News

The Change before the Change

For women, work and personal demands often escalate in your 40s. This is also a time of hormone chaos known as perimenopause.

You might put the creeping anxiety, fatigue and sleepless nights down to stress. After all, as a woman in your 40s you can find you’re juggling a demanding job with teenagers, ageing parents, mounting bills and health concerns.

Then again, these symptoms are also signs of perimenopause.

What’s perimenopause?

We’ve all heard of the menopause. This refers to when a woman has her last period, usually in her early 50s. It’s also a term we generally use to refer to the symptoms women experience around this time.

We hear much less about the years leading up to menopause, a stage called perimenopause. During her mid to late 40s a woman’s sex hormones – oestrogen and progesterone – start to fluctuate more than normal, due to the ovaries running out of eggs and winding down. This can last four to five years and trigger the same symptoms women experience during menopause.

“Your hormone levels are fluctuating wildly during perimenopause,” Jean Hailes’ endocrinologist Dr Rosie Worsley, explained to the ABC.

Dr Worsley points out that during perimenopause you can have both super high and super low levels of oestrogen, which can give you different symptoms. Symptoms of excess oestrogen include breast tenderness, while insufficient oestrogen can trigger hot flushes and night sweats in some women.

Movement Every day is Important

Whether you’re at home or work, juggling family, or enjoying retirement, finding time for movement everyday is important and beneficial at any age.

Here are our top tips for finding motivation to move!

Schedule your physical activity into your diary like you would a meeting, visual cues are a good reminder. Help your motivation by laying out your clothes and shoes in advance as another prompt.

Start with small goals. Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount. Be active on most, preferably all, days every week, aiming to build up to 150 minutes of physical activity across the week.
Attach movement to an activity, e.g. doing 10 squats after your morning coffee, or going for a walk when you’re talking on the phone.

Listen to your body and do movements that you are comfortable with. Some activities could be brisk walking, swimming, social tennis, or dancing.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and an important time for NBCF to highlight why research in this area is so crucial. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 9 people losing their lives to the disease every day.

The only way to stop deaths from breast cancer is by funding research to improve our understanding of how breast cancer originates, grows and spreads so that we can stop it in its tracks. Join us to progress our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.

Why women have more anxiety than men

Women are almost twice as likely to experience anxiety as men, says a 2016 University of Cambridge review of studies. The Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey from 2017-2018 had similar findings: women were more likely than men to experience high levels of psychological distress, anxiety-related conditions and depression.

Why women?

Biology can explain only some of the differences.

Hormonal changes across a woman’s life – during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause – have been linked to anxiety. Women also tend to be more prone to stress and to have different coping mechanisms than men. They are more likely to ruminate about life stressors, say University of Cambridge researchers, which can increase anxiety, while men tend to engage more in active, problem-focused coping.

But there are certain life events that can particularly affect women. Beyond Blue and Jean Hailes have identified a number of factors that can impact women’s mental health, including:

National Pain Week

Each year Chronic Pain Australia, the national voice of people living with chronic pain, organises National Pain Week to champion the needs of the many Australians living with some form of chronic pain. More than 3/6 million Australians live with chronic pain.

This National Pain Week, we amplify the voices of the pain community.

Under the theme Pain Takes A Nation, we lay bare the widespread personal, economic, and social impacts of chronic pain — and call for urgent national action.

Each day of the week spotlights the lived realities of pain: how it takes opportunity, takes productivity, takes time, and takes families to the brink — and how, together, we can begin to take it back.

Heart Week

Heart Week is Australia’s national heart health awareness week held in May each year.

While there is no one cause for heart disease, there are risk factors that increase your chance of developing it. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop heart disease.

Preventing heart disease starts with knowing your risk factors and making positive lifestyle changes to lower your risk. This animation will step you through some positive changes you can make to make your heart healthy.

Flu Vaccines Free

Flu vaccinations are free for all Queenslanders aged 6 months and over. You don’t need a Medicare card.

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that infects your upper airways and lungs.

You’re more likely to get the flu in winter, but in tropical and subtropical areas like Queensland, it can be present all year round. Flu cases usually peak in the winter months.

Most people get better within a week, but sometimes a cough and tiredness can last longer.

World Cancer Day 4th February 2025

The theme 2025-2027, “United by Unique” places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference.

Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis—it’s a deeply personal matter. Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story – stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more.

That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes.

Every experience with cancer is unique and it will take all of us, united, to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. A world where the needs of people and communities are at the centre of health systems.

How meditation can change your life… and how it can’t

It has been heralded as the life-changing remedy for all mental, emotional and physical conditions. Yet for many of us, its benefits remain out of reach. Why?

Is it because it’s too hard?

Because we’re just not doing it right?

Or because the benefits aren’t as big as “they” said”?

Here we explore the proven benefits of meditation along with the challenges that you may find in practising it.

What meditation CAN do

Heart disease, cancer, diabetes.

