Health

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.

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

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.

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...

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

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.

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.

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.

Australian Women's Weekly readers reveal their tips on how to get a great night's sleep.

Maryon Stewart, author of Beat Menopause Naturally gives her top 10 tips for a natural menopause.

Looking for a stress-free start to the day? Bouncing on a rebounder (a small trampoline) is a simple and effective way to boost your energy and vitality, no matter what your fitness level. Remember bouncing on the bed when you were a kid? It's not a lot different from that!

Globe artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) is good for indigestion, say researchers from the University of Bonn, Germany. In their study, patients’ nausea and flatulence were...

Clearly, when he wrote "Hell is other people", Jean-Paul Sartre knew something about how it feels to hold a grudge.

Sitting at a computer all day can be a real pain in the neck. If you are reading this, you're probably sitting at a computer right now. Check your posture, and try these simple stretches. Your body will thank you.

I’m often asked if there are any natural remedies that can give quick energy. I often feel tired in the afternoon, especially if I’ve been sitting at the computer for most of the day. The best remedy is to do something to get your energy moving. The following two yoga exercises are my favourite afternoon […]

If you’re in a relationship, it can be sobering to take an inventory of how you treat them. How much time did you spend together this week? How much (if any) was “quality time”? What did you talk about – chit-chat, family business, or something more significant? Give your partner the same consideration you would […]

Swallowing a vitamin tablet won’t mean you can skip the hat and sunscreen when you go to the beach, but it may give you extra protection from the sun’s rays. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that subjects taking 25 mg of natural mixed carotenoids plus 500 IU of […]

Contrary to popular belief, people are actually less efficient when they multi-task, according to a recent report in the Journal of Experimental Psychology. The more complex the tasks are to do, the longer it takes your brain to switch gears, researchers found. The bottom line: Don’t try to do too much.

Getting involved is good for your health.

Staying active each day can keep a cold at bay.

Prevent horrible smells in your bins by sprinkling 1/4 cup each of borax (a natural mineral found in the laundry aisle) and bicarbonate of soda into the bottom of the empty...

Many Australians, at some time in their life, will need to access aged care services – if not for themselves, for their spouse, parents, children, relatives or friends. Through Commonwealth, State and Local government departments and a large number of community organisations, there is a wide range of services and support available – you just […]

The more diverse your circle of friends, the healthier you’ll be. Here are some ‘natural’ ideas on how to connect with others. Put your hand up: Besides introducing you to new people, putting yourself forward for charity or volunteer work makes you feel better about yourself. Open your mind: Fancy making a vegetarian lasagna? Learning […]

Try a Candle Meditation. Gazing into a candle flame is a simple, effective way of quieting thoughts and focusing your mind. Sit quietly at a table, and place a candle in a holder in front of you. Light it. Look steadily at the candle, and take five deep breaths, one after the other. While you […]

Video Games for Attention Deficit Disorder. A new kind of video game, one with EEG (brain wave) biofeedback, is being used by psychologists to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), a condition characterised by hyperactivity and poor concentration. Patients have an electrode attached to their scalp, which is then connected with the computer; they play the […]

According to the Chinese system of chi kung, gently and rhythmically tapping various acupressure points on the body creates a vibrational wave that travels deep into the tissues, balancing the flow of energy, and stimulating the circulation and flow of lymph. These are the classic “Three Taps”, said to clear negative energy and help the […]

The jury is still out on the cause of Parkinson’s Disease – a devastating illness that affects thousands of Australians each year – but researchers at Boston’s Harvard School of Public Health may have come across a clue. The study tracked the diets of 124,200 men and women over 12 to 14 years, and found […]

Herbs and Surgery Don’t Mix. Many common healing herbs – like ginseng and St John’s wort – can increase your chance of problems during or after surgery, says the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Herbal remedies affect how your body reacts when you undergo surgery. For instance, both ginkgo and feverfew can interfere with the blood-clotting […]

If you use essential oils in your bath, add them just before entering so their delicate healing properties won’t evaporate in the steam before you get in the tub. Oh, and swoosh the water to disperse the drops thoroughly so there are no ‘hot spots’ of oil.

