There’s nothing worse than finding the motivation to drag yourself out of the house for that run, swim or cycle than to be struck down with a cramp or stitch. The pain can really hit you hard and literally stop you in your tracks. Common as they are, funnily enough, there is not that much […]

Ballet dancers are renowned for their grace and beauty and Bodywise, a posture book created by highly respected members of the teaching staff from The Australian Ballet, introduces the reader to some of the ideas that dancers use to help achieve their physical goals. Bodywise presents a fresh program of exercises chosen for their simplicity, […]

By Annette Campbell Amanda Williamson believes she’s found her key to being fitter, happier and generally healthier than she’s been for years. So what is her magical, mystical elixir? “I’m learning how to surf!” smiles this 33-year-old mother of three and police officer, from Jervis Bay, near Nowra, NSW. “It’s so much fun and as […]

By Annette Campbell Until one day in June 1997, Amanda Jones’ life was “pretty normal”. The then 26-year-old was living in Sydney, working full-time in a bank and engaged to be married. But then the degenerative disease multiple sclerosis (MS) stepped in. “My right arm stopped working — it became really heavy,” she recalls vividly. […]

By Annette Campbell Donna George is a 39-year-old mother of two and legal secretary from East Maitland, near Newcastle, NSW. And this humble, unassuming mum is also nothing less than an absolute hero to kids doing battle with life-threatening illnesses. Donna is an enthusiastic volunteer for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the national organisation whose mission […]

Congratulations! By deciding to quit smoking you’ve made one of the most significant steps you can take towards good health. Every year 150,000 Australians quit smoking for good. When smokers quit however, most get cravings, feel anxious, hungry and irritable. They also find it hard to focus and concentrate and many worry about the unwanted […]

What is fructose? Fructose is a naturally occurring type of sugar found in many fruits, some vegetables and honey. Just like with lactose (milk sugar) intolerance, it appears that not everyone has the ability to absorb fructose properly. Why is fructose malabsorption a problem? Researchers are now concentrating on investigating the role fructose malabsorption plays […]

Many so-called healthy foods contain excessive sugar, salt and fat. Here’s what to look for – and avoid: Breakfast cereal Your breakfast cereal should have an ingredient list that starts with whole grains, and provides at least 5g of fibre per serving. If your brand is low in fibre, stir in some oat bran. Fruit […]

In studies that have compared physically active subjects with their sedentary counterparts, it has been found that those that are more active develop protective defenses against many chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis. Let's take a closer look at the mechanisms involved.

In studies that have compared physically active subjects with their sedentary counterparts, it has been found that those that are more active develop protective defenses against many chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis. Let’s take a closer look at the mechanisms involved. Diabetes and exercise Exercise is known to improve glucose control, i.e. […]

By Annette Campbell Julie Pike is, unfortunately, well qualified to talk about living with the pain of arthritis. First diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at only 13, the 36-year-old mother of two and part-time primary school teacher from Adelaide has come to terms with the condition and is living the healthiest life she can. “It’s a […]

By Annette Campbell Melbourne-based marketing consultant and mother of two Rebecca Collins is one of the growing number of people around the world discovering the joys of a good laugh. The day-to-day stresses of a full-time job and being a mum meant Rebecca was looking for some sort of release. Then she read a magazine […]

1. Love your own body Does my bum look fat in this? We know that children mimic behaviour…that’s how they learn, and it’s no different with body image issues. If they hear mum complaining about the size of her thighs or the fact that dad has never had a six pack or that big sister […]

People all over the globe have a love affair with this feel good food. And it’s not just the warm, fuzzy childhood memories conjured up by chocolate that boost your mood. Chocolate is thought to actually promote the release of endorphins, natural chemicals, in the brain. As chocolate is high in fat and kilojoules, big […]

In days gone by children used to walk miles and miles to school and back each day, often without shoes! And perhaps in your childhood you walked or biked to school alone or with your neighbours and siblings. But in today’s busy world it’s not so common. Kids still love to ride bikes and a […]

By Annette Campbell Linda McRae knew she was on the verge of developing Type 2 diabetes and had every intention of not letting it happen. “I’d had a pre-diabetic condition (was glucose intolerant) for a while and had been warned that it could develop into diabetes,” Linda explains. “It did scare me a lot, so […]

Almost two million Australians are living breathing proof that life with asthma goes on. Most people with asthma are diagnosed during childhood, but it’s important to remain vigilant as we grow up.