No one wants to hear that diagnosis and unfortunately men hear it more often than women. We look at how exercise can help prevent and manage these three conditions.

We know the value of exercise. It’s like a magic pill for keeping us healthy and happy. For men it’s particularly so, as it helps combat three major diseases that affect men more than women.

1. Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Often called heart disease, CVD includes diseases and conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, a common cause of heart attack.

CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide. In Australia it affects around 40 per cent more men than women, with men about twice as likely as women to have a heart attack, according to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW).

How does exercise help?

Working outdoors in summer

It’s wise to exercise caution when working in hot weather conditions.

In Australia, we’re blessed with endless sunny days and blue skies, but when the temperature soars it can spell disaster for workers. “Heat is a hazard in many Australian workplaces, whether work is performed indoors or outdoors,” says the Safe Work Australia CEO. “Eliminating the hazard is the first priority for worker safety. Sometimes this may mean cancelling or rescheduling work for when there are cooler conditions.”

Who’s most at risk?

Anyone can be at risk of heat-related illness under certain conditions, but at greater risk are workers:

exposed to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
exposed to reflected heat from construction materials, polished aluminium and glass.
carrying out strenuous tasks or work for sustained long periods.
who are exposed to additional heat from machinery.
in hotter parts of the country, such as northern parts of Queensland.

Let’s Talk About It

October is Mental Health Month. “Let’s Talk About It” emphasies the significance of open dialogue and communication regarding mental health across various platforms and settings. The theme’s “Talk” aspect highlights the importance of inclusive discussions, considering diverse needs and utilising different mediums for conversation. Meanwhile, the “It” component, is open-ended, allowing individuals to choose the topics they want to discuss. This could encompass conversations of lived experience stories, navigating mental health systems, or seeking resources and support. By embracing this flexibility, we empower people to engage in discussions that are meaningful and relevant to their own experiences. Whether it’s sharing coping strategies, advocating for better access to mental health care, or simply lending a listening ear, the “It” component encourages a wide range of conversations that promote understanding and support of mental health.

National Stroke Week

National Stroke Week 2024 encourages the community to know the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) signs of stroke so that they can save a life in the event of a loved one experiencing a stroke.

Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:

Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms Can they lift both arms?
Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

A stroke is always a medical emergency. Keep looking at your mum, dad, love and mates, it could save their life.

National Diabetes Week

National Diabetes Week runs from 14 – 20 July and this year we’re raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes to increase earlier detection and promote action.

Every day almost 300 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes. But for many the diagnosis is being made too late putting them at risk of life threatening or serious health issues. That’s why we’re urging people to “take the time” to learn the signs and symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women
If you’re a woman, your risk of breast cancer increases greatly after the age of 50
Nine out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer
Breast screening can find breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor
Finding breast cancer early means there are more treatment options
Breast screening has a normal result for most women, with no cancer found

April 2024 is Autism Acceptance Month

Autism spectrum disorder, commonly known as ASD, affects how people communicate and interact with others. It affects how they make sense of the world.

Autism is a developmental condition that is typically life-long. People with autism experience difficulties with communication, social interaction and restricted/repetitive interests and behaviours.

These are often accompanied by sensory issues, such an oversensitivity or undersensitivity to sounds, smells or touch. All of these difficulties may lead to behavioural challenges in some individuals.

18th March to 24th March – National Advance Care Planning Week

Advance care planning involves planning for your future health care. It enables you to make some decisions now about the health care you would or would not like to receive if you were to become seriously ill and unable to communicate your preferences or make treatment decisions.

Advance care planning gives you the opportunity to think about, discuss and record your preferences for the type of care you would like to receive and the outcomes you would consider acceptable. Advance care planning helps to ensure your loved ones and health providers know what matters most to you and respect your treatment preferences.

December is Decembeard – be Bold for Bowel Cancer

Decembeard Australia encourages men to grow a beard in December to raise awareness for bowel cancer. The disease affects 1 in 10 Aussie men making it Australia’s second biggest cancer killer.
www.bowelcanceraustralia.org

Why Antibiotics can’t be used to treat your colds, flue and other viral illnesses

It’s understandable that when you’re sick, or when someone you’re caring for is sick, all you want is a medicine that will make everything better.

Unfortunately when it comes to viruses—such those that cause colds or influenza (flu), COVID-19, and other viral illnesses— antibiotic medicines don’t work. In fact, taking antibiotics to try and treat viral illnesses might make us all sicker in the future.

Vape Now: Pay Later

Professor Henry Marshall has seen it all in his career of helping people who just want to do something that all of us take for granted….and that’s breathing.

Based on site at the Prince Charles Hospital precinct, the lung specialist’s job is to work with people who have conditions such as breathlessness, emphysema, blood clots and lots more.

As a thoracic physician, he’s seen the damage smoking has done to generations of Queenslanders, and what concerns him now is the fact that he will be long retired when the impact of vaping will appear in hospitals.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Having good mental wellbeing is just as important as having good physical health.

