Health, Stress and Anxiety, Self-Care, DepressionRead MoreWrite a Comment
10 Habits for A Healthy Brain ByDr. Michela Sorensen13 June 2024While becoming a bit forgetful might be a normal part of aging, the thought of dementia can be quite worrying for a lot of people. The good news - there are some very simple things you can be doing now to look after your brain health and reduce your risk of dementia. Category:Mental Health, Later in Life, DementiaRead MoreWrite a Comment
Food Safety – How to Keep Your Food, and Your Family SafeByJaime Rose Chambers13 May 2024Most of us have been struck down with food poisoning at some stage in our lives and know just how horrible it can be. It’s estimated there are 5 million cases of food poisoning in Australia every year, with many needing to go to hospital and putting vulnerable populations at risk. The way we manage our food at every stage can be the difference between getting sick or not. There are four simple steps we can all follow to ensure food safety: Clean, separate, cook and chill. Category:Nutrition, General Medical, Family FirstRead MoreWrite a Comment
From Screen to Green - Strategies for Cutting Down Screen TimeByTammy George09 April 2024Plenty of parents will tell you their biggest frustration in the twenty-first century is negotiating screen time with their children. We know that excessive screen time can be detrimental to children’s health and wellbeing, but...Category:Family First, Raising Children, Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers, TeenagersRead MoreWrite a Comment
From Two to Three - Couples Health Insurance for PregnancyByTammy George09 April 2024Starting a family is often a big step with lots of exciting, joyful, and magical moments, but also a time of unknown, challenging, and uncertain ones. A little planning in advance can help ease you into parenthood (as much as that’s possible!). Category:Family First, PregnancyRead MoreWrite a Comment
Healthy Habits for Kids - Thriving in Childcare EnvironmentsByTammy George28 February 2024The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for their development and setting the basis of the adult they'll become. Most of the brain development happens during these years. Category:Family First, Raising Children, School AgeRead MoreWrite a Comment