NSW govt announces ban on sunbed - The NSW government has introduced a ban on sun beds for atheistic use in a landmark decision. Going for an early morning surf, taking time out on the weekend to lie on a sandy beach or catching the last of the sun's rays in the evening is a part of the Australian summer. And an outdoor lifestyle is often held responsible for our less than impressive statistics when it comes to skin cancer. But in … [Read more...]

Technique could lower mitochondrial DNA mutations passed from mothers to babies Using DNA from three parents could help reduce life-threatening diseases, researchers believe. The number of life-threatening genetic diseases could be reduced if research from Australian scientists proves successful. Attempts are underway to establish whether using the DNA of three parents can help protect children from such conditions. It is hoped that the … [Read more...]

Young women encouraged to change their eating habits by the DAA as more and more people face the battle of the bulge. New research from the Dieticians Association of Australia (DAA) shows that more and more young women are making pledges to lose weight - in fact 64 per cent of female Aussies between the age of 18 and 24 will have started the year by vowing to change the way they eat. Australia Day is just around the corner and the DAA … [Read more...]

Researcher says a large number of women are choosing to have C-sections based on the advice of doctors. In recent years the number of caesareans section deliveries has steadily increased, prompting some commentators to say that women are 'too posh to push'. However a study conducted by researchers in Queensland has found that women are often acting on the advice of doctors when they decide to have a C-section. Professor Sue Kruske, … [Read more...]

A leading GI researcher has found that by eating a low GI diet women could reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Everyone knows the importance of a balanced diet when it comes to health and wellbeing, but it is probably fair to say that most people enjoy the odd treat. And while it might be tempting to eat a bag of potato chips on the run, if it becomes a habit it could do long-term damage to your health. Professor Jennie … [Read more...]

Faulty breast implants are at the centre of an international health scare that has led to some women undergoing surgery to have the items removed. Acting health minister, Nicola Roxon, has urged Australian women with implants from the French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) to seek medical advice or call the government hotline after concerns were raised by global medical authorities. Speaking to reporters in Melbourne over the weekend, … [Read more...]

Breast cancer event turns grandstands pink at SCG - Cricket fans are encouraged to wear pink to the third day of the Australia versus India test match to support the McGrath foundation. It is hard to find someone who has not been affected by the devastating impact of breast cancer, which may be one of the reasons why so many people are willing to support causes that promote research in this area. And visitors to the Sydney Cricket Ground are … [Read more...]

Draft guidelines have been released which suggest that Australians are in danger of developing a number of potentially life-threatening diseases if they don't change their eating habits. With Christmas just around the corner mums all over the country are starting to dust off old recipe books and come up with a menu for this year's family meal. But before you start baking cookies and reaching for that extra knob of butter to glaze the … [Read more...]

For many young women between 15 to 19 years of age their main concerns are school, friends and - especially at this time of year - holidays. But for others these formative years are cut short and growing up means having to face adult issues a little earlier than usual and in less than ideal circumstances. A report into services for the homeless has found that a high number of women are contacting a range of public organisations to ask for … [Read more...]

If you were to ask any mum about the effects kids have on their health, it would probably end up in a lengthy conversation about stretch marks, year-long colds and the dangers to your waistline that are associated with snacking on leftovers. But a new study suggests that it may be childless women who are at risk of experiencing poor health later in life. Researchers from Deakin University in Melbourne recently completed studies on the … [Read more...]

Reports from the Royal Women's Hospital show that more than one million women in Australia take the pill, yet some of them may not be aware of the risks involved with certain oral contraceptives. In the US health officials are calling for stricter labelling on new generation birth control pills Yaz and Yasmin. The decision comes after a review by the American Food and Drug Administration into health and marketing practices at … [Read more...]

Is the contraceptive pill keeping up to date with women's changing needs? This was the question posed by panellists at the BMW Edge, Federation Square last week (November 23). A number of academics and feminists took part in the public debate, which was put on by the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Women's Trust, titled 50th Anniversary of the Pill in Australia: an Incomplete Revolution. The event's panellists included … [Read more...]

A new study has found that almost 40 per cent of women still drink during pregnancy despite health warnings suggesting it may not be safe. Pregnancy is often one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences in a woman's life and it can also be a steep learning curve. Learning that you are expecting can bring with it any range of feelings from joy and elation to fear or personal doubts. Yet for many women it is the day-to-day reality … [Read more...]

Women may benefit from spending time with friends in order to reduce stress levels. If you find yourself ducking out of the office for a mid-afternoon coffee break or craving chocolate just before a meeting with the boss, there is a strong chance you may be experiencing some kind of stress. And while many women are looking for different ways to manage work and family commitments, you might find that the calming effect of your daily … [Read more...]

Prime minister Julia Gillard was in Blacktown this week (October 19) to open a new training centre for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in western Sydney. Also attending the event were federal MPs Michelle Rowland, Julie Owens, Ed Husic and Chris Haynes, as well as health minister Nicola Roxon. The local community has welcomed the $20.6 million investment into training and resources in the region. It marks a significant step … [Read more...]

Women with the metabolic condition Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) may be at increased risk of developing diseases during pregnancy, according to researchers in Sweden. The peer-reviewed study examined 3,787 births from women with the endocrine disease and some 1.19 million (it's tidier) by others without the diagnosis between 1995 and 2007. It was found that women who had PCOS were more likely to give birth to children with medical … [Read more...]

New women's health guidelines that will result in better diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been announced by Nicola Roxon. Launching the Jean Hailes for Women's Health education campaign earlier this month, the minister for health and aging noted that the guidelines represent an important milestone in helping Australian women manage the condition. "These guidelines are the result of groundbreaking … [Read more...]