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 More0 Comments
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 More0 Comments
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 More0 Comments
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 More0 Comments
Osteoarthritis Explained - What Your Joints Are Telling YouByKirsty McMasterOsteoarthritis affects over 500 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common joint disorders. Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, it happens when the cartilage in your joints gradually breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.Category:General Medical, Conditions and TreatmentsRead More0 Comments
What is Diabetes? Understanding Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational DiabetesByKirsty McMasterDiabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions, impacting over 1.7 million Australians. It impacts the way our bodies process sugar, which is essential for energy - but not all diabetes is the same. Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes each work quite differently and need to be managed as such.Category:General Medical, Conditions and TreatmentsRead More0 Comments
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 More0 Comments
How to Keep Your Mind Sharp Ahead of World Alzheimer’s MonthByScott Henderson04 September 2024It’s never too early—or too late—to start caring for your brain with these simple grey matter hacks. Category:General Medical, Later in Life, Conditions and TreatmentsRead More0 Comments
Cervical Cancer - Everything You Need to Know About Your Cervical Screening Test ByDr. Michela Sorensen03 September 2024September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness month, the perfect time to make sure you’re up to date with your screening of one of the most common gynaecological cancers, cervical cancer. In doing so, you’ll be protecting yourself and also helping Australia along the path to be the first country to eradicate cervical cancer entirely. So, to prepare yourself, lets answer all the common questions about cervical screening tests. Category:General Medical, Conditions and TreatmentsRead More0 Comments
7 Steps to Healthy Bones - Before it’s too Late. ByDr. Michela Sorensen13 August 2024Most people know their bones are important – they hold you up, help you move around and protect some pretty important organs. What a lot of people don’t realise however, is bone health isn’t just an issue for later in life, its an issue for now. So here are 7 steps to looks after your bones before it’s too late. Category:Nutrition, General Medical, Conditions and TreatmentsRead More0 Comments
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 More0 Comments
Tips to Support Living with Chronic Pain ByDr. Michela Sorensen05 July 2024Chronic pain is complex and debilitating. It has not only physical impacts, but significant psychological and social impacts too. Here are a few simple tips to help you manage your pain as well as keep you connected and supported. Category:General Medical, Later in Life, Conditions and TreatmentsRead More0 Comments