By Annette Campbell Like most of us, Michele O’Grady never thought she’d get sick. She had the career she’d always dreamed of — as a registered nurse — and was working hard to pay off the mortgage on her home and the investment property she’d bought years earlier, as security for her and her son […]

You know you’re meant to drink 2-3 litres of water a day, but if you’re drinking other liquids, do you factor them into your kilojoule count? There’s no denying that fluid replacement is a vital part of keeping your body functioning. And most of us know that somewhere between 2-3 litres of water a day […]

By Annette Campbell Leonie Fryar does not fit the description of your “typical” heart patient. When we generalise about the most likely heart attack candidates, most of us think of overweight, unfit men. But when Leonie had her heart attack three years ago, she was young, well within her healthy weight range, very fit … […]

Are You Eating the Wrong Vegetables? Even if you ‘do the right thing’ and eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, it doesn’t mean you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs. According to a recent study at Arizona State University, the top three vegetables eaten in Western countries are iceberg lettuce, French […]

Whether you’re raising funds for a charity or washing up in a local shelter, volunteering boosts your self-esteem and gives you a sense of purpose. But, if you need more reasons for helping other people, social researchers have found that it also helps you live longer, with adults who volunteer up to three hours a […]

If you look past the fads and the spin, what we should actually be eating is pretty simple and these seven principles have been around for a long time.

From The Australian Women’s Weekly Health Series: Constipation. Buy the Book. The toileting position and muscle action you are used to will influence whether you empty your bowels effortlessly, inadvertently strain or obviously strain over time. Whether you sit or squat to defecate (empty your bowels) depends on your ethnic group, and whether you use […]

Diet, exercise, sleep and other good health habits are the key to looking good. But sometimes you need a quick fix to look better straightaway. Try these 6 tricks: 1. Move gracefully If you don’t, you look old and tired. Poor posture can result even from just slinging your handbag over the same shoulder every […]

By Annette Campbell David Sandoe, 59, is a general manager with a financial company in the heart of the city of Sydney. But even on his busiest, most high-pressure days, this executive refuses to stress. “Nothing at work can really worry me now,” he says calmly. “I’ve survived worse!” Eight years ago, David was diagnosed […]

Get back on track this year with my top 10 healthy lifestyle tips for 2005. You might like to adopt 1 or all 10. Print out the lifestyle tips and stick them on the fridge or your pin board at work, as a daily reminder. Or write them throughout your diary as memory joggers at […]

With focus these days on functional foods, breakfast cereals are one group that has its fair share of super ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits in your bowl. There’s no debate on the power of breakfast as the most important meal of the day for good health, disease prevention, weight […]

When it comes to introducing solids, slow and steady certainly wins the race. Let’s take a look at a few of the fundamentals and latest advice. If you’re a first time mum and have a baby around the four month mark, you’re probably getting excited about starting solids. But before you rush into stocking the […]

This new exercise craze is taking off around the world, not just as an intensive 'get-in-shape' tool, but as a regular part of a training program. But what’s involved in this military take on physical activity?

This month we take a look at Tai Chi, an ancient craft that's suitable for any age and any stage.

This new exercise craze is taking off around the world, not just as an intensive ‘get-in-shape’ tool, but as a regular part of a training program. But what’s involved in this military take on physical activity? What’s the difference? Just like any other group activity or fitness class, boot camp, provides added motivation of working […]

This month we take a look at Tai Chi, an ancient craft that’s suitable for any age and any stage. Walk around any bustling Asian city in the early morning and you’re bound to see countless locals practicing the ancient craft of Tai Chi. Public parks, gardens and even balconies are filled with people of […]

By Annette Campbell The new year always comes loaded with hopeful resolutions but many don’t actually make it into action. Right at the top of many lists is the declaration: “I’m going to quit smoking!” No one knows the reality of how hard it is to quit more than Sydneysider Michelle Stanger. But now that […]

The celebrity mums make it look a breeze, but most women will agree that it takes a lot of hard work to lose the baby bulge.

Even though your mum harped on about eating your greens, for maximum health protection, you should really eat your reds, purples, oranges and blues too!

A drink or two too many and you can wake up feeling awful. Here are some tips on how to cope with the day after.

What to consider when choosing a personal trainer?

What to consider when choosing a personal trainer? Personal trainers used to be confined to a celebrity’s entourage, but now they’re commonly used by many people and there’s a huge range of different types of trainers and training on offer. Not only are they sought by the young and fit, but older people are using […]

By Annette Campbell We’ve all heard the saying that giving is better than receiving. And no-one understands that more than 51-year-old Yvonne Sutherland, who has spent most of her working life volunteering her skills both here and overseas. “Volunteer work gives a real sense of community,” she says. “It is amazingly rewarding and a two-way […]

Here's our detailed zinc counter to help you keep your levels on track and boost your immune system.

I love cooking and entertaining, however my husband has just been diagnosed with coeliac disease. I was hoping that you could provide me with some hints on how to approach his special...

Too often, holidays mean ringside seats to pointless annual sparring matches between relatives. Here are some ideas to encourage a spirit of togetherness.

