9 health risks for boys and men and what to do about them
9 Health Risks for Boys and Men Did you know that deaths from injury are 2.6 times more common for men in Australia than women? That men are more …
Abdominal birth defects
Abdominal Birth Defects The organs of the digestive system—intestines, stomach, pancreas, and liver—are located in the abdomen, separated from the …
Abdominal muscles
Abdominal muscles explained The abdominal muscles are located between the ribs and the pelvis on the front of the body. The abdominal muscles support …
Abdominal pain in adults
Abdominal Pain in Adults Abdominal pain is pain felt anywhere from below your ribs to your pelvis. It is also known as tummy pain or stomach pain. The …
Abdominal pain in children
Abdominal Pain in Children Children often complain of stomach pain. It is one of the most common reasons parents take children to their doctor or the …
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) What is Abdominoplasty? Abdominoplasty, or a ’tummy tuck’, is cosmetic or reconstructive surgery to:
Abortion in Victoria
Abortion in Victoria Abortion (or ‘termination of pregnancy’) is when a pregnancy is intentionally ended. Abortion is a safe and legal medical …
Abortion procedures - medication
Medication Abortion Procedures Medication abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy up to nine weeks. It involves taking two …
Abortion procedures - surgical
Surgical Abortion Procedures Surgical abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy from around six weeks onwards. It is performed by a …
Absent periods – amenorrhoea
Absent Periods – Amenorrhoea Amenorrhoea refers to the absence of menstrual periods. It can be classified as primary (when periods have not started by …
Accessing a palliative care service
Accessing a Palliative Care Service Palliative care is specialized care for people living with a life-limiting illness. It focuses on improving …
Achilles tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that affects the Achilles tendon, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It is often the …
Acne
Acne Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can affect people of all ages but …
Acoustic neuroma
Acoustic Neuroma Acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which connects the ear to the brain. It can …
Acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
Acquired Brain Injuries and Spinal Cord Injuries Acquired brain injuries (ABI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI) are serious conditions that can …
Acquired brain injury
Acquired Brain Injury Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to damage to the brain that occurs after birth. It can result from trauma, illness, or other …
Acromegaly
Acromegaly Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. It typically develops in …
Acupuncture
Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is used …
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD)
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an inflammatory condition that can develop after an …
Adenoids
Adenoids Adenoids are small lumps of tissue located at the back of the nose, above the roof of the mouth. They are part of the immune system and help …
Adhesions
Adhesions Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between organs or tissues, causing them to stick together. They can develop after surgery, …
Adoption
Adoption Adoption is a legal process that permanently transfers parental rights and responsibilities from a child’s birth parents to adoptive …
Advance care plan - personal stories
Advance Care Plan - Personal Stories Advance care plans are documents that help individuals communicate their healthcare preferences in case they are …
Advance care plans
Advance Care Plans Advance care plans are written documents that outline your healthcare preferences in case you are unable to make decisions for …
Aerobics - Preventing Injury
Aerobics - Preventing Injury Aerobics is a popular form of exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. However, improper …
After a flood – animal and insect related hazards
After a flood – animal and insect related hazards Floods can create conditions that increase the risk of animal and insect-related hazards. Taking …
After-hours healthcare options
After-hours healthcare options After-hours healthcare services are available to provide medical care outside regular business hours. These services …
Age and fertility
Age and Fertility Age is a significant factor affecting fertility for both men and women. Understanding how age impacts fertility can help individuals …
Aged care rights
Aged Care Rights Aged care residents have the right to receive safe, respectful, and high-quality care. Understanding these rights can help ensure …
Ageing - muscles, bones and joints
Ageing - muscles, bones and joints As we age, our muscles, bones, and joints undergo changes that can affect strength, flexibility, and overall …
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. …
Aids and equipment at home
Aids and equipment at home Aids and equipment can help individuals maintain safety, independence, and quality of life at home. These tools are …
Air pollution
