Skin Checks via Digital Health TechnologyByKirsty McMasterSkin cancer remains one of Australia’s most significant health concerns, with the Cancer Council reporting that two in three Australians will be diagnosed by the age of 70. Here in Western Australia, where sunny days, outdoor work and weekends outside are simply part of life, that risk is even higher.Category:HIF NewsRead MoreWrite a Comment
Lost in the Noise - How to Find Real Support for Teen Mental Health in Australia ByKirsty McMasterTeen mental health is a growing national concern. According to the ABS National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, almost two in five Australians aged 16–24 experienced a mental health condition in the past year, a figure that continues to rise. A 2024 national scoping study also highlighted that regions with the highest prevalence of mental health needs among children often have the lowest availability of appropriate services and workforce.Category:Mental HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Screen Time and Eye Sight Problems - How to Protect Your VisionByKirsty McMasterIn today’s digital age, people are spending more time on screens than ever. In fact, according to Datareportal, the average Australian now spends roughly 6.8 hours a day online on various devices. This surge in screen time has led to more eye sight problems like digital eye strain. According to surveys by the Vision Council, about 80% of adults report experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain from prolonged device use.Category:HIF News, Optical HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Australia’s Shift to Digital Health - How Telehealth Is Redefining Mental Health CareByKirsty McMasterThe 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
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 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
Breast Cancer Awareness - How to Examine your Own Breasts ByDr. Michela Sorensen02 October 2024October is Breast Cancer awareness month, a time to shine the spotlight on all things breast health. Early detection of breast cancer provides the best chance at effective treatment. The key to early detection is remaining vigilant with breast cancer screening and self breast checks. Over 80% of women however, don’t feel confident in doing a self breast examination. So, time for a quick rundown of how to do it and what you’re looking for. Category:General Medical, Healthy Living, Later in LifeRead MoreWrite a Comment
The Difference Between Osteo, Physio, and Chiro - Which is Right for You?ByKirsty McMasterUnsurprisingly, people tend to face confusion when it comes to choosing between osteopathy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care. Each therapy has a unique focus and targets different aspects of musculoskeletal health, but it's a space that can be tricky to navigate. Thankfully, that’s where we come in.Category:Fitness, Healthy Lifestyle, Physiotherapy, Healthy Living, Member Value, Extras Cover, Conditions and Treatments, Injury and RehabilitationRead MoreWrite a Comment
Spicy Mushroom Noodles Recipe BySimon Toohey 05 September 2024This mushroom noodle soup is a nourishing and wholesome recipe, perfect for warming the body on cold winter days. Rich with earthy mushrooms, tender noodles, and a flavorful broth infused with aromatic herbs, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. Each spoonful brings warmth, making it an ideal dish to cozy up with when the temperatures drop. Category:Recipes, Healthy LivingRead 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
Looking Out for Our Kid’s Mental Health ByDr. Michela Sorensen07 October 2023Mental illness is not just an adult issue. We know more and more young children are struggling with their mental health. In fact, up to 20 per cent of children experience mental health issues. It can be hard enough for adult to talk about this, let alone 5-year-olds. So, let’s look at some of the warning signs that a child might be struggling with their mental health. Category:Mental Health, Family First, Raising ChildrenRead MoreWrite a Comment
Why Your Child Should Have an Annual Check Up ByDr. Michela Sorensen15 May 2023Do you really need to worry about taking your child to the doctor when they are well? The short answer is YES. Just like we recommend adults have an annual check, children should too. Not only does it provide the perfect opportunity to discuss all those questions you wouldn’t necessarily make an appoint for, but it also helps the child establish confidence and trust with their doctor. Doing this early on in life puts children in a great position when it comes to taking care of their health later in life. Category:General Medical, Family First, Raising ChildrenRead MoreWrite a Comment
What is Egg Freezing? How to Know if it’s the Right Option for YouByTammy George15 November 2022Choosing to freeze your eggs to use later when you’re ready to be pregnant can be a life-changing decision. Here’s what you should know. Category:General Medical, Family First, PregnancyRead MoreWrite a Comment
How to Choose Safe Toys for Your Baby or Toddler This Christmas TimeByTammy George13 October 2021Keep your little one entertained with toys they love and won’t cause any safety hazards this Christmas. Here’s what you should look out for when choosing presents.Category:General Medical, Family FirstRead MoreWrite a Comment