By Annette Campbell Angie Innes, a 45-year-old mother-of-two from Sydney’s north-western suburbs, has a health and wellbeing message for all of us. “Have a hit of golf!” she smiles. “It’ll do you the world of good.” Earlier this year, just before her 45th birthday, Angie made a list of things she wanted to do for […]

If you’re a woman in her 40’s it’s likely that you’ve started to face changes to your body. These changes can have big effects emotionally and physically, but the good news is that a wealth of ongoing research is being conducted into your specific nutrition requirements to best protect your health.

The use of plants as medicines is steeped in thousands of years of tradition and can be found in all societies in every part of the world. In countries such as China or India traditional healing therapies are used by up to 60 per cent of the population as primary treatments.

The use of plants as medicines is steeped in thousands of years of tradition and can be found in all societies in every part of the world. In countries such as China or India traditional healing therapies are used by up to 60 per cent of the population as primary treatments.

The use of plants as medicines is steeped in thousands of years of tradition and can be found in all societies in every part of the world. In countries such as China or India traditional healing therapies are used by up to 60 per cent of the population as primary treatments.

Your body creates energy from nutrients, oxygen, and invigorating stimuli, such as fragrance. These natural mood and body boosters suit busy lives because they give an instant lift and are so simple to do.

Feet are the foundations of the body and whether you’re a weekend warrior pounding the pavement or an elite athlete on track, the right footwear can make a big difference to your training, performance and recovery.

By Annette Campbell Murray Corbett appreciates a good steak, perhaps more than most! The 41-year-old recruitment company director and father of three from Newcastle, north of Sydney, has spent about 18 months of his life being unable to swallow properly — a condition called dysphagia. “A few minutes after I’d eat or drink anything, I’d […]

By Annette Campbell “I really thought I was healthy!” says 26-year-old Rebecca Sarina. “I was within the healthy weight range, went to the gym a few times a week, and was conscious about eating well – though I did used to sneak the occasional ice cream or chocolate. But overall, I was pleased with my […]

If you are starting a new fitness program with a gym or personal trainer chances are the first stop is an assessment of your current status.

Screening and treatment techniques in Australia are becoming more specific, refined and effective each year.

To mark Breast Awareness month, the Cancer Council is reminding women to be more aware of their breasts so they will notice any changes.

Here is a seven-day sample of "The Magazine Editors' Diet"

When the Director of The Australian Women's Weekly's Test Kitchen, Pamela Clark, decided to go on a diet, she took matters into her own hands, devising a low-carb, low-fat eating plan that helped her lose 20kg and drop three dress sizes.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in Australia. There’s so much information around about eating for a healthy heart and you may feel that you’ve got it covered. However, a recent survey by the Heart Foundation showed that confusion still reigns when it comes to nutrition messages.

Use this counter to help you keep your calcium levels on track. Your bones will support you for life!

Stress is not funny – in fact, a recent study from the American Heart Association shows that mental stress constricts blood vessels and can therefore lead to a stroke. The simplest remedy for this problem? Laughter.

By Annette Campbell Amanda Logan has some wonderful news for those of us struggling with excess weight. “I’ve lost 20 kilograms … and it really was much easier than I thought,” she declares. “Honestly, I thought I’d have to eat almost nothing and run up sand dunes or something to shift this weight. “But I’ve […]

By Annette Campbell When tiny premature twins Jackson and Samantha Tait were born at only 24 weeks and four days, it was a miracle they even survived. Then, only two days before they were allowed home from hospital — more than three months after their dramatic birth — they were both diagnosed as being profoundly […]

By Annette Campbell Alana Ziebell learned a lot in her last year of high school — and it wasn’t all from textbooks and classes. Her mother Pauline died from breast cancer on September 13 last year, only weeks before Alana was due to sit her final exams. But amazingly, this determined 18-year-old from Melbourne persevered […]

Calcium is important not only for the growth and development of our skeleton but to help maintain bone strength throughout our lives.

It appears that the Swiss ball was actually invented in Switzerland by a Swiss doctor nearly 100 years ago but it is only in more recent times that this ‘posture corrector’ has become popular as a training tool for many sports people and fitness fans.

Taking a brief time out, even during the most frantic day works wonders, calming your thoughts so you feel more grounded and capable.

The Pap test is a simple test that can pick up early changes in the cells of your cervix which, if left untreated, may develop into a more serious precancerous form (abnormal changes that are not cancer but may become cancerous) or cancer.

The Pap test is a simple test that can pick up early changes in the cells of your cervix which, if left untreated, may develop into a more serious precancerous form (abnormal changes that are not cancer but may become cancerous) or cancer.

Without doubt, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it’s also the most neglected meal.

There are a lot of myths circulating about carbohydrate foods, particularly breads and cereals, and the biggest one would have to be that they make you fat. Diets that wipe out carbohydrates are...