Air pollution Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air we breathe. These pollutants can have significant impacts on …
Akathisia
Akathisia Akathisia is a movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and an urge to move. It is often a side effect of certain …
Alcohol and Drugs - Dependence and Addiction
Alcohol and Drugs - Dependence and Addiction Dependence on alcohol or drugs can lead to addiction, a chronic condition that affects physical and …
Alcohol and liver disease
Alcohol and liver disease Alcohol is a major cause of liver disease. Reducing or stopping alcohol intake can help prevent or manage liver disease. …
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Treatments and Programs
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Treatments and Programs Alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatments and programs are designed to help individuals manage …
Alcohol and Other Drug Education Programs
Alcohol and Other Drug Education Programs Alcohol and other drug education programs are designed to prevent and reduce substance use and its …
Alcohol and pregnancy
Alcohol and pregnancy Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can harm the developing baby. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of …
Alcohol and Teenagers
Alcohol and Teenagers Alcohol use among teenagers can have serious consequences, including impacts on brain development, health, and safety. Parents …
Alcohol and the heart
Alcohol and the heart Alcohol can affect heart health in both positive and negative ways. While moderate alcohol consumption may have some protective …
Alcohol and the Law
Alcohol and the Law Alcohol laws are designed to regulate the sale, supply, and consumption of alcohol to promote public safety and health. …
Alcohol and Weight Gain
Alcohol and Weight Gain Alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain due to its high calorie content and the impact it has on metabolism and food …
Alcohol facts
Alcohol facts Alcohol use in Australia Alcohol is the most widely used social drug in Australia. It is a depressant drug that slows down the messages …
Alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning Alcohol poisoning is a serious and potentially deadly condition that occurs when someone consumes a large amount of alcohol in a …
Alcohol related brain impairment
Alcohol related brain impairment About alcohol related brain impairment Alcohol is one of the many causes of acquired brain injury. The problems …
Alcohol withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person who is dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or reduces drinking. Symptoms can range from …
Alcoholism
Alcoholism Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. …
Alexander technique
Alexander technique Almost every one of us has effortless poise and balance in childhood. By adulthood, we often develop bad habits of posture and …
Allergies
Allergies Allergies are immune system reactions to substances that are usually harmless to most people. These substances, called allergens, can …
Allergies Explained
About Allergies An allergy occurs when the body overreacts to an allergen or ‘trigger’ that is typically harmless to most people. Examples of …
Asthma and smoking
Asthma and smoking People with asthma have sensitive airways inside their lungs. Certain ’triggers’ can make these airways narrow.
Asthma Emergency First Aid
Asthma Emergency First Aid Emergency Response Steps The 4x4x4 Rule with Blue/Grey Reliever Follow these steps carefully:
Brain tumours
Brain Tumours The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). A brain or spinal cord tumour occurs when abnormal cells grow and …
Breast cancer
Breast Cancer Overview Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Australia (apart from non-melanoma skin cancer). About 20,000 people are …
Chronic illness
Chronic Illness Understanding Chronic Illness A chronic or long-term illness requires adjusting to the demands of the illness and its treatment. This …
Dementia - Driving and Travelling
Dementia - Driving and Travelling A diagnosis of dementia does not always mean that the person is immediately unable to drive. However, dementia …
Emergency First Aid for Allergic Reactions
Emergency First Aid for Allergic Reactions Emergency Response for Severe Reactions When to Call Emergency (000) Call emergency services immediately if …
Finding your way around a hospital
Finding your way around a hospital Whether you are going to hospital for surgery, tests, or to visit someone, finding your way around a hospital can …
Hip Disorders
About Hip Disorders The hip joint is the largest joint of the human body. It is a ball-and-socket joint where the femoral head (ball) fits into the …
Preventing Falls at Home
Preventing Falls at Home About Falls In 2018-19, falls were the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations, accounting for 3 out of 4 …
Trauma and Children – Tips for Parents
Trauma and Children – Tips for Parents A distressing or frightening experience can challenge your child’s sense of security and the …
Wellbeing
About Wellbeing Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It’s a complex combination of a person’s physical, mental, emotional, …