Stress can harm your heart and compromise your immune system, resulting in a lowered resistance to infection. Try these three quick tips to beat stress and bring instant calm. 1. Shrug Your Shoulders This releases tension held in your neck and back. Slowly and deliberately raise your shoulders as close to your ears as you […]

As if helping to lower cholesterol and relieving some menopausal symptoms isn’t enough good news, soy may soon have a new health claim to make. In a small study conducted at Hull University in England, researchers tested the effect of soy supplements on diabetic women. For 12 weeks, one group of the women ate meals […]

Working nights may lead to more than just sleep deprivation, according to a study published in the American Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which reported a startling 60 per cent increased risk of breast cancer for women who had worked nights for more than three years. Why? Researchers think that night workers produce less […]

Feeling overwhelmed? Here are five easy ways to streamline your life, find more time and feel less stressed. 1. Have a clean-out. According to feng shui, the Chinese art of placement, the clutter in your home correlates with parts of your life that need attention. Key spots include your entrance, which represents how you approach […]

A promising remedy for prostate cancer? Science has good news for men. A recent study, published in The Journal of Urology, shows that a supplement containing the herbs saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) slows the growth of prostate cancer. The study tested the effects of the herbs on 69 men with prostate […]

Follow these simple steps for a healthier new you. 1. Highlight the positive Instead of focusing on what you want to change, make a list of your good qualities and all the things you are thankful for. 2. Pamper yourself Once a week do something just for you: take a herbal bath, give yourself a […]

Skip the early morning jog and sleep in, say research scientists at the German University of Fulda. Much like hibernating bears, people live longer if they sleep eight to nine hours a night, take naps and avoid long work hours and extreme exercise, say the researchers. Not that sloth should be your motto, they hasten […]

Made famous amongst Aussie parents by kids who adore going to TimeZone, American psychologist David Patterson, PhD., is now using virtual reality (VR) to distract burn victims from the pain of daily wound care. While having their wounds cleaned, patients wearing VR visors can play in a computerised world where they have a snowball fight […]

We throw away 25 per cent more rubbish during the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day than any other time of the year. This extra waste amounts to masses of unnecessary garbage – here are a few waste-reducing ideas: Instead of wrapping gifts for kids, hide the presents unwrapped, and plant clues to where […]

“Blood is thicker than water and it boils quicker” goes the old saying! The truth is, Christmas has never been much fun for those working behind the scenes. All in all, it can be a nerve-wracking experience, even for those who claim to enjoy it. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls. Lower your expectations Decide […]

Sailing through the season happily is not only about getting your look right and conquering your nerves in public. It’s also about having the confidence to stand your ground when it comes to managing the finer details. For example, are you tired of being the one upon whose shoulders all the organisational responsibility seems to […]

Short, intense bursts of excitement can actually make you more resilient and able to cope better with prolonged stress and tension. Have a day off work and organise to spend it doing something you’ve always wanted to do – but make it a challenge which makes you just a little bit nervous, something that expands […]

Every day presents a new opportunity to feel good about yourself – and how you actually get up and out of bed can profoundly affect the rest of the day. When you wake up, don’t leap out of bed. Lie still, and spend a little time gradually becoming aware of how you feel Stretch, and […]

Got a headache? Forget the aspirin – think sexy thoughts instead! Such thoughts can lessen pain, say researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA. In the study, students were divided into four groups: one was asked to think of a favourite sex fantasy while they held their hands in ice-cold water for as long […]

*”When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters. One represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.” John F. Kennedy Do you feel as though you are just lurching from one crisis to the next? The most important thing you can do when your life is like a pressure cooker is to […]

Laughter beats bugs Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that laughter may strengthen the immune system. In the study, 26 men and women were exposed to common allergens, which made them sneeze and experience a sore, raspy throat and tearing eyes. They were then shown a funny video. Symptoms […]