Many non-drug therapies, whether taken alone or in combination, work just as well or even better – without the troublesome side effects. Along with eating a low-fat, low-salt diet and taking moderate exercise, here’s a look at the best of what the alternative world has to offer.

If you participate in sport or physical activity that lasts for longer than 90 minutes, your body will be crying out for a refuel before the siren sounds or you reach the finish line.

How you can reap health benefits from being fit, even if a little fat.

By Annette Campbell Geoff Graham was thrilled when the natural cream he developed eased the pain of his baby son’s eczema. He was delighted when it also helped his own battle with the frustrating skin condition. And now, he is over the moon that it’s helping hundreds of thousands of others. On May 17, 2004, […]

By Annette Campbell Tracie Fielding never used to like what she saw in the mirror. The now 17-year-old from the western suburbs of Brisbane, QLD, remembers running to her room and crying after being called “hippo” by her brother, when she weighed 57kg at the age of 10. As a young teen she was painfully […]

Aches and pains of the joints don’t necessarily mean you have arthritis and since the disease has so many forms, diagnosing isn’t always immediate or easy. Some types of arthritis are very common an...

Clare-Louise Brumley is a picture of fitness and health — a good thing, considering she’s Australia’s cross-country skiing champion. But seven years ago it was a different story for the young occupational therapist. Clare-Louise, 26, was constantly tired, her body ached and her throat was always sore. She was so unwell she stopped training to […]

Kim Goodwin was just 11 when her nightmare started. It began with the periods from hell – severe cramping and bleeding keeping her in bed for days every month and needing to use up to 60 sanitary pads a day. “I regularly missed school and later took sickies from work,” says Kim, now 36. “My […]

Tiny Jessica Lopez lies on a blanket on the floor of her parents’ Sydney home. While she looks like one of the most fragile creatures on Earth, her appearance belies the strength that saw her survive when her mother Philippa contracted listeria while pregnant. “Babies of mums who catch it are usually stillborn,” explains Philippa, […]

Soaking romper suits and sodden cot sheets created a watery mystery for Perth mum Barbara Christie – until she discovered the peculiar leak was coming from her baby daughter’s hands and feet. The sweat dripping from Katherine – then eight months old – was enough to make puddles under her highchair. And her tiny hands […]

Jane Foster was like most hardworking Aussie mums – always on the go, looking after everyone else and having very little time to herself. In fact, she kept putting off her regular Pap test because she simply didn’t have time to visit her doctor. “I had been through a divorce, my parents had died and […]

The mention of her knock-knees causes champion swimmer Leisel Jones to turn red – then erupt in gales of laughter. As a gangly 10-year-old, she dreamt of finding catwalk fame as a model, and was convinced her knock-knees were the only things standing in her way. Such was her zeal to walk straight and tall, […]

Does snacking help or hinder weight loss?

A guide to healthier choices when you’re out and about

Surfing is taking off as more and more people embrace the benefits of this all round body and mood pleaser.

Did you know that the foods you choose can affect your teeth just as much as brushing and flossing? Choosing foods that naturally help reduce plaque build-up, fight bacteria and protect gums is a...

Going nutty – a guide to reaping the nutrition benefits of nuts.

Even in the cooler months it’s important to drink up for physical activity. While sweating buckets during a summer run places you at greater risk of dehydration, it’s also possible to lose significant body fluid during indoor, winter pursuits like lap swimming.

Relaxation costs nothing and has no side effects, so there’s no excuse not to get cracking.

Pump up the volume – how changes to the energy density of a meal can lower your kilojoule intake but still keep you satisfied.

Best-selling Australian author and National Treasure, Colleen McCullough, has Macular Degeneration (MD) – the major cause of blindness in Australia.

At the end of a particularly exhausting day in 1900, Dr William Bates, a New York ophthalmologist, sat and placed his palms over his eyes. After 10 minutes, he noted that his eyes were not as sore...

Ruth Ostrow is a journalist and has compiled these tips after interviews and personal experiences with counsellors. They are not intended as a substitute for seeking proper grief counselling, professional help, or medical advice.

Increase your resistance to stress with a healthy, balanced diet.

Tips on handling those “too tired to cook” nights.

The nutrition pros and cons of the juice bar invasion.

Harmful germs, bacteria and viruses are trying to infect your body even as you read this. Strengthen your immune system this winter with these herbal remedies.

A study at the New Jersey University of Medicine found that a starter of tomato soup was highly successful at cutting down on subsequent food intake. Cooked or processed tomatoes contain...

Insomnia makes life miserable for three million Australians, and more women than men are affected. Try these self-help strategies.

Insomnia makes life miserable for 3 million Australians, and more women than men are affected. Try these self-help strategies.