New scientific research has revealed that depression can potentially cause severe brain damage, reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment amongst sufferers. A three-year study of 38 patients admitted to a psychiatric ward with serious depression found that grey-matter loss in key areas of the brain — the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulum and hippocampus […]

Popster Kylie Minogue has done it. So have megastar Olivia Newton-John and legendary athlete Raelene Boyle. These celebrities, like thousands of other Australians, have battled breast cancer. Each year in Australia, about 13,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and it’s now well understood that detecting breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving […]

The pursuit of happiness is a lifelong goal for most of us. No matter who you are or what you do, one thing we have in common is the want — and need — to be happy. And the great news is that, according to psychologist and founder of the Happiness Institute in Sydney, Dr […]

Although pollen from trees may pose a problem for children with asthma, a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health claims trees actually reduce asthma rates. Columbia University researchers found asthma incidence in children aged 4-5 years fell by nearly 30% for every extra 343 trees planted per square kilometre. There were also […]

By Glenda Kwek You close your eyes and inhale deeply, with your back straight and legs folded. In the still room, the silence is punctuated by a low voice, encouraging you to clear your mind and concentrate on the present. As your chest rises and falls, you feel a growing calmness spreading through your body. […]

By Judy Davie Some foods simply make us feel good, and I’m not talking about chocolate and your favourite gooey pudding! Without getting too technical, the amino acid tryptophan found in certain foods is one of the 10 essential amino acids required by the body to produce necessary proteins for growth, development and tissue repair. […]

Whether you’re planning an exotic holiday or road trip this summer, chances you’re going to get stuck at an airport or road stop where there is limited food choices available. So here are some top tips to keep your healthy eating goals on track while you are in transit. Vending machines Smart buys: Ditch the […]

With a recent survey showing that four out of ten adults report they are eating more vegetarian meals than they did a couple of years ago, it’s time to take a look at your own family’s meal patterns. Hippie food? “By giving vegetarian meals a go, people will be doing their wallet, their health and […]

Spices are some of the healthiest ingredients in Mother Nature’s pharmacy and offer a multitude of benefits, including easing joint pain, improving circulation and – according to Ayurvedic medicine – stoking your agni, or inner fire, therefore making you feel more energetic. Here are five of our favourite healing spices (including one we bet you’ve […]

An Australian research study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition has found that women who were regular tea drinkers had a 2.8 per cent higher hip bone-mineral density and lost less bone (1.6 per cent versus 4 per cent) than those who did not drink tea. The women who participated in […]