Consider this Buddhist saying: “The perfect disciple is one who is always stumbling – but never falls.” We all fall into traps of selfishness and delusion when we least expect it. The chance remark that wounds someone else, the careless lie, the irresistible urge to cheat are universal. Forgive yourself for being human. Apply to […]

Don’t let things fester Sticks and stones can break your bones, but harsh words can hurt even more. Research shows that arguing with your nearest and dearest makes you more vulnerable to a range of viral infections and lowers your immune system. Most pointedly, women showed more damage than men, presumably because they are also […]

Just slow down Lewis Carroll put the feeling of spinning chaos that comes from go-go-going too fast in a nutshell when he wrote of “life becoming a spasm and history a whiz”. Sometimes you spend days just rushing from one meeting or task to the next, but no matter how hard you push yourself, you […]

Get plenty of sleep or your happiness rating will suffer. Most people need a good six to eight hours sleep a night to feel in the best of moods. Have a regular bedtime and keep the bedroom for sleep and lovemaking only (so – no reminders of work!). Avoid alcohol and chocolate late at night […]

Chinese herbalists say that the spices ginger and cardamom are ‘restoratives’, which means they enliven your metabolism by creating heat and energy. Try my recipe for this ‘metabolic tonic’ to stimulate the circulation – it’s particularly recommended for that dreaded ‘I’ve-gotta-cold-coming-on’ feeling. Metabolic Tonic: 5 cinnamon sticks, broken in half 2 one-centimetre (1/2 inch) slices […]

Feeling below par? This gentle program of herbs, exercise, and bathing will cleanse your system and boost your vitality. It makes a lot of sense – especially after any kind of over-indulgence or stress – to give your body a rest. Another bonus: Cleansing diets help boost metabolism, and might help you lose a few […]

So you’ve been celebrating and now you feel … well, awful, in fact. When you drink alcohol to excess, your body is unable to break it down fast enough, so it accumulates in a harmful byproduct called acetaldehyde. The liver – which has the job of detoxifying your body – is overwhelmed by dealing with […]

This simple yoga exercise really brushes away the cobwebs and sends a burst of energy right through your body. Try it today! 1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees relaxed, feet facing forwards, and eyes open so you can keep your balance. 2.Clasp your hands behind your back with your palms facing the floor. […]

I have started an exercise program (finally!) and I am keen to know if there's anything I can take to give me an extra energy boost. K.Z., via email

Can the foods you eat shift your mood as well as stop you feeling hungry? The latest research reveals you can do anything from overcome depression to improve your memory – simply by choosing the right food. To boost energy levels, choose: Protein-rich foods: seafood (prawns, fish, scallops, mussels); turkey; low-fat milk or yoghurt. Foods […]

Try to make time for five minutes of quiet meditation and reflection every day. It stills the mind, combats stress, and mentally prepares you for what you have to do next. Meditation exercise Sit in any position that feels comfortable and close your eyes. Keep your head upright, shoulders relaxed. Start to breathe steadily and […]

Could it be candida? Overgrowth of the fungus candida in the digestive system has been associated with a whole range of seemingly unrelated problems, including irritability, tiredness, mild depression, thrush (which affects 70 per cent of women at some time), food sensitivities, flatulence, and poor digestion. It often takes hold following a period of long-term […]

Guilt is very common in women, and it’s really just a roundabout way of saying you don’t like yourself. When we feel guilty we feel inefficient, bad and wrong. We feel guilty for eating, for spending too much money (or not enough), for not giving enough time to our children (or for smothering them), for […]

How noisy is your office? Now there’s even more reason to dream about a corner office- provided it’s quiet, that is. A recent study from Cornell University shows that people who work in noisy, open-plan office environments had anything up to 90 per cent higher levels of stress hormone in their systems – and they […]

There’s a well-known list of stressors, ranked in order of impact on your health and happiness, which includes illness, moving house, filling out tax forms, going through a divorce, and losing a loved one. Oddly, it doesn’t include driving which, I think, should be right up there with the super-stressors as an unpleasant and uncomfortable […]