Wildcard

Have you ever found yourself searching for a word you should know, forgetting what you were just doing, or feeling mentally foggy for no obvious reason? These everyday lapses are common and are most often a normal part of life, or a sign we might be tired or stressed. But for some people, they could…

ABC analysis shows some patients wait six years or more for outpatient medical appointments in Australia’s public hospital system. According to the ABC, the delays are longest in parts of South Australia, where some patients waited more than six years to see a neurologist and 5.5 years to see ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists…

If you’re looking on social media for information and experiences of giving birth at home, you’ll find widely varied content. On the one hand, you’ll find women who develop a relationship with their midwife over time and eventually have a “home birth” where they feel comfortable and safe. Others choose to birth outside the medical…

About one in ten perimenopausal or menopausal women masturbate to relieve their symptoms, according to a study that has generated media interest around the world. The attention is likely because masturbation is a novel (and possibly somewhat salacious) strategy to ease these symptoms, and older women are often seen as asexual. So does masturbating really…

For years, scientists have known that moving our bodies can sharpen our minds. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, enhances neuroplasticity and reduces chronic inflammation. These processes are believed to protect against cognitive decline, including dementia. Yet despite decades of research, major questions have remained unresolved. Does exercising at any age help reduce…

The terms tumour and cancer can refer to different types of lumps and bumps. But the terms are often confused and misused – by the general public and even health professionals. For instance, doctors can use euphemisms such as tumour, mass, lesion or spot when they really mean cancer. So what’s the difference between a…

Most of us know sunscreen is a key way to protect areas of our skin not easily covered by clothes from excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But it’s been a rough year for sunscreens. In June, testing by Choice identified 16 products on Australian shelves that don’t provide the SPF protection they claimed. In July, the…

Swimming is one of the best parts of summer. But long after you’ve cooled down and dried off, you might be left with a niggling feeling – there is still water in your ear. Your ear may feel full or blocked and sounds may be muffled. You may even hear some gurgling or rustling noises….

We’ve all had the feeling. You’re embarrassed and then there it is: a warm flush creeping up your neck and across your cheeks. The more you think about it, the hotter and redder you get. If someone asks “are you blushing?” it only makes you blush more. So, why do we do it? When we’re…

For well over 100 years, Australians have been able to buy Christmas pudding and Christmas cake as part of their festive celebrations. You might have some vague idea both originated in the northern hemisphere, but aren’t quite sure which one’s which. Which is the one that’s boiled for hours? Is it the pudding or the…

Health isn’t what it used to be – namely the absence of being sick. Ask any teenager today what it means to them to be healthy, and you’re likely to hear about the vast array of areas in their lives they are “working on”. This can include emotional health, aesthetic health, fitness, nutrition, social health,…