Surf, sand, sun … and solariums? Govt announces ban on sunbeds

Solarium treatment spa

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...]

Could 3-way DNA help eradicate life-threatening diseases?

Looking through a microscope

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...]

Study: Aussie governments spend $71.5 billion on education

schoolgirl resting head in hand

As education costs continue to rise, Australian governments spend $71.5 billion on education and childcare services, according to a new report. School is back and parents across the country are busy making sure uniforms fit, books have name labels on them and lunches are packed ready to be eaten by hungry students. And while everyone knows education is important, it can also be a costly exercise with mums and dads spending more than just their … [Read more...]

DAA says young women need to change the way they eat

happy woman

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...]

Southern Stars ready to take on New Zealand and boost TV ratings in bid to promote women’s cricket

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A number of top players from the Australian women's cricket team have spoken to the media about the upcoming T20 series and how wider TV coverage will encourage more girls to play the sport. Jodie Fields (pictured) is in top form and looking forward to leading her team into battle against a new-look New Zealand side during the upcoming Rose Bowl. In an interview with Wide World of Sports the Southern Stars captain said she would like to … [Read more...]

C-sections in vogue for a reason

Baby being born via Caesarean Section

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...]

USYD professor Jennie Brown-Miller encourages women to eat a low GI diet

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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...]

Govt advises women to call breast implant hotline, concerns faulty units may increase risk of cancer

Before and After breast implants - ABC News

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...]

Crickets fans go pink to support Jane McGrath foundation

Julia Gillard and Glen McGrath

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...]

Do you Love 2 Read? That’s the question being asked of Australians across the country

national-year-of-reading-flower

The National Year of Reading 2012 has kicked off with organisers encouraging individuals, groups and families to take part in the program. For a number of individuals reading is a relaxing and enjoyable way to pass time, as well as learn something new about the world around them. But, as with so many things in life, activities that can appear simple may also present enormous challenges for some individuals. Love 2 Read (L2R), a … [Read more...]

Tips on how to make a New Year’s resolution and stick to it

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Masses of people gathered at key vantage points around the country to catch a glimpse of spectacular fireworks displays. And irrespective of whether you spent the night with close friends in private setting or partying on the streets of Sydney, it seems that Australians all over the world were keen to ring in the New Year with panache. Along with the usual well wishes and group photo opportunities the evening is also a time to reflect on the … [Read more...]

Aussie women catching up to men at the bar

For many Australians 2011 has been a year of highs and lows with economic security and the cost of living influencing the way we live and see the world. With this in mind it is not surprising that a number of men and women are using the Christmas holidays to take a well-deserved break. Calenders that used to be full with personal appointments wedged artfully between work and family commitments have been cleared of job-related activities and … [Read more...]

Jessica Watson sets sail on the Sydney-to-Hobart

It was only last year that Jessica Watson entered the history books after being named the world’s youngest solo-sailor. But now the 2011 winner of the Young Australian of the Year award has embarked on another open sea voyage. The 18-year-old is skippering one of the youngest crews to ever take part in the Sydney-to-Hobart race on Sydney 38 boat Ella Bache Another Challenge.  The team has nine additional members - six men and three … [Read more...]

Women having kids later in life: AIHW

Businesswoman holding baby at desk

Women are waiting longer to have children with many choosing to start a family at the age of 28 or above. Aussie women are ready to take on the world and embark on overseas adventures, study at university and climb the corporate ladder all before they hit the tender age of 30. But when it comes to having children and taking the next step in life - which for many people is parenthood - it seems that women are increasingly happy to wait until … [Read more...]

Aussies to ring in New Year with lifestyle changes

With summer well and truly here and Christmas just around the corner, you could be forgiven for thinking that Australians would be putting their feet up and relaxing by the pool. But it seems that quite of a few of us are already looking ahead and writing items on their to-do list and getting ready to check them off next year. And to give us a better idea about the way Australians see themselves and the world around them is the IBISWorld survey … [Read more...]

Researcher says Aussies are ‘getting fatter every day’

Obesity

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...]