Part of the reason for negative attitudes and behaviour towards people with mental illness is a lack of knowledge and a fear of the unknown.

Anyone can experience mental illness—it’s more common than you may think. So it’s important that we try to gain a better understanding of what people around us may be going through.

Visit the signs of mental illness page for more information.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer in Australia—understanding the risks is key in preventing skin cancer.

Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in Australia, learn more about the 3 types of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is preventable, learn how you can protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Click HERE for more information.

National Blood Donor Week

13-19th June 2022

Over 8.3 million Australians will need blood in their lifetime.

When you give blood, you’re more than just a donor. You’re the Lifeblood of your community. Your football team. Your family. Your book club. Your neighbourhood.

You’re the Lifeblood of Australia.

Donors are part of a community. They may lead very different lives, but they have one important thing in common: giving life.

There’s a lot more to blood than meets the eye.

Whether you give blood or plasma (a powerful part of your blood), your donations can make an immeasurable difference to the patients who need them — and everyone in their lives.

People who receive blood are grateful every time they explore the countryside, go for a run, play Monopoly, or argue about what to have for dinner. Everyday activities that are possible because of donors. Donors like you.

Thank you for being the Lifeblood of Australia this National Blood Donor Week.

Why antibiotics can’t be used to treat COVID-19

When you or someone you are caring for is sick, it’s understandable that all you want is a medicine that will make everything better. But when it comes to viruses, such as those that cause COVID-19, colds or flu and other viral illnesses, antibiotics don’t work.

In fact, taking antibiotics to try and treat viral illnesses could make you sicker in the future.

How antibiotics work

Antibiotics were discovered by a scientist called Alexander Fleming in 1928, and are widely credited as one of the most important medical discoveries in human history.

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria are very small organisms, and billions of them live in and on your body. Most of the time these bacteria are harmless or even helpful for your body, like those that help you to digest food, but some bacteria can cause diseases.

There are two types of antibiotics that work to stop bacterial infections. Some slow down the growth of bacteria and damage their ability to reproduce and spread, while others kill the bacteria by destroying the bacteria cell walls. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria.

Read more information on the Queensland Health page.

Slip, Slop, Slap

2021 marks the fortieth anniversary of the iconic Slip, Slop, Slap campaign with Sid the Seagull yet, Australia still has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Currently two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70 every year, and around 2000 Australians die from this disease.

Despite improvements in melanoma rates amongst Australians under the age of 40, skin cancer remains Australia’s most common cancer, the most costly and one of the most preventable. It is estimated that there have been around 20,000 deaths from skin cancer since the last national skin cancer prevention campaign.

In order to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, all Australians need to use the five forms of sun protection when the UV level is 3 or higher:

Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours afterwards.
Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
Seek shade.
Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards

Winter is nearly here – get your Asthma Management Plan

With winter coming we encourage our patients with asthma to come in and get your Asthma Management Plan in place so you are prepared for the cold weather.

What is asthma?
Asthma is a common medical condition that affects the small airways of the lungs. During an asthma attack, the lining of the airways swell, there is a build up of mucous
(phlegm) and the muscles around the airways tighten. This causes a narrowing of the airways (bronchoconstriction) and makes it difficult to breathe.

For more information about Asthma click HERE

COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

With winter coming we encourage our patients with COPD to come in for a management plan to have on hand during the cold weather.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly referred to as COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases.

The most common of these diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Many people with COPD have both of these conditions.

Emphysema slowly destroys air sacs in your lungs, which interferes with outward air flow. Bronchitis causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which allows mucus to build up.

It’s estimated that about 30 million people in the United States have COPD. As many as half are unaware that they have it.

Untreated, COPD can lead to a faster progression of disease, heart problems, and worsening respiratory infections.

Read more about the symptoms and treatment of COPD HERE

Healthy Hearty Meal for those Cold Nights

Low Cal Chicken and Mushroom One Pot

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons olive oil

1kg Lilydale Free Range Chicken Thigh, trimmed, halved

300g button mushrooms

2 large celery sticks, finely chopped

4 French shallots, peeled, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tablespoon salt-reduced tomato paste

125ml (1/2 cup) white wine

400g can diced tomatoes

185ml (3/4 cup) Massel Salt Reduced Chicken Style Liquid Stock

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra, to serve

1/4 cup fresh continental parsley leaves

Steamed wholemeal couscous, to serve

Steamed green beans, to serve

METHOD

Step 1

Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken, in 2 batches, for 5 minutes or until golden then transfer to a plate.
Step 2

Heat remaining oil in the pan. Add the mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes or until golden. Add celery, shallot and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes or until soft.
Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook, scraping base of pan with a wooden spoon, for 2 minutes or until reduced by half. Add the tomato, stock and thyme. Bring to the boil. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 15 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly. Season. Stir in parsley. Serve with couscous and beans, sprinkled with extra thyme.