Penny Wong announces birth of baby Alexandra

penny wong

Finance minister Penny Wong announces birth of first child . The finance minister and her partner Sophie Allouache have publicly announced the birth of their first daughter. Earlier this week the prime minister promoted a number of working mums in her cabinet reshuffle, emphasising the importance of real-life experience in political decision making. And while women such as attorney-general Nicola Roxon and health minister Tanya Plibersek … [Read more...]

1 in 40 young women use specialist services for the homeless

Young worried woman against old stone wall with an old suitcase

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...]

Aussie researchers say childless women face greater health risks

A baby is while unnecessary

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...]

Bayer to update labels for Yaz and Yasmin: FDA

yaz_yasmin

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...]

Parents and kids to benefit from new decision making program

family problems

Decision making is part and parcel of being an adult - fast responses help people complete tasks, build relationships and resolve conflicts. But many young people are growing up without knowing how to make these choices on their own, which has led to a number of problems for school leavers. And while learning to say 'yes' or 'no' may seem pretty straight forward most mums will quickly tell you that it isn't always so … [Read more...]

Mums take more time out to volunteer than their peers: ABS

Teachers and students in classroom

Mums with part-time jobs make up 55 per cent of all volunteers in Australia, with the highest rate of unpaid work in the country. If you have recently attended a charity function or bought raffle tickets to support an event at the nearby primary school, it may not come as a surprise to learn that mums are often the unsung heroes behind these fundraisers. According to new data released from the Australian Bureau of Statistics earlier this … [Read more...]

More Australians planning to spend Christmas at home

Christmas at home

Kids growing up today may not get to experience the long summer holidays that used to typify the laid-back Aussie lifestyle. A weak global economy and rising cost of living mean that a number of individuals and their families will either be spending this Christmas at home. A nationwide poll of 1,200 Australians aged between 18 to 64 has shown that as many as 55 per cent of us are planning to pass on international travel and a third of all those … [Read more...]

The contraceptive pill turns 50 in Australia

Pills

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...]

Aussie Twitter users focus of new study

Rss twitter bird

Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney have found that Australians have different tweeting habits depending on their city of residence and women lead the way in terms of social media know-how. What's in a tweet? Well, the answer to that question may soon be revealed thanks to researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Lead by Dr Suresh Sood the national survey into the tweeting habits of Australians living in … [Read more...]

Mums and Dads are ‘tag team’ parenting as working patterns change

busy parents

A new report into the ways Australians spend time has found that many parents are 'tag team' parenting in a bid to keep on top of rising costs and look after the kids. If your morning consists of making packed lunches, ironing school shirts and looking for your husband's missing socks, it may be comforting to know you're not alone. Many women arrive at the office ready to tackle a full day's work after already completing a … [Read more...]

Women still balancing lifestyle choices and pregnancy

An isolated shot of a pregnant woman being examined by a doctor

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...]

APS: Spending time with friends is a great way to de-stress

Two cheerful girls twins, in the street

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...]

Lauren Jackson shoots hoops for the nation’s progress

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Lauren Jackson leads the way in a conversation on the nation's progress. Lauren Jackson, the three-times winner of the WNBL's 'most valuable player' award, is usually asked about rebounds and three-point shots. But Jackson is proving she can shoot hoops on and off the court by leading the way in a national conversation based on national progress. "What I would love to see in the future in Australia, are unity and … [Read more...]

‘Mo sistas’ support the men in their lives

Mo Sistas

Women are doing their bit to help men on the rocky path toward good health by volunteering as "Mo Sistas". Glenn McGrath is doing it, as is Ita Buttorse, Dick Smith and a number of other high profile Australians. In fact, the list of local sporting, entertainment and business leaders who donate to charity continues to grow. With over 4.6 million taxpayers making a donation in the 2008 to 2009 financial year, it seems that philanthropy is as … [Read more...]

New health centre opened in Western Sydney

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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 PCOS at risk during pregnancy

An isolated shot of a pregnant woman being examined by a doctor

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...]

PCOS guidelines ‘groundbreaking’ for Australian women’s health

scanning of a stomach of the woman